San Francisco Car Accident Attorney

Attorney Michael Rehm — (800) 978-0754

San Francisco Car Accident Attorney

San Francisco recorded 616 motor vehicle personal injury filings in San Francisco Superior Court in fiscal year 2022–23, the most recent year for which Judicial Council of California data are available. The city recorded 26 traffic deaths in 2023, down from 39 in 2022 — the highest count since 2007 — according to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. More than 500 people are severely injured on San Francisco streets each year. Over 70 percent of injury collisions occur at intersections, and the city's most common traffic violation contributing to crashes is Vehicle Code § 22350 — driving at a speed unsafe for conditions.

Attorney Michael Rehm represents people injured in car accidents throughout San Francisco and San Francisco County. San Francisco car accident claims are filed in San Francisco Superior Court, 400 McAllister Street.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Francisco

The SFMTA Traffic Crashes Report identifies the top vehicle code violations contributing to injury crashes in San Francisco. Driving at an unsafe speed under Vehicle Code § 22350 is the leading factor. Failure to yield to pedestrians under Vehicle Code § 21950(a) is the second most frequent violation in pedestrian crashes. Unsafe lane changes under Vehicle Code § 22107 and failure to yield on left turns under Vehicle Code § 21801(a) are common in bicycle and pedestrian crashes. Violation of a Vehicle Code provision is evidence of negligence per se under California Evidence Code § 669.

San Francisco's road geography amplifies crash risk. Steep grades on Nob Hill, Potrero Hill, and Twin Peaks corridors require greater stopping distances. Cable car tracks and Muni light rail tracks on Market Street, The Embarcadero, and Church Street create hazards for vehicles and cyclists. The city's Vision Zero High Injury Network — the 12 percent of streets where more than 68 percent of severe and fatal crashes occur — includes Cesar Chavez Street, Folsom Street, Mission Street, Sixth Street, and Van Ness Avenue.

Negligence and Liability in San Francisco Car Accidents

Civil Code § 1714 imposes a duty of ordinary care on every person operating a motor vehicle. California follows a pure comparative fault system under Civil Code § 1431.2, meaning each defendant is liable only for their proportionate share of non-economic damages. Economic damages remain subject to joint and several liability.

Commercial Vehicle and Employer Liability

When a commercial vehicle driver causes an accident while acting within the scope of employment, the employer bears vicarious liability under respondeat superior. A trucking company, delivery service, or any other commercial operator whose employee causes a crash while on the job is liable for the resulting injuries alongside the driver.

SFMTA and Muni Vehicle Accidents

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) operates Muni buses, light rail vehicles, cable cars, and streetcars throughout San Francisco. SFMTA is a common carrier under Public Utilities Code § 2100, held to the utmost care and diligence for the safe carriage of passengers under Public Utilities Code § 2101. Claims against SFMTA require a government tort claim under Government Code § 911.2 within six months of the incident. Missing this deadline can potentially bar a lawsuit. Tolling may apply depending on the facts.

Rideshare Accidents

San Francisco is the home city of both Uber and Lyft, and rideshare vehicles are a significant presence in San Francisco traffic. The liability framework for rideshare accidents depends on the driver's app status at the time of the crash. California Insurance Code § 11580.24 establishes minimum insurance requirements for TNC drivers at each phase of operation. For more information see the San Francisco Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney page.

Damages in San Francisco Car Accident Cases

An injured person is entitled to recover all damages proximately caused by the negligent driver. Economic damages include all past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving death, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 and a survival action under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30.

Filing Deadlines for San Francisco Car Accident Claims

The personal injury statute of limitations is two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against SFMTA or any other public entity require a government tort claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Missing the six-month deadline can potentially bar a claim against any public entity defendant. None of these deadlines are self-executing and tolling may apply. Contact Attorney Michael Rehm to assess the specific timeline in your case.

Attorney Michael Rehm represents car accident victims throughout San Francisco 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.

San Francisco Car Accident Attorney

Attorney Michael Rehm — (800) 978-0754