San Francisco Car Accident Attorney
Millions Won for Auto Accident Victims in California
If you were involved in a car accident, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and economic losses – all of which can quickly add up and place tremendous strain on you and your family.
With the potential for causing serious injuries, permanent disability, and death, auto accidents are serious matters for which responsible parties must be held accountable. Ensuring you have qualified legal representation as you seek justice and recompense for your losses can make all the difference.
At Bostwick & Associates, our award-winning car accident lawyers in San Francisco have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for the injured – including those who suffered harm and losses in a variety of motor vehicle collisions. We have the resources to fight for victims in need.
Reasons to Call Bostwick & Associates
- Our team has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients.
- We have secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers© and Super Lawyers®.
- We personally attend to our clients and offer individualized service.
- We work cases on a conditional fee agreement; if we don't win, you don't pay.
Don't wait to act after a crash. Contact our San Francisco car accident attorneys for a free case review at (888) 831-8448.
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Record-Setting $21,000,000 Personal Injury, Brain Injury, Auto/Truck Accident
Largest California non-punitive verdict for a single individual (San Francisco County, Zivic v. Winterland).
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Record-Setting $17,000,000 Medical Malpractice, Birth Injury, Brain Injury, Sepsis, Medication Error
Settlement for a brain-injured baby.
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Record-Setting $16,500,000 Birth Injury, Brain Injury, Medical Malpractice, Cerebral Palsy
Record setting-settlement for a brain injured baby.
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Record-Setting $15,000,000 Brain Injury, Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice, Cerebral Palsy
Largest pretrial settlement against the United States in Hawaii for a child who suffered brain damage during birth.
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Record-Setting $14,000,000 Medical Malpractice, Brain Injury, Neonatal Injury, Surgical Injury
Surgery error on a 3-day old child resulted in brain injuries.
Why Work with Our Car Accident Attorney in San Francisco?
The biggest mistake victims make after being injured in an auto accident is to believe they will be fairly compensated by the at-fault party's insurance company. This simply isn't true.
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they do whatever they can to minimize claims and the sums they pay out to victims injured by their policyholders.
By working with our experienced car crash attorney, you can focus on recovering while a professional handles your claim. You can also improve your chances of being fully compensated. Our skilled lawyer can leverage their understanding of San Francisco laws, negotiate effectively with insurers, and ensure that all avenues of compensation are explored, from medical bills to lost wages and beyond. We bring the knowledge and legal acumen needed to build a strong case.
In fact, statistics show that on average, people who work with attorneys are paid 3.5x more in their personal injury cases than those without legal representation.
California Car Accident Laws
California follows a "fault" system, meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for the damages. If you're injured or your vehicle is damaged, you can:
- File a claim with your own insurance company.
- File a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurer.
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in court.
California uses pure comparative negligence, which means:
- You can recover damages even if you're partly at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you're 20% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you'd receive $8,000.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
As of January 1, 2025, California Senate Bill 1107 significantly increased the minimum liability limits. The old "15/30/5" limits are no longer valid for policies issued or renewed in 2026.
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $15,000 for property damage.
Uninsured drivers are limited in what they can recover, even if they were not at fault (except for medical costs).
Statute of Limitations
You have limited time to file a claim:
- 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the accident.
- 3 years to file a property damage claim.
- If a government entity is involved (e.g., a city-owned vehicle), you must file a claim within 6 months.
Reporting Requirements
Under California Vehicle Code § 20008, if a crash results in injury or death:
- You must report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police within 24 hours.
- You must also report to the DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1 if there’s injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
WHEN DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR A CAR ACCIDENT?
If you've been injured in a car crash in San Francisco, seeking legal help is essential. Waiting too long could mean that valuable evidence is lost, and witnesses may forget critical details. An experienced car accident attorney can collect evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses, and submit legal paperwork promptly, giving you the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Don't wait to act - hiring an attorney is crucial in protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you are fully compensated for your losses. At our firm, we provide comprehensive support from the initial investigation through the complex litigation process, safeguarding your interests at every step.
Auto Accident Cases We Handle in San Francisco
Our San Francisco car accident lawyers draw from decades of combined experience to help victims injured in all types of crashes in the Bay Area.
We also focus on representing accident victims with catastrophic injuries - including brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and amputations- and families who wish to pursue wrongful death lawsuits after losing loved ones in fatal traffic collisions.
Examples of the types of car accident cases we handle include:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Driver distraction collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Read-end accidents
- Driver error or negligence
- Rideshare accident
- Serious injuries
- Wrongful death
- Defective auto parts
- Commercial truck accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Uninsured motorists
Who Can I Hold Responsible for My Car Accident?
Determining who can be held financially responsible for your vehicle accident is a case-specific task. At Bostwick & Associates, we utilize extensive resources to investigate our clients’ accidents, identify how negligence played a role, and determine whom we can pursue for damages.
We can speak to potential liability only when we personally evaluate a case. There are too many factors to address – from who and how many people were involved to available insurance coverage – to give any accurate answer without further inquiry. Still, there are examples of parties that can be named as defendants in auto accident claims.
These include:
- Motorists who violated traffic laws or were otherwise negligent.
- Companies responsible for truck accidents and crashes involving other commercial vehicles.
- An auto manufacturer or auto parts company responsible for a defective product.
- Landowners who fail to address known hazards on their premises.
- Government entities responsible for accidents involving city transit or other public vehicles.
Car Accident Damages in San Francisco: Fighting for the Maximum Recovery Possible
In California, compensation in a car accident claim is meant to make the injured party "whole" again by covering losses resulting from the accident. Compensation may come through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit, and it can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost income: Wages lost due to time off work and loss of future earning capacity if injuries are long-term or permanent.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or hiring help during recovery.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects.
- Loss of consortium: Loss of companionship or relationship impact (often claimed by spouses).
- Reduced quality of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Request a FREE Evaluation of Your San Francisco Motor Vehicle Accident Case
Bostwick & Associates leverages decades of collective experience to help our clients secure the compensation to which they are entitled. Our car accident lawyers proudly serve clients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area and are standing by to respond immediately to your call for help. By offering specialized knowledge of local laws and accident trends, we tailor our services to each client's unique context, promoting favorable outcomes.
During a FREE consultation, we can help you understand your legal rights, whether you may be entitled to financial compensation, and what we can do to help you through the personal injury claim process and toward a full recovery of your damages. This complimentary session allows you to meet with our team without commitment, ensuring you have all the information needed to make informed decisions about your legal journey.
Our car accident lawyer in San Francisco delivers strategic, results-focused advocacy to protect your financial future. Call (888) 831-8448 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in San Francisco
The other driver did not have auto insurance. Now what?
If you are insured in the state of California, you most likely carry uninsured motorist coverage in addition to your regular policy coverage. Your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for damages incurred from the accident. We assist in navigating these complex coverage options, ensuring that you receive the benefits available from all applicable policies, including liaising with insurance providers to facilitate smooth claims processing.
How do I pay my medical bills?
You may have to use your private healthcare medical insurance and/or pay your medical bills first for coverage until a settlement is reached. California is a fault auto accident state, which means that the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages from the accident. If a settlement is made, your health insurance may request reimbursement out of your final settlement. Your car accident attorney will help you with this, coordinating with medical professionals and insurers to manage billing concerns, so you can focus on your recovery.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
No two auto accidents are the same, and, therefore, many factors are taken into consideration when determining the value of a claim. As your lawyer works through the case, they will have a better idea of how much your settlement will be.
Factors evaluated include immediate and ongoing medical expenses, impact on work and daily activities, and the degree of responsibility held by various parties involved in the accident—ensuring a comprehensive valuation of your claim that aligns with your long-term needs and contexts.
How much will your firm charge to represent me?
We will work on your case on a contingency fee agreement; if we don’t win, you don’t pay. There is no charge for our time or legal services unless your car accident case is concluded successfully. If we handle your case, we do everything in our power to help you receive a successful verdict or settlement. Our transparent fee structure ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to high-quality legal representation, reinforcing our commitment to justice.
You stand to lose nothing but may be able to gain a lot by choosing seasoned professionals who advocate on your behalf, guiding you through the legal landscape.
What information can I provide to help my case?
You will need to provide the police report, contact information for witnesses and/or statements, photos and/or notes of the accident, and records of any medical visits that are related to the accident. Providing this information helps us build a robust case file, employing all available evidence to substantiate your claims fully.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
There may be many factors that affect how long your case takes, but most attorneys who are familiar with car accident cases should be able to provide you with a general timeline.
When you contact Bostwick & Associates, we can discuss the specifics of your case. Our goal is to achieve a resolution efficiently while ensuring all aspects of the case are thoroughly explored for maximum recompense.
The insurance company is offering me money. Should I take it?
Do not give a statement, sign, or accept anything from the at-fault party’s insurance before consulting with your San Francisco car accident attorney. It is crucial to involve your legal team in these discussions to ensure all offer considerations fully reflect your needs and the ramifications of the accident on your life.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LAW FIRM
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Inner Circle of AdvocatesInvitation-only organization of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the U.S.
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International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Former President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, limited to the top 500 trial lawyers in the U.S.
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American Board of Trial Advocates
Invitation-only group of the nation’s top civil lawyers and judges.
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Super Lawyers 2024
James S. Bostwick has been named top-rated medical malpractice attorneys in Northern California.
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The Best Lawyers in America
Recognized since its inception in 1983 by this peer-reviewed publication, comprised of the best legal talent in the world. Awarded Best Malpractice Lawyer in 2012 and 2013.
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Lawdragon
James Bostwick inducted into the Hall of Fame and featured among the Top 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America.
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American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys
James Bostwick is a nationally certified medical malpractice specialist and founding member.
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Best Law Firms 2026
Recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers.
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The National Trial Lawyers
James Bostwick is listed in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
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Multi-Million Dollar Advocates
An exclusive group limited to less than 1% of U.S. attorneys who have won multi-million dollar results.
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America's Top 100 Med Mal Litigators
James Bostwick's exceptional talents have been recognized by America’s Top 100 Medical Malpractice Litigators®, where he remains among some of the most esteemed medical malpractice litigators throughout the country.
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Supers Lawyers 20 YearsJames S. Bostwick has been named as a Super Lawyer for the past 20 years.
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