San Francisco Car Accident Attorney

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. motor vehicle accidents cost almost $1 trillion in loss of productivity and loss of life in one year. Almost 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year. This averages about 3,287 deaths per day. Car crash statistics show that 32 percent of accidents are caused by drunk driving, 31 percent are caused by speeding, 16 percent are because of distractions like cell phones, and 11 percent are due to bad weather. Of the car crash fatalities, 12.1 percent are pedestrians, 13.1 percent are motorcyclists, 20 percent are passengers, and 52.1 percent are drivers.

Each year in San Francisco, 30 people, on average, die in traffic fatalities, and over 200 are seriously injured. The city of San Francisco takes traffic safety very seriously. As of 2014, San Francisco has established a Vision Zero policy. This policy focuses on eliminating traffic deaths altogether by building safer roads, better educating people on traffic safety, and enforcing traffic laws. However, as of 2018, the city is still not meeting its target.

There is never any way to anticipate when you will be involved in an automobile collision. If you are in a car accident, you will need legal representation. Call JML Law, APLC at 415-692-3462 for a free consultation.

How does this affect you

Car collisions can range from fender benders to major collisions, resulting in irreparable damage to your vehicle, yourself, or passengers. There are many costs and repercussions associated with car accidents, including:

1. Automotive repairs
2. Complete replacement of your vehicle
3. Inability to work
4. Transportation
5. Insurance rate increases
6. Medical bills
7. Death
8. Legal battles

An automotive accident can put you and your loved ones in serious financial difficulty. They can lead to pain, suffering, and lasting physical and/or mental impairments. Auto accidents can affect the care of your loved ones, and overall decrease your quality of life. These potential disasters should be taken seriously. You need to have JML Law, APLC in your corner fighting for you.

Unfortunately, injuries associated with car accidents are countless. Head injuries are the most serious in collisions. These injuries range from mild concussions to comas, lasting cognitive problems, skull fractures, hearing loss, and vision problems. Back injuries such as herniated discs and spinal cord damage are also common. The most predictable injury is whiplash. Whiplash happens when the sudden force of a collision stretches and tears the muscles and tendons in your neck.

Other injuries may include:

1. 1. Emotional distress
   2. Post-traumatic stress disorder
   3. Traumatic cardiac arrest
   4. Torn ACL
   5. Headaches
2. Abdominal pain or swelling
3. Internal bleeding
4. Blunt force trauma

If you have been involved in an auto accident and are suffering from long-term or short-term injuries, visit jmllaw.com or call JML Law, APLC, at 415-692-3462. We have the experience and proficiency in motor vehicle accidents you will need. Here at JML Law, APLC, we will help you get compensation to cover any losses you sustained from the accident.

Will my insurance go up

If you are at fault, your insurance rates will go up. After an accident, you are more of a risk to your insurance carrier. How high your rates will go up varies with each insurance company. According to a report from insuranceQuotes.com, drivers who make just one claim of $2,000 dollars or more end up paying an average of 41 percent more for car insurance. This could keep your rates high for years.

If you are not at fault, your rates should not go up, but they still may. If you are in an accident and the driver flees the scene, you would typically file a claim with your insurance. If you file a not-at-fault claim, some insurance carriers will still raise your rates. If you are able to file a claim against the responsible party, you are less likely to see your rates go up.

What if you are at fault

There are several concerns if you are found at fault in an auto accident. Not only is your insurance going to go up, but the severity of legal ramifications can vary greatly. Depending on what you are charged with and whether or not it is your first or subsequent offense, the penalties can be as simple as a few points against your license or as serious as jail time. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies and go on your permanent record. They can also show up on background checks. Penalties increase with each similar conviction on your record. If you are in a vehicle accident, contact JML Law, APLC. Know your rights and obligations.

Possible legal penalties:

Driving under suspension

1. 10 days to 6 months in jail
2. $300 TO $1,000 dollar fine
3. A possible ignition interlock device

Driving while distracted

1. Mostly small fines
2. Points against your driving record

Reckless driving

1. Up to 90 days in jail
2. $145 to $1,000 dollars
3. This can include the impoundment of your vehicle for up to 30 days

Street racing, misdemeanor, first penalty

1. Minimum of 1 day and up to 90 days in jail
2. $355 to $1,000 fine
3. 40 hours of community service
4. Suspension or restriction of driver’s license from 90 days to 6 months

Driving while uninsured

1. Up to four years driving privilege suspension
2. $1,000 dollar fine and up
3. Vehicle impoundment

Misdemeanor hit and run

1. Minimum of 90 days to one year in jail
2. Between $1,000 and $10,000 dollars
3. Both fines and jail time

Driving while intoxicated first offense (DUI) minimum penalties

1. $390 to over $1,000
2. Mandatory 48-hour imprisonment
3. 90-day license restriction
4. Attendance and completion of a 3-month alcohol treatment program

In some cases, you may face even more serious criminal charges and/or open yourself up to a civil lawsuit. For example, if you are charged with the death of another driver or pedestrian because of negligence, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Without an attorney or proper representation, you could face the maximum penalties set by the state for any charge. At JML Law, APLC, you will receive expert legal advice. We will explain to you what your rights are and speak on your behalf. For peace of mind and possible financial relief, contact our office today to learn about your rights and responsibilities.

Get your questions answered.

Contact Our Lawyers.

Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you have been injured in a car accident,