San Francisco historically has been one of California’s worst cities for major and minor auto accidents, even leading the state (among cities with populations of 25,000 or more) in 2009 in deaths and injuries related to automobile crashes and wrecks.

The City and County of San Francisco have taken great pains to reduce the number of fatalities related to auto wrecks. In 2014, the city went so far as to launch an initiative called Vision Zero that endeavors to eliminate all deaths from traffic accidents in San Francisco by the year 2024, through improved safety measures and greater education. Vision Zero has made significant strides, and according to data collected and published online by the City and County of San Francisco, in 2017 and 2018 combined, there were nine driving fatalities in the city, compared to 12 in 2016.

That’s good news for our city. However, at The Barnes Firm, our San Francisco-based car accident lawyers know that auto accidents, including head-on, rear-end, side-impact, and multi-vehicle wrecks are still an unfortunate reality, and many result in personal injury and property damage.

It’s important to know the rules of the road and pay close attention to your surroundings while driving in such a bustling, populous city. It’s equally important to have a car accident lawyer in San Francisco that you can trust when other drivers are not so vigilant.

Don’t fret. Our law firm has you covered.

What should you do if you’re injured in an auto accident?

Most people think they know how to handle a car accident or hit and run, but if you’re ever in that situation — and especially if you’re injured — panic and pain can cause all your common sense to fly out the window.

It’s important to remember that in California, the law requires anyone involved in a car accident that results in injury to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. That said, it’s always a good idea to call the police immediately after an accident, when the details are still fresh. A law enforcement official will help to collect information from the other driver in an objective, professional manner.

If you are able, it’s helpful to record as many details about the incident as you can. It’s a good idea to jot down notes and take pictures at the scene. It’s also crucial to seek medical attention after an accident and obtain an official report of your injuries.

Proper attention to detail in the immediate aftermath of an accident will help when you come to us, your San Francisco-based car accident lawyers, to help you go after compensation. Once you make the call, you can be sure you have a committed advocate to guide you through the rest of the process.