Car Accidents

California Car Accident Attorney

Aggressive Advocacy for Car Crash Victims in San Francisco

Car accidents can turn lives upside down in a heartbeat, leaving victims with devastating injuries and mounting medical bills. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to seek justice after a wrongful injury, especially while navigating the pain and stress of a difficult recovery. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life by fighting for the fair settlement you deserve.

Whether you were hit by a drunk driver or rear-ended by a distracted motorist, you don’t have to face these hardships alone. Our car accident attorney has decades of experience and a reputation for achieving record-breaking verdicts for clients in San Francisco and across California. No matter your legal circumstances, you can trust us to pursue the maximum compensation you need to focus on healing.

With millions recovered and recognition from Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100®, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, our award-winning injury lawyer is among the top attorneys in the nation. When you work with our firm, you can expect compassionate counsel and aggressive advocacy from start to finish. Our office is available 24/7 to take your call, giving you peace of mind that your case is in skilled and compassionate hands.

If you were harmed in a California car crash, our attorney can aggressively pursue justice while you focus on healing. Contact us online to discuss your case.

Car Accident Statistics in California

Hundreds of thousands of Californians are injured in car accidents every year, making it crucial to know your rights after a collision. In 2022, California had the highest rate of fatal vehicle crashes in the country, with a total of 4,428 deaths. That same year, 1,479 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions, resulting in a nearly 2% increase from 2021. If you were harmed by another’s negligence on the road, don’t wait to seek justice—contact Peterson Injury Law for the unwavering representation you deserve.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
We are both ever grateful to you.
“In my world, you have been very successful in the ways most important, most lasting, most valuable. And I know that [deceased husband] feels this way as well.”

- Former Client
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.
Erik Peterson is by far the best attorney.
“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”

- Lila D.

Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries, such as:

Whiplash. This soft tissue injury is caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Broken bones and fractures. High-impact crashes often result in broken bones and fractures, especially in arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.
Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, leading to serious symptoms like memory loss and cognitive issues.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can result in partial or full paralysis, as well as long-term mobility or nerve issues.
Cuts and lacerations. Shattered glass or debris can cause deep wounds, leading to scarring, infection, or nerve damage.
Burn injuries. Fire and explosions can result from collisions involving hot surfaces or chemicals, increasing the risk of serious burn injuries for crash victims.

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Claim?

Various parties may be liable for damages in a car accident claim, such as:

The other driver. The other motorist may be held responsible if they caused the accident by violating traffic laws, such as running a red light or speeding.
Vehicle owners. If the at-fault driver was using a car owned by someone else, the owner may be liable if they knowingly allowed an unsafe driver to use their vehicle.
Employers. If the car accident involved a commercial vehicle or occurred during work-related activities, the driver’s employer may share liability.
Vehicle manufacturers. If the accident occurred due to a faulty part, such as brake failures or airbag malfunctions, the manufacturer may be liable.
Government entities. If the collision occurred due to poorly designed or maintained roads, the government agency responsible for roadway safety may be liable.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle, such as a city bus or police car, you may only have six months to bring a lawsuit or one year if the collision resulted in property damage. Consulting a trusted car accident lawyer is paramount to filing a claim within the appropriate deadline and improving your chance of recovering a full settlement.

What Compensation Is Available in a Car Accident Claim?

Depending on the case, various types of compensation may be available in a car accident claim. These fall into two primary categories:

Economic damages for direct financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs.
Non-economic damages for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In rare cases involving particularly egregious misconduct, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant and discourage repeat behavior. No matter the extent of your injuries, our attorney has a deep understanding of these legal nuances to assess every potential avenue for financial recovery and maximize the damages available to you.

Can I Recover Damages in a Car Accident Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

California operates under a pure comparative negligence system, meaning plaintiffs can recover damages in a car accident claim as long as their share of the fault is 99% or less. However, any compensation awarded will be reduced by this percentage. For example, if you are 20% at fault for an accident totaling $100,000 in damages, you may only be entitled to $80,000 ($20,000 or 20% less than the original value). Working with an experienced lawyer is critical to evaluating potential damages, protecting your rights against powerful insurers and corporations, and pursuing the maximum compensation available to you.

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Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

Seeking justice after a car accident can be incredibly challenging, especially while recovering from a serious injury. This is where a skilled car accident lawyer can make all the difference. Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:

Case investigation. A qualified advocate can thoroughly investigate the accident to identify responsible parties and establish the extent of damages.
Proving liability. Your lawyer can work diligently to establish liability by analyzing police reports, witness statements, and other relevant evidence.
Maximizing compensation. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney can evaluate the full scope of your damages to pursue a fair settlement.
Trial representation. If a just settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent your best interests at trial if necessary to achieve a favorable outcome.

At Peterson Injury Law, our goal is to alleviate financial burdens by recovering the comprehensive settlement you need for all your current and future care needs, freeing you to focus on healing. No matter the hardships you’re facing, you can trust our firm to give your case the time and personalized attention it deserves. Let us take care of the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.

If you were hit by a negligent driver, choose an injury lawyer with proven results to pursue justice. Call (415) 630-2913 to schedule a free consultation.

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