San Francisco Auto Accident Lawyer
In California, and throughout the United States, auto accidents are the most common cause of personal injuries. Each year, almost two million people are hurt in motor vehicle accidents. If someone else was to blame for the crash, you can hold them liable for paying compensation. Obtaining the damages you deserve, unfortunately, is very complex and even the smallest mistake can put your compensation at risk. Our San Francisco auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the process so you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in San Francisco
Nearly all auto accidents in San Francisco are a result of negligence, or carelessness. Some of the most common examples of negligence that cause auto accidents are as follows:
- Running a red light
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Impaired driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Aggressive or reckless driving
Negligence is not always the fault of another driver on the road. Other types of negligence, such as manufacturers that create a defective auto part or a government entity that improperly designed or maintained a road can also result in a crash. These entities can also be held liable for their careless actions.
Comparative Fault After an Auto Accident
There are times when more than one party contributes to a crash. For example, you may have been texting and driving when another motorist ran a red light. Running a red light is clearly against the law, but you may have been able to stop if you were not looking at your phone. San Francisco, as the rest of California, is governed by pure comparative fault law. This means that even if you were 99 percent at fault for a crash, you can still file a claim for damages.
While you can still claim compensation if you contributed to a crash, any damages you are awarded will be reduced by your same percentage of fault. Using the above example, you may be assigned 20 percent of the blame for texting while driving, which is also against the law. If you were awarded $100,000 for your injuries, that compensation would be reduced by 20 percent and so, you would receive $80,000. Many insurance companies use the comparative fault law to reduce the total amount of damages they are liable for paying. Our San Francisco auto accident lawyer can defend against these claims.
Damages Available in Auto Accident Claims
Auto accident claims are meant to compensate you for all of your physical, emotional, and financial losses you suffered during a crash. The most common types of damages in these claims are as follows:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal items
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Our Auto Accident Lawyer in San Francisco Can Help You Claim Full Damages
While you may be eligible for financial compensation after an accident, it is not easy to obtain. At Venardi Zurada, our San Francisco auto accident lawyer can help you obtain the full settlement you deserve so all of your losses are covered. Call us now at (833) 893-6763 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about your legal options.