San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney

For over 50 years, Jacoby & Meyers has provided exceptional legal representation to personal injury victims throughout California.

Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including a record-breaking $19 million for a rideshare accident case.

When you’ve been injured in the Bay Area due to someone else’s negligence, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and dedication to secure the compensation you deserve.

Table of Contents

Why You Need a San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury law is complex, especially in San Francisco’s unique legal environment. When you’re recovering from injuries, the last thing you need is to navigate insurance claims, medical bills, and legal procedures alone.

California’s Strict Time Limitations

California has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases. In most situations, you have just two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Some deadlines are even shorter. For claims against government entities in San Francisco, you may have as little as six months to initiate your claim. This makes prompt legal consultation essential.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Without legal representation, you’re likely to receive a settlement offer far below what your case is worth. Our San Francisco attorneys know how to:

Counter lowball settlement offers
Document the full extent of your damages
Prevent insurance adjusters from using your statements against you
Calculate the true value of your current and future losses

The Value of Local Expertise

Our San Francisco attorneys understand the unique aspects of the city that can impact your case:

High-risk accident areas throughout the city’s 49 square miles
San Francisco’s Vision Zero initiatives and how they affect liability
Local court procedures specific to San Francisco County
How the city’s infrastructure and transportation systems factor into accident cases

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in San Francisco

Our experienced legal team represents clients in all types of personal injury matters throughout the San Francisco area:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents: From fender benders on Lombard Street to major collisions on Highway 101
Motorcycle accidents: Specialized knowledge of California’s lane-splitting laws
Rideshare accidents: Expertise with complex Uber and Lyft liability issues
Truck accidents: Experience handling commercial vehicle regulations and corporate defendants
Bicycle accidents: Understanding of San Francisco’s extensive bike lane network and cyclist rights
Pedestrian accidents: Protection for pedestrians injured in crosswalks and intersections
Bus accidents: Cases involving MUNI, tour buses, and private carriers
Delivery accidents: Expert legal help navigating cases involving Amazon, Uber Eats, and Doordash

Premises Liability

Slip and fall accidents
Inadequate security cases
Elevator and escalator accidents
Dangerous property conditions
Swimming pool accidents
Fires and electrical hazards

Additional Practice Areas

Medical malpractice
Dog bites and animal attacks
Product liability claims
Workplace injuries
Construction accidents
Wrongful death claims
Boat and maritime accidents
Scooter injuries
Spinal cord injuries

The Personal Injury Claim Process in San Francisco

At Jacoby & Meyers, we guide you through every step of your personal injury case:

1. Free Initial Consultation

Our process begins with a comprehensive case evaluation at no cost to you. We’ll discuss:

The circumstances of your accident
Your injuries and medical treatment
The potential value of your claim
Your legal options moving forward

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our team immediately begins collecting crucial evidence:

Accident reports and police documentation
Witness statements
Surveillance footage
Medical records and expert opinions
Accident scene photographs
Employment and wage information

3. Medical Treatment Documentation

We coordinate with your healthcare providers to document the full extent of your injuries:

Ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment
Connecting you with medical specialists when needed
Documenting your recovery process
Projecting future medical needs and costs

4. Settlement Negotiations

Our experienced negotiators engage with insurance companies to secure fair compensation:

Presenting comprehensive demand packages
Countering lowball offers with evidence-based arguments
Keeping you informed throughout the process
Recommending when to settle and when to proceed to litigation

5. Litigation When Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court:

Filing your lawsuit within all applicable deadlines
Managing the discovery process
Representing you at depositions and hearings
Presenting your case persuasively to a judge and jury

Recoverable Damages in San Francisco Personal Injury Cases

Our attorneys fight to secure every form of compensation you’re entitled to under California law:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses: All costs related to your treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
Lost wages: Compensation for time away from work, including sick days and vacation time used during recovery
Loss of earning capacity: Future income losses if your injuries limit your ability to work
Property damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property damaged in the accident
Home modifications: Costs to accommodate disability-related needs
In-home care: Expenses for household help during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort
Emotional distress: Recovery for anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for limitations on hobbies, recreation, and daily activities
Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or altered appearance
Loss of consortium: Recognition of impacts on relationships with spouses and family members

Punitive Damages

In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, California law allows for additional punitive damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.

Our Proven Track Record

Jacoby & Meyers has established itself as one of California’s most successful personal injury firms, with impressive results including:

$19 million for a rideshare accident victim
$5.1 million for a truck accident case
$2.5 million for a severe car accident
$1.5 million for a slip and fall injury
$1.5 million for a bus accident
$1 million for a motorcycle crash victim
$1 million for a product liability burn case

Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from peers, clients, and legal organizations throughout California.

San Francisco Personal Injury Laws You Should Know

Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize any assignment of fault to our clients.

Damage Caps and Limitations

While California does not cap most personal injury damages, there are exceptions:

Medical malpractice non-economic damages are limited to $250,000 (increasing to $350,000 in 2023 with scheduled increases through 2033)
Claims against government entities have special procedural requirements and limitations

Recent Legislative Changes

California personal injury laws continue to evolve. Our attorneys stay current with all legal developments that may affect your case, including recent changes to:

Rideshare insurance requirements
E-scooter regulations
Bicycle and pedestrian safety laws
Consumer protection statutes

Expert Witnesses and Resources

Jacoby & Meyers works with a network of expert witnesses to strengthen your case:

Medical Experts

Physicians who can explain your injuries and treatment needs
Specialists who document long-term prognosis and limitations
Life care planners who calculate future medical requirements

Accident Reconstruction Specialists

Engineers who scientifically analyze collision dynamics
Safety experts who identify code violations and hazards
Industry specialists for specific accident types

Economic and Vocational Experts

Economists who calculate lifetime earnings losses
Vocational rehabilitationists who assess work limitations
Financial analysts who project future damages

The Advantage of Jacoby & Meyers in San Francisco

Local Presence and Knowledge

With offices throughout California, including our San Francisco location at 450 California St Suite 1500, we offer convenient access to legal representation combined with deep knowledge of local courts, judges, and procedures.

Resources to Handle Complex Litigation

As one of California’s most established personal injury firms, we have the financial and legal resources to:

Take on powerful corporate defendants
Fund extensive investigations
Hire the best expert witnesses
Pursue lengthy litigation when necessary

24/7 Availability

Our team is available around the clock to address your concerns and answer your questions. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website at any time, day or night.

No Fees Unless We Win

We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you. This arrangement ensures our interests are perfectly aligned with yours.

Personalized Attention

Unlike firms that pass clients to paralegals or case managers, our attorneys remain directly involved throughout your case. You’ll receive personal attention from experienced legal professionals who genuinely care about your recovery.

Multilingual Services

Our diverse team offers legal services in multiple languages to serve San Francisco’s international community.

Common Questions About Personal Injury Cases in San Francisco

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique, with value determined by factors including:

Severity and permanence of injuries
Total medical expenses
Lost income and earning capacity
Impact on quality of life
Available insurance coverage
Defendant’s degree of negligence

During your free consultation, we’ll provide a preliminary assessment of your case’s potential value.

How long will my case take?

Timeline varies based on:

Complexity of liability issues
Number of parties involved
Severity of injuries and treatment duration
Insurance company cooperation
Court scheduling if litigation is necessary

Simple cases might resolve in months, while complex litigation can take one to two years.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the accident happened on government property?

Claims against government entities in San Francisco require special procedures and shorter filing deadlines—typically six months from the incident. Our attorneys understand these requirements and ensure all necessary steps are taken promptly.

How do medical liens work in California?

Healthcare providers, health insurers, and government programs like Medicare may place liens on your settlement to recover costs they paid for your treatment. Our attorneys negotiate with lien holders to maximize your net recovery.

What should I do immediately after an accident?

Seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
Report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the report
Gather contact information from witnesses
Take photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters
Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a free consultation before accepting any settlement offers

Should I speak with insurance adjusters?

We strongly recommend directing all insurance communications through your attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize company payouts and may use your statements against you. Let us handle these conversations to protect your interests.

Contact Our San Francisco Personal Injury Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in San Francisco, don’t face this challenging time alone. The experienced legal team at Jacoby & Meyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 at (415) 855-4289 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and recommend the best path forward.

Visit Our San Francisco Office

Jacoby & Meyers 450 California St Suite 1500 San Francisco, CA 94111

Home and Hospital Visits Available

If your injuries prevent you from traveling to our office, we can come to you. Our attorneys regularly visit clients at home or in the hospital throughout the San Francisco area.

For over five decades, Jacoby & Meyers has been dedicated to helping injury victims rebuild their lives. Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you.

Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form