San Francisco Injury and Accident Lawyers

Why San Francisco Chooses DK Law

When it comes to personal injury cases in San Francisco, DK Law is the trusted choice. Here’s why:

• Experts in Personal Injury & Local Laws: With years of experience in personal injury law and a deep understanding of San Francisco’s unique legal landscape, we provide knowledgeable, targeted legal solutions that align with local laws and regulations.
• Full Litigation Team: Unlike many firms, DK Law has a full litigation team to handle your case from start to finish. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we have the resources and expertise to fight for you every step of the way.
• Our All the way Promise: At DK Law, we’re committed to supporting you through every stage of your case, no matter how complex. From the initial consultation to final resolution, we ensure that you receive comprehensive, personalized legal services designed to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

By the Numbers: Traffic Accidents in San Francisco

San Francisco’s commitment to Vision Zero—a plan to eliminate all traffic deaths—has not yet produced the desired results. In 2024, the city reported 42 traffic-related fatalities, marking the highest number in decades.

In response to the alarming trend, the city has implemented automated speed enforcement through speeding cameras. These cameras are programmed to issue tickets to the registered owners of vehicles traveling more than 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. 

Speed cameras have been installed at the following intersections:

In an Accident? Do These 5 Things Immediately

The moments after an injury can be incredibly scary and unpredictable. If you are able to do so, follow these steps:

Dial 911

If you are able to do so, call 911 immediately or have someone call. Emergency responders will arrive to assess the situation and transport you to an emergency room if needed. If you are not taken to the emergency room, stay at the accident scene to speak with the authorities.

Exchange Information

While you do not want to get into an argument with the other party involved in the accident, it is important that you exchange contact information with them, as well as their insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.

Gather Evidence

The accident scene has crucial evidence needed for a personal injury case. Take photos or video if you can, as well as a copy of the police report.

Seek Medical Treatment

Don’t let your injuries go undiagnosed. If you haven’t gone to the emergency room, go to urgent care and get checked out. Use your own health insurance to cover the costs initially – our attorneys will help you get your medical bills paid in your settlement.

Call an Attorney

Call a lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your accident. If you have a solid case, your lawyer can begin the process immediately, so you get compensated as fast as possible.

Is a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It? Here’s the Truth

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have a case. While many go the route of filing a claim on their own, it may not be the smartest choice. Insurance companies do not want to pay you what you are owed—they want to protect their bottom line. 

A personal injury lawyer protects you from their deceitful tactics, ensuring you receive the proper medical care and financial compensation you need to rebuild your life. Lawyers are trained negotiators whose goal is to right your wrongs. 

With decades of experience under our belt, the attorneys at DK Law can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries at no upfront cost to you. And with a free consultation, you can begin the process risk-free.

Time Limits for Personal Injury Cases

California has a general two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, there are some exceptions for:

• Minors
• Accidents involving a government vehicle or agency
• Medical malpractice
• When your injury was discovered

No matter how your accident happened, the earlier you take legal action, the better.

These Injuries Can Change Your Life — Know the Signs

Injuries from slip and fall accidents, vehicle collisions, or dangerous workplaces can be severe and long-lasting. Even something like a broken bone can affect your ability to walk, bike, jog, or do the things you love. At DK Law, we treat every injury equally and help you receive the medical treatment you need to recover. 

Our attorneys have been successful in recovering compensation for the following types of injuries:

• Broken bones – Fractures in the wrist, arms, and legs
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Concussions and other types of head trauma
• Spinal cord injury –  Injuries to the spinal cord and back, which may lead to paralysis
• Whiplash – Neck-related injuries resulting in chronic pain
• Soft tissue injuries – Sprains and strains affecting mobility
• Internal injuries – Damage affecting organs or blood vessels
• Psychological injuries – Anxiety, depression, or PTSD from the accident

How Is Fault Determined?

In a San Francisco personal injury case, proving fault typically involves establishing negligence. This means showing that another party acted carelessly and caused your injury. To do this, four key legal elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care

The other party had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care. For example, all drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and avoid harming others on the road.

2. Breach of Duty of Care

That duty was violated. A breach happens when someone acts unreasonably or fails to take necessary precautions, like running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to clean up a spill in a store.

3. Causation

The breach of duty directly caused your injury. You must show that the accident wouldn’t have happened — or your injuries wouldn’t have occurred — if not for the other party’s actions.

4. Damages

You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident. This includes things like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Compensation

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Example:
You were involved in a car crash and were found to be 20% at fault because you were speeding slightly. If your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, and you’d still receive $80,000.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If you were injured in San Francisco due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These damages are designed to help restore what you’ve lost — both financially and personally.

Economic Damages

These have a clear dollar value and can be documented:

• Medical expenses – This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
• Future medical care – If your injury requires ongoing treatment, therapy, or assistive devices, you can recover the estimated cost of that future care.
• Lost wages – If your injuries forced you to take time off work, you may be compensated for the income you would have earned.
• Loss of earning capacity – If you’re unable to return to your previous job or work at the same level, you can pursue compensation for diminished future earnings.
• Property damage – This includes the cost to repair or replace personal property, such as a damaged vehicle or phone, as a result of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for intangible losses that don’t come with receipts:

• Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Loss of consortium – If your injury impacts your relationship with your spouse or family, this type of damage may apply.

The value of a personal injury case varies based on the severity of your injuries and the total damages you’ve suffered. To get a quick estimate of what your case might be worth, call our legal experts at DK Law today. For a more personalized assessment, our legal team offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your rights and next steps.

Tips for Handling Insurance Companies

When you file a personal injury case against someone or a business, you are not suing them directly, but rather their insurance company. The goal of any insurance adjuster is not to pay you what you deserve–it’s to pay you as little as possible. 

As you work with an attorney to recover compensation, here are some tips for dealing with insurance companies that will help you avoid making any costly mistakes:

• Don’t accept the first offer: Never accept the insurance company’s first offer. Often, it is far less than what you are owed, especially if you suffer a serious injury like a TBI. 
• Be careful with what you say: When speaking with the insurance adjuster, keep your answers short and simple. Anything you say can be held against you.
• Don’t delay medical treatment: Get treated as soon as you can to prove your injuries are directly related to the accident. If you fail to do so, the insurance company may deny your claim. 
• Don’t rush a settlement: Understandably, you want to get paid as quickly as possible. But pushing for a quick payout can mean getting less than what you deserve. 

After an injury, dealing with the insurance company can add an immense amount of stress. At DK Law, we take the pressure off you and handle all communication with the adjusters so you don’t have to. 

The DK Law Difference

From busy intersections to unsafe workplaces, DK Law understands the everyday hazards that lead to personal injuries across San Francisco.

We’re well-versed in how cases move through the San Francisco County Superior Court and how local insurers operate. Our deep familiarity with the city’s roads, courts, and claim practices gives us the home-court advantage—turning local knowledge into stronger results for you.