Attorney Michael Rehm — (800) 978-0754

The City of Alameda presents a specific pattern in California crash data: overall crash volume is well below average for a city of its size, yet pedestrian and bicycle crash rates — particularly for children and older adults — are disproportionately high. The island's limited access points concentrate pedestrian and vehicle traffic in ways that produce outsized crash exposure at certain corridors and intersections. Attorney Michael Rehm handles all categories of accident cases throughout the City of Alameda.

Car Accidents in Alameda

A car accident claim in Alameda requires proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages. Civil Code § 1714. Every driver owes a duty of ordinary care to other road users. CACI 400 (negligence); CACI 700 (vehicle operator duty). California's pure comparative fault rule applies: recovery is reduced by the plaintiff's percentage of fault but not eliminated. Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. Damages include medical expenses limited to amounts paid or owed under Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541, lost earnings, and noneconomic losses under Civil Code § 3333. Statute of limitations: two years from the crash date. Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.

When a City of Alameda vehicle is involved, the six-month government claims deadline under Government Code § 911.2 applies. Claims are submitted to the City Clerk's Office, City of Alameda, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. The City of Alameda is a separate public entity from the City of Oakland and AC Transit; each requires its own written claim.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicles operating through Alameda on the Webster Street Tube, High Street Bridge, and connecting arterials serving the Port of Oakland are subject to FMCSA regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399. Hours-of-service rules (Part 395), driver qualification requirements (Part 391), vehicle inspection and maintenance standards (Part 396), and cargo securement rules (Part 393) impose duties beyond ordinary negligence. Electronic logging device data, driver logs, and maintenance records must be preserved immediately. Liability may extend to the driver, motor carrier, cargo loader, and shipper depending on how the crash occurred.

Motorcycle Accidents

Alameda ranked 26th out of 103 comparable California cities for motorcycle crash victims in 2023 (12 victims). Source: California Office of Traffic Safety, Crash Rankings 2023. Motorcycle claims require the same negligence elements as car accident claims, with additional analysis of lane splitting under Vehicle Code § 21658.1, left-turn duty under Vehicle Code § 21801, and the relevance of helmet non-use to any claimed head injuries. Future damages including lost earning capacity and long-term care costs must be established through expert testimony when injuries are severe.

Pedestrian Accidents

Alameda ranked 20th out of 103 comparable California cities for pedestrian crashes in 2023 (29 victims), and 9th for child pedestrian crashes (5 victims) — top 9% worst statewide for child pedestrian exposure. Source: California Office of Traffic Safety, Crash Rankings 2023. Vehicle Code § 21950 requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. CACI 713 addresses that duty. When a road defect or failed signal on a city street contributed to a pedestrian crash, a claim under Government Code § 835 against the City of Alameda may arise, subject to the six-month government claims deadline.

Bicycle Accidents

Alameda ranked 24th out of 103 comparable California cities for bicycle crashes in 2023 (23 victims). Source: California Office of Traffic Safety, Crash Rankings 2023. Cyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators under Vehicle Code § 21200. Drivers must maintain three-foot passing clearance under Vehicle Code § 21760. Dooring liability runs under Vehicle Code § 22517. Hit-and-run bicycle crashes may require uninsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code § 11580.2.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)

TNC driver insurance is governed by Public Utilities Code § 5433, as amended by Senate Bill 371 (effective January 1, 2026). Coverage depends on which period the driver was in at the time of the crash. Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted, and between rides): primary coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 plus a new $200,000 excess policy per occurrence added by SB 371. Periods 2 and 3 (ride accepted through ride complete): $1,000,000 primary liability coverage — unchanged by SB 371. During Period 3 specifically (passenger in vehicle), the TNC must also provide UM/UIM coverage of $60,000 per person / $300,000 per incident — reduced from $1,000,000 under prior law — when a third party such as an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes the crash. Trip log data from the TNC establishes which period applied and must be preserved through a litigation hold notice immediately after a crash.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

Statewide approximately 17% of California drivers carry no auto insurance. California Department of Insurance, 2024. Uninsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code § 11580.2 provides compensation when the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene. Alameda ranked 20th out of 103 comparable cities for DUI arrests in 2023 (67 arrests). Vehicle Code § 16056(a)(2) establishes minimum liability limits of $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 as of January 1, 2025. Underinsured motorist coverage bridges the gap when the at-fault driver's limits are insufficient. An insurer's bad faith refusal to pay a valid UM/UIM claim can expose it to damages beyond policy limits. Gruenberg v. Aetna Insurance Co. (1973) 9 Cal.3d 566.

Ferry Accidents (WETA)

The San Francisco Bay Ferry, operated by the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), serves Alameda. WETA is a public entity separate from the City of Alameda. Claims for injuries on WETA vessels or at Alameda ferry terminals require a government tort claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact WETA directly to obtain the current claims submission address — contact information for government entities can change, and the address should be confirmed at the time of filing. As a common carrier, WETA owes passengers the highest degree of care under Civil Code § 2100.

Where Alameda Accident Cases Are Filed

Alameda accident cases are filed in Alameda County Superior Court, René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Alameda County uses a Direct Calendar system (Local Rule 3.120). Form 202-19 (Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum) is required at initial filing.

Attorney Michael Rehm handles accident cases throughout the City of Alameda on a contingency fee basis. No fee without a recovery. Call (800) 978-0754 to arrange a free consultation.

The information on this page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts. The law can change — statutes are amended, cases are decided, and regulations are revised; nothing on this page should be relied upon as a statement of current law without verification. Deadlines and legal bars discussed on this page are general guides — whether a particular deadline applies, has run, or is subject to tolling, and whether a particular doctrine bars or limits recovery in your case, requires individual analysis. Contact Attorney Michael Rehm to discuss the specific facts of your situation.