San Francisco is home to some of the busiest roads in California, and many car accidents take place every day. When an accident happens, seek an experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer to take care of everything from analyzing evidence to handling insurance negotiations.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents occur in different ways, and the specific circumstances of a crash influence liability, injuries, and potential compensation.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end accident involves one vehicle crashing into the back of another. In most cases, the rear driver is responsible for failing to maintain a safe following distance, but the front driver may be at fault for suddenly slowing or stopping.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of car accidents and often result in life altering or fatal injuries.
Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents are most common at intersections, where drivers may run red lights or fail to yield the right of way.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
A single-car accident involves one vehicle colliding with a stationary object, resulting in vehicle damage. Drivers are often at fault due to fatigue or distraction, but external factors may contribute to single-vehicle accidents.
Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Accidents involving trucks, rideshare vehicles, and other company-owned vehicles introduce legal complexities and specific hazards. Eight-wheeler trucks, for instance, are more likely to be involved in sideswipe accidents or rollovers due to the shape and size of the vehicles.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
A chain reaction can cause a single or two-vehicle incident to escalate to a multi-vehicle pileup. These accidents frequently occur on highways, often resulting from sudden stops, poor visibility, and excessive speeds.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, victims may have more difficulty obtaining compensation for their injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists are often victims of hit-and-run accidents, but a driver may also flee after colliding with a parked vehicle.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Most car accidents stem from one or more of several common causes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. California regulations define these activities as distractions:
- Using a handheld phone
- Adjusting a GPS or entertainment system
- Reaching for objects on the floor
- Changing clothing and personal grooming
- Eating or drinking
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in slow reaction times and impaired judgment, making it a major factor in car accidents. Drug or alcohol-impaired drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and make poor decisions, often resulting in severe collisions with other drivers.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speeds reduce the time and space available for drivers to stop behind other vehicles and avoid road hazards. High speeds increase the force of an impact, often resulting in significantly more severe collisions than those at lower speeds. Reckless behaviors, such as tailgating, aggressive lane changes, and running red lights, also increase the risk of collisions.
Poor Road Conditions
Road and weather hazards contribute to many crashes. Potential factors include:
- Potholes and uneven pavement
- Missing road signs and faded road markings
- Limited visibility at night or during storms
- Slippery roads due to ice, snow, or rain
- Unprotected construction zones
Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures
Defective brakes, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can cause crashes despite safe driving and good road conditions. If a faulty vehicle part contributed to a collision, the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents may cause a wide range of injuries. The severity of an injury often depends on factors such as the speed of impact, the type of collision, and the use of seatbelts or other safety measures.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is a type of head injury specific to the brain. It can range from a mild concussion to severe cognitive impairment. Even without a direct strike to the head, the force of a collision is usually sufficient to cause a concussion, where the brain moves within the skull and suffers nerve fiber damage.
Brain injuries may not be immediately apparent, and symptoms can emerge days or weeks later. Symptoms may include:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Partial or complete motor skill impairment
- Hearing or vision issues
- Mood changes or mental distress
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The spine is vulnerable to trauma when subjected to intense acceleration, deceleration, compression, or twisting from a car accident. While victims can recover from certain spinal cord injuries, damage is often irreversible and life-altering. Spinal injuries may cause:
- Nerve compression
- Chronic pain
- Numbness and weakness
- Partial or complete paralysis
Musculoskeletal Injuries
High-impact crashes often fracture bones and damage various soft tissues, sometimes requiring surgery, insertion of metal hardware, and long-term rehabilitation. In severe cases, victims may have permanent mobility limitations and chronic pain.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma, deceleration, and penetrating injuries can cause internal organ damage and internal bleeding. Internal damage isn’t always immediately obvious, making it especially dangerous.
Cuts and Lacerations
Sharp objects, metal debris, and blunt force may cause surface wounds as well as deeper internal injuries. Cuts and lacerations can lead to:
- Infections
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Permanent scarring
- Blood loss
Damages You Can Receive
Car accident victims may be entitled to different types of compensation depending on their injuries, financial losses, and suffering.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses directly resulting from the accident. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Equipment or home modifications for disabilities
Non-Economic Damages
Certain intangible losses related to a car accident may not have direct monetary value but still impact the victim’s quality of life. Non-economic damages can cover losses for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium, such as relationships with a spouse or family members
- Scarring or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Plaintiffs may receive punitive damages in cases where the at-fault driver’s behavior is egregiously negligent, such as causing intentional harm or driving under the influence.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Taking the appropriate measures helps protect your immediate and long-term wellness. Follow these steps if you’re involved in a car accident:
- Call emergency services to report the accident.
- If possible, document vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and other relevant information. Collect witness information.
- Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Document all medical treatments.
- Consult a car accident lawyer for assistance with insurance claims.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Consulting with a car accident lawyer early in the claims process helps protect your legal rights and maximize compensation. A lawyer can:
- Investigate fault and gather evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements
- Handle legal paperwork and deadlines
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary
Contact BD&J Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can leave you with medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. BD&J prioritizes your best interests to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
