San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were injured because another person, company, driver, or property owner acted carelessly, you may have a personal injury claim. Anderson Franco Law represents injured people in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area in serious injury cases involving car accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, unsafe property conditions, and wrongful death.

Clients hire us because they want direct attorney involvement and serious case preparation from the beginning. Before representing injured people, Anderson Franco represented insurance companies. That experience helps our firm understand how claims are evaluated, where insurers look for weaknesses, and what evidence helps build pressure for a fair result.

San Francisco personal injury cases we handle

We represent injured clients in matters involving:

Why hire Anderson Franco Law for your San Francisco personal injury?

Choosing a lawyer is not just about finding someone who “handles personal injury.” It is about finding a lawyer who will actually take ownership of the case, understand the facts, and push the claim forward with care and strategy.

We understand how insurance companies evaluate claims

Before representing injured people, Anderson Franco spent years representing insurance companies in litigation and defending injury claims. That experience matters because insurers do not evaluate cases based on sympathy alone. They focus on liability, medical records, treatment gaps, comparative fault, causation, policy limits, witness credibility, and how the case will look if it goes into litigation.

That background gives our firm practical insight into the strategies insurers use to delay, dispute, undervalue, or limit payment. It also helps us identify what evidence must be developed early, what weaknesses need to be addressed, and how to present a claim in a way that supports its full value.

A strong injury claim is not just about saying someone was hurt. It is about proving what happened, showing why the other party is responsible, documenting the injuries and losses, identifying all available coverage, and building a case that can withstand scrutiny.

We have a proven record of results

Anderson Franco Law has obtained substantial results for injured clients, including policy-limit recoveries, recoveries beyond underlying insurance limits, and million-dollar-plus results. Every case depends on its own facts, injuries, and available coverage, but our record reflects a consistent focus on careful preparation and pursuing full compensation. We have also recovered against major insurance carriers such as State Farm, GEICO, Farmers, Progressive, and others.

Serious injury cases require more than routine handling. They require careful investigation, strong medical support, a clear damages presentation, and a willingness to press the case when an insurer undervalues the claim. That is how we approach our work. Examples of successful results include:

$1,150,000 premises liability settlement for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury and cervical spine injury requiring fusion surgery after being hurt inside a commercial store.
$1,000,000 policy-limit truck accident settlement for a client injured when an 18-wheeler made an unsafe maneuver, causing spine injuries requiring surgery and eye and vision damage.
$800,000 uninsured-driver recovery for a woman with a lacerated small intestine and spinal injuries requiring fusion surgery, including recovery through uninsured motorist and excess or umbrella coverage.
$750,000 construction injury settlement for a worker injured when a boom pump exploded on a San Francisco job site, causing a serious shoulder tendon injury.
$350,000 rear-end truck collision settlement for a woman in Oakland who suffered a fractured forearm.
$345,000 pedestrian accident settlement for a client struck in a San Jose crosswalk who suffered a leg fracture.
$310,000 commercial truck collision settlement for two clients sideswiped by a truck in Los Angeles.
$300,000 workplace injury settlement for a worker who suffered a hand crush injury and disability-related workplace discrimination issues.
$275,000 vehicle collision settlement for a client in Tracy who suffered a fractured ankle when a car ran over his ankle.

If you want a lawyer who will take the time to understand what happened, explain the process clearly, and pursue the case with intention, Anderson Franco Law is here to help.What Is a San Francisco personal injury claim?

Personal injury is the area of law that deals with injuries caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. In plain English, it usually means someone failed to use reasonable care, and that failure caused another person to get hurt. A personal injury claim is the legal process used to seek compensation for the harm that followed.

Personal injury claims can arise in many ways. A distracted driver may crash into another vehicle. A property owner may fail to fix or warn about a dangerous condition. A trucking company may allow unsafe driving practices. A dog owner may fail to control an animal. Although the facts vary from case to case, the core issue is often the same: did another person or business act carelessly, and did that carelessness cause real harm?

At Anderson Franco Law, we help clients understand that personal injury is not just about the accident itself. It is also about what the accident changed in your life. Medical treatment, time away from work, physical pain, emotional distress, limitations at home, and uncertainty about the future all matter.

Do I have a San Francisco personal injury claim?

Not every accident becomes a personal injury claim. In many cases, the issue is not just whether you were injured. The issue is whether someone else may be legally responsible for what happened and whether compensation may be available.

A personal injury case is often stronger when several things are true. Another party may have acted carelessly or failed to act reasonably. You suffered an actual injury. The injury caused losses such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other harm. There is also a person, company, property owner, or insurance policy from which compensation may be recovered.

You may want to speak with a lawyer if any of the following apply to your situation:

You needed medical treatment after the accident.
You missed work or lost income.
The insurance company is disputing fault.
The other side is blaming you.
Your injuries are not healing quickly.
You may have permanent pain, scarring, or limitations.
A business, trucking company, or property owner may be involved.
A loved one died because of the incident.
You are being contacted by an adjuster and are unsure what to say.

At Anderson Franco Law, one of the first things we look at is whether there is a clear path to proving fault and damages. Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes it takes investigation. Either way, getting that analysis early can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Learn more about our San Francisco personal injury practice

Car crashes

Motor vehicle crashes can leave injured people dealing with pain, medical treatment, missed work, and uncertainty about how they will move forward. Anderson Franco Law represents clients injured in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, bus accidents, pedestrian collisions, bicycle accidents, rear-end crashes, drunk driving collisions, and hit-and-run incidents. We investigate how the crash happened, identify the responsible parties, deal with the insurance companies, and work to pursue full compensation for the harm our clients have suffered.

Our firm has successfully resolved injury claims arising from a wide range of vehicle collisions, including cases where liability was disputed, injuries were minimized, or insurance carriers tried to undervalue the claim. We have helped clients recover compensation after serious crashes by building strong evidence on fault, medical causation, and damages, and by preparing cases in a way that puts real pressure on the defense to take the claim seriously.

Pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents often cause severe injuries because a person on foot has little protection against the force of a moving vehicle. These cases often happen in crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and other places where drivers fail to yield, speed, turn carelessly, or drive while distracted. Our firm represents injured pedestrians and works to hold negligent drivers accountable for the physical, financial, and emotional harm they cause.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully handled serious injury cases involving vulnerable roadway users, including claims where the defense attempted to shift blame or argue that the collision could not have been avoided. In these cases, careful investigation, scene analysis, and strong medical documentation have helped our clients present the full seriousness of their injuries and pursue meaningful recovery.

Bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents can lead to major injuries, expensive medical care, and significant time away from work. Many of these crashes happen when drivers make unsafe turns, open car doors into bike lanes, fail to yield, or pass too closely to cyclists. Anderson Franco Law helps injured bicyclists pursue compensation and works to show how a driver’s negligence caused preventable harm.

Our firm has successfully pursued claims involving drivers who failed to respect the rights of cyclists on Bay Area roads. In bicycle injury cases, we focus on proving how the crash occurred, documenting the rider’s injuries in detail, and confronting defense arguments that try to portray the cyclist as partially responsible when the evidence shows otherwise.

Truck accidents

Truck accident cases are often more complex than ordinary car crash claims and can involve devastating injuries. These matters may require careful investigation into driver conduct, company safety practices, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and available insurance coverage. Our firm works to identify all potentially responsible parties after collisions involving semi-trucks, delivery trucks, work trucks, and other commercial vehicles.

We have successfully handled cases involving commercial vehicles, including recovering a million dollar insurance policy. We go beyond the basic police report and examine the broader facts that often drive liability and case value. That includes focusing on employer responsibility, vehicle use, insurance coverage, and the seriousness of the injuries, especially in cases where the defense tried to treat the collision like an ordinary car accident when it clearly was not.

Bus accidents

Bus accidents can injure passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and people in other vehicles. These claims may involve public transit, private shuttles, school buses, tour buses, or employer-operated transportation. Anderson Franco Law helps clients evaluate liability, investigate the operating entity, and pursue compensation after a serious bus-related injury.

Our firm has successfully resolved claims involving buses. We approach these matters with careful preparation because transportation defendants and insurers often resist early accountability unless the case is thoroughly developed.

Rear-end collisions

Rear-end crashes are often treated as minor by insurance companies, but they can cause painful and lasting injuries, especially to the neck, back, and shoulders. These collisions frequently happen because of distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, or failure to stop in time. Our firm represents people injured in rear-end accidents and works to recover compensation when insurers try to downplay the seriousness of the injuries.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully represented clients in rear-end collision cases where the insurer tried to argue that the impact was too small to cause real injury. We know those arguments well. By focusing on credible medical evidence, consistent treatment, and the real effect of the injury on daily life, we help clients push back against attempts to minimize legitimate harm.

Hit-and-run accidents

Hit-and-run accidents often leave injured people frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Even when the at-fault driver leaves the scene, there may still be options for recovery through uninsured motorist coverage, witness evidence, surveillance footage, and other investigative tools. We help clients navigate hit-and-run claims and pursue every available path to compensation.

Our firm has successfully recover insurance policy limits in hit-and-run claims by identifying alternative sources of recovery and building strong uninsured motorist presentations. These cases often require persistence and strategic documentation, especially when the insurer acts as though the absence of an identified driver should reduce the value of a legitimate injury claim.

Drunk driving accidents

Drunk driving crashes are among the most preventable and dangerous collisions on the road. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences can be devastating for innocent people and their families. Anderson Franco Law represents victims of impaired driving collisions and works to pursue accountability and compensation for the full extent of the harm caused.

We have successfully obtained insurance policy limits in claims arising from reckless and dangerous driving conduct, including cases involving clear misconduct by the at-fault driver. In these matters, our firm works to present not only how the collision happened, but also the full human impact of the injuries on the client’s life, work, and future.

Slip and fall accidents

Slip and fall injuries can happen in grocery stores, apartment buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and other unsafe properties. These claims often involve wet floors, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, broken stairs, or hazards that should have been fixed or clearly warned about. Our firm helps injured clients pursue claims against negligent property owners, businesses, and others responsible for unsafe conditions.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully handled premises-related injury cases where property owners and insurers tried to argue that the condition was obvious, trivial, or not dangerous enough to matter. We work to gather photographs, records, witness statements, and other evidence that show the hazard should have been corrected and that the resulting injuries were real and significant.

Construction accidents

Construction accidents often cause severe injuries due to falls, falling objects, machinery incidents, unsafe equipment, trench hazards, electrical exposure, and other dangerous conditions. These cases may involve workers’ compensation issues as well as third-party claims against contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment companies. Our firm investigates all potential sources of liability after a construction-related injury.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully worked on serious construction-related injury matters by looking beyond the surface and identifying every potentially responsible entity. Construction cases often involve layered relationships between contractors, subcontractors, site operators, and equipment providers. We focus on untangling those issues so the injured worker is not limited to an incomplete recovery theory.

Workplace accidents

Workplace injuries can happen in offices, warehouses, construction sites, retail stores, and many other job settings. Some cases involve only workers’ compensation, while others may also support a third-party personal injury claim against someone other than the employer. Our firm helps injured workers identify their options and determine whether compensation may be available beyond a workers’ compensation case.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully helped injured workers identify claims that went beyond a standard workers’ compensation file. In the right case, a workplace injury may involve a negligent driver, property owner, contractor, equipment company, or another third party. We work to uncover those additional paths to recovery when the facts support them.

Premises liability

Premises liability cases arise when a property owner, business, landlord, or occupier fails to maintain reasonably safe conditions. These claims can involve falls, negligent security, structural hazards, falling merchandise, unsafe walkways, balcony failures, and other dangerous property conditions. Anderson Franco Law helps injured clients pursue compensation when unsafe premises cause serious harm.

Our firm has obtained favorable outcomes in cases involving unsafe property conditions by developing the evidence needed to show notice, dangerousness, and causation. These cases often turn on details. We focus on proving not just that a dangerous condition existed, but that it should have been addressed before someone got seriously hurt.

Catastrophic injuries

Catastrophic injuries can permanently change every part of a person’s life. These cases may involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe fractures, permanent disability, amputations, or other life-altering harm. Our firm works to present the full impact of these injuries, including future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, long-term care needs, and the effect on daily life.

Anderson Franco Law has successfully represented clients with severe and life-changing injuries by building cases that reflect the full long-term cost of the harm. In these matters, it is not enough to focus only on current medical bills. We work to show how the injury affects future treatment, earning ability, independence, and quality of life so the case is valued appropriately.

Wrongful death

Wrongful death claims arise when a person loses their life because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. These are deeply painful cases that often involve both emotional loss and serious financial consequences for surviving family members. Anderson Franco Law helps families pursue accountability and compensation for the loss of support, companionship, care, and other damages recognized under California law.

Workers’ compensation

Workers’ compensation may provide benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who caused the accident. These claims can include medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and other protections under local law. Anderson Franco Law helps injured workers understand their rights and pursue the benefits they may be entitled to receive.

Learn About Our Injury Practices Areas

What makes a strong personal injury case?

A strong case usually combines clear liability, meaningful injury, solid documentation, and an available source of recovery. That does not mean every good case is simple. It means the evidence can be developed in a way that tells a persuasive and organized story.

Liability matters because you must be able to show why another party is legally responsible. Damages matter because you must be able to show how the injury affected you. Documentation matters because claims are rarely won by assumptions. They are won by evidence. That is why photographs, incident reports, witness statements, medical records, wage information, and timely communication can make such a difference.

At Anderson Franco Law, we evaluate not only whether someone was hurt, but how the case can actually be proven. That includes looking at comparative fault issues, preexisting conditions, gaps in treatment, causation disputes, and insurance limits. A case can be valid and still require careful lawyering to present well.

Why timing matters

One of the biggest mistakes injured people make is waiting too long to get advice. Delay can hurt a case even when the underlying claim is valid. Evidence may disappear. Witnesses may become hard to find. Records may be harder to obtain. The insurance company may use the passage of time to argue that the injury was not serious or that treatment was unrelated.

San Francisco personal injury cases also have filing deadlines, and some claims involve special notice requirements. That is one reason early consultation matters. You do not need to know every legal rule before calling a lawyer. You do need to protect your ability to investigate and act before the important deadlines pass.

At Anderson Franco Law, we would rather evaluate a case early than try to repair avoidable damage later. Early guidance can help preserve evidence, improve case presentation, and reduce the risk of saying or doing something that weakens the claim.

Types of injuries we commonly handle

A personal injury case is not defined only by how the accident happened. It is also defined by the harm it caused. At Anderson Franco Law, we represent injured people in San Francisco whose accidents led to real physical pain, medical treatment, missed work, and lasting disruption to daily life. Some injuries heal with time and conservative care, while others involve imaging, injections, surgery, chronic pain, or permanent limitations. Below are some of the most common injuries we see in personal injury cases and how they can affect a person’s health, work, and everyday life.

Back injuries are one of the most common problems we see in personal injury cases. They often happen after rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, slip and falls, sidewalk trip and falls, and workplace accidents where the body twists or absorbs sudden force. In our experience, many clients initially think the pain will go away, only to realize days later that bending, sitting, driving, and sleeping have all become painful. We have seen back injuries range from muscle strain to serious disc injuries that require months of treatment, injections, or surgical evaluation.

Neck injuries frequently happen when the head is suddenly thrown forward, backward, or sideways in a collision or fall. We often see these injuries in rear-end crashes, side-impact collisions, and falls where a person lands awkwardly or braces themselves during impact. In practice, clients often report stiffness and pain that worsens over the first few days, along with headaches, limited range of motion, and trouble sleeping. Insurance companies sometimes try to downplay neck injuries, but we have seen firsthand how disruptive they can be to work and daily life.

Herniated discs are often caused by sudden impact or force on the spine, especially in vehicle collisions and fall cases. We have seen them come up in rear-end crashes, T-bone collisions, truck accidents, and trip and fall cases where the person’s body jerks or lands hard. In real cases, clients often describe radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain traveling into the arms or legs. Some people improve with therapy, while others go on to need pain management, injections, or surgical consultation.

Spinal injuries can happen in serious car crashes, truck collisions, falls from height, construction accidents, and other high-force incidents. In our experience, spinal injuries can involve far more than just pain. They can affect mobility, nerve function, strength, balance, and the ability to return to normal life. We have seen cases where what started as “back pain” later turned out to involve much more serious spinal damage requiring extensive treatment and long-term care planning.

Shoulder injuries are very common in personal injury cases because people instinctively brace themselves during a crash or fall. We often see shoulder injuries in slip and falls, bicycle accidents, pedestrian cases, workplace incidents, and vehicle collisions where the shoulder absorbs force from a seatbelt, impact with a door, or a fall to the ground. In our experience, shoulder injuries can linger much longer than people expect. Clients often struggle with lifting, reaching overhead, getting dressed, carrying groceries, or sleeping on one side. We have seen cases involving tears, impingement, strains, and painful limitations that interfere with work and home life.

Knee injuries frequently happen when a knee strikes the dashboard in a crash, twists during a fall, or absorbs impact during a pedestrian or bicycle accident. We have also seen knee injuries in construction and workplace cases where someone steps wrong, slips, or falls from a height. From a practical standpoint, knee injuries can make a person feel older overnight. Walking, using stairs, squatting, kneeling, getting in and out of a car, and standing for long periods can all become painful. Some clients recover with conservative care, while others require imaging, injections, or surgery.

Fractures and broken bones often happen in more serious collisions, falls, workplace accidents, dog attacks, and crush-type incidents. We have seen fractures in wrists from people trying to break a fall, ribs from forceful impact in car crashes, ankles from trip and fall accidents, and more serious fractures in catastrophic cases. In practice, fractures are not always simple injuries. Even after the bone heals, the person may still deal with stiffness, weakness, pain, or reduced function. Some fractures require surgery, hardware placement, or prolonged rehabilitation.

Head injuries can happen when a person strikes their head in a crash, falls to the ground, is hit by a falling object, or is thrown during an incident. We have seen head injuries in car accident cases, trip and fall cases, workplace accidents, and premises cases involving unsafe conditions. What makes these cases difficult is that the symptoms are not always obvious right away. Clients may later report headaches, concentration problems, dizziness, sensitivity to light, memory issues, or a general feeling that they are not the same as before. Even when imaging is normal, the injury can still be very real and very disruptive.

Concussions are common in personal injury cases and are often overlooked in the beginning. We have seen concussions after car crashes, slips and falls, pedestrian accidents, and incidents where a person did not even lose consciousness. In practice, many clients first describe a concussion as “just a headache” or feeling off, but then continue to struggle with focus, fatigue, irritability, noise sensitivity, sleep issues, and brain fog. These injuries can affect work performance, parenting, driving, and overall quality of life in ways that are hard to capture unless the case is carefully developed.

Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common injuries we see, especially in vehicle collisions, falls, and workplace incidents. They involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and they can be much more painful than insurance companies like to admit. We have handled many cases where the main injuries were labeled “soft tissue,” but the client still needed months of therapy, had trouble working, and could not comfortably perform normal daily tasks. These injuries are real, and in practice they often affect the neck, back, shoulders, and knees the most.

Chronic pain often develops after an injury that never fully resolves. We have seen this happen after crashes, falls, disc injuries, fractures, and soft tissue trauma that continues long after the initial incident. From a practical standpoint, chronic pain changes how a person lives. It can affect sleep, mood, patience, work, exercise, family responsibilities, and the simple ability to get through the day comfortably. In our experience, these cases require telling the full story of how ongoing pain affects real life, not just pointing to the original accident date.

Emotional distress and trauma-related harm. Serious accidents do not just injure the body. They can leave lasting emotional effects, especially after frightening crashes, violent incidents, dog attacks, falls, and cases involving permanent injury or loss. We have seen clients become fearful of driving after a major collision, anxious in crowded places after an assault, or emotionally overwhelmed by how much their life changed after an injury. In practice, emotional distress often shows up through anxiety, poor sleep, irritability, fear, depression, embarrassment, and loss of enjoyment of life. It is a real part of many personal injury cases, and it deserves to be taken seriously.

Some injuries heal quickly. Others lead to long-term pain, treatment, restrictions, or permanent limitations. We work to understand the full effect of an injury, not just the first bill or first diagnosis.

Learn About Injuries We Handle

What compensation may be available in a personal injury case

Depending on the facts, a personal injury claim may include compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other out-of-pocket losses tied to the injury. The value of a case depends on many factors, including liability, the seriousness of the injuries, medical documentation, treatment history, insurance coverage, and how the injury has affected the client’s life over time.

Our job is to present the full story of harm, not just the narrow version an insurance adjuster wants to pay for

What to expect when you contact us

When you contact Anderson Franco Law, we start by listening. We want to understand what happened, what injuries were involved, what treatment has been received, and what concerns you have moving forward. We then evaluate possible claims, likely defenses, available insurance, and the best path toward recovery.

Our goal is to make the process clearer and less overwhelming. Clients deserve honest advice, responsive communication, and an advocate who is ready to push the case forward.

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco personal injuries

What is a personal injury case?

A personal injury case is a legal claim for damages caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another person or entity. These cases can arise from car accidents, pedestrian accidents, falls, construction accidents, dog bites, and many other situations. A personal injury lawyer helps identify who is legally responsible and what damages may be available.

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

Knowing if you have a personal injury case depends on whether another person or company caused your injuries through carelessness or negligence. In general, there must be an injury, liability, and some type of damage, such as medical expenses, pain, lost income, or limits in your daily life. A personal injury lawyer can review the facts and help determine whether you likely have a viable claim.

How long do I have to file a San Francisco personal injury claim?

The time to file a San Francisco personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, if the case involves a public entity, the deadline can be much shorter, sometimes as little as six months to file an administrative claim. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer early can help avoid missing important deadlines.

What if I was partly at fault in the accident?

If you were partly at fault in the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. California follows comparative negligence rules, which means your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault, but it is not automatically barred. A personal injury lawyer can help push back when the insurance company tries to exaggerate your share of fault.

What types of accidents can lead to a personal injury case?

Many different accidents can lead to a personal injury case. Common examples include car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, falls on someone else’s property, workplace injuries caused by third parties, and other negligent incidents. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate whether the specific facts support a claim.

What compensation can I recover in a San Francisco personal injury case?

The compensation available in a personal injury case may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the injury. The exact categories depend on the facts of the case. A personal injury lawyer can help identify all available damages before you consider settlement.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

The value of a personal injury case depends on the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment you received, lost wages, whether there is a permanent injury, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available. There is no fixed value because every case is different. A personal injury lawyer can give a more realistic evaluation after reviewing the records, facts, and coverage.

Do I have to go to court to resolve my case?

You do not always have to go to court to resolve a personal injury case. Many claims settle before trial, but some require litigation when the insurance company disputes liability, damages, or coverage. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate whether settlement is realistic or whether filing suit may be necessary.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer usually does not require upfront payment. Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless money is recovered. That structure allows many injured people to get legal help without paying out of pocket at the start.

What if the insurance company says my injury was not caused by the accident?

If the insurance company says your injury was not caused by the accident, that does not automatically end the case. That is a common defense. A personal injury lawyer can respond with medical records, treatment history, timeline evidence, witness information, and medical opinions that connect the injury to the incident.

What should I do after an accident in San Francisco?

After an accident in San Francisco, you should get medical attention, document the scene, gather witness information, save photos and videos, and report the incident when appropriate. You should also be careful about what you say to the insurance company. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early can help preserve evidence and avoid mistakes.

Should I speak with the other party’s insurance company?

Speaking with the other party’s insurance company without legal guidance can be risky. The insurer may try to get statements that reduce the value of your claim or use your words to dispute liability or causation. A personal injury lawyer can help protect you before a recorded statement or settlement discussion.

What evidence helps in a personal injury case?

Helpful evidence in a personal injury case can include photos, videos, police reports, incident reports, medical records, witness statements, wage records, and anything else that shows how the accident happened and how it affected you. A personal injury lawyer will usually look at both liability evidence and damage evidence.

Can I have a case even if I did not go to the emergency room the same day?

Yes, you may still have a case even if you did not go to the emergency room the same day. However, delays in treatment can make the claim harder because insurance companies often argue the injury was not serious or was not caused by the incident. A personal injury lawyer can help address those arguments with the right evidence.

What if I was injured at work?

If you were injured at work, you may have a workers’ compensation claim and, in some cases, a separate personal injury claim against a third party. This can happen when another company, driver, contractor, or manufacturer helped cause the injury. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate whether there is a third-party case in addition to workers’ compensation.

What if I was injured on someone else’s property?

If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. These cases often depend on whether a dangerous condition existed and whether the owner or responsible party knew, or should have known, about it. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate notice, dangerous condition evidence, and responsibility.

What happens if a loved one died because of someone else’s negligence?

If a loved one died because of someone else’s negligence, a wrongful death claim may be available under California law. This type of case can allow recovery for certain financial losses and other damages recognized by law. A personal injury lawyer can help determine who has the right to bring the claim and what damages may be pursued.

What happens if the liable party does not have enough insurance?

If the liable party does not have enough insurance, there still may be other sources of recovery. Depending on the case, there may be UM or UIM coverage, other applicable policies, third-party liability, or claims against additional entities. A personal injury lawyer can investigate all possible coverage before concluding the case is limited.

When should I call a personal injury lawyer?

You should call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Early action can help preserve evidence, identify insurance coverage, avoid mistakes with insurers, and strengthen the case from the beginning. Waiting too long can make important evidence harder to obtain.

Do I need a serious injury to have a case?

You do not always need a catastrophic injury to have a case. However, the severity of the injury often affects the value of the claim. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate whether your treatment, pain, work loss, and daily limitations support a meaningful claim.

Do I have a case even if there are no fractures or surgery?

Yes, you may still have a case even if there are no fractures or surgery. Many valid personal injury claims involve soft-tissue injuries, ongoing pain, physical limitations, treatment, and time away from work. A personal injury lawyer can help present those injuries clearly when the insurer tries to minimize them.

Do I have a case if the accident seems minor?

Yes, you may have a case even if the accident seems minor. The appearance of the impact does not always reflect the seriousness of the injury. A personal injury lawyer can help counter the insurance company’s argument that low property damage means no real injury.

Do I have a case if I did not call the police?

Yes, you may still have a case if you did not call the police, although it may be more difficult to prove without an official report. In that situation, other evidence becomes even more important, such as photos, witnesses, videos, messages, and medical records. A personal injury lawyer can help build the case using the available evidence.

Do I have a case if I did not go to the doctor the same day?

Yes, you may still have a case if you did not go to the doctor the same day. Still, the delay may be used by the insurance company to question causation or the seriousness of the injury. A personal injury lawyer can help explain the timeline and present the medical evidence in a stronger way.

Who pays my medical bills after an accident?

Who pays your medical bills after an accident depends on the type of case and the coverage available. In many cases, health insurance, Med Pay, workers’ compensation, or other sources are used first, and those damages are later sought through the personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer can help identify which sources may apply.

Does the other party’s insurance company pay my medical bills right away?

No, the other party’s insurance company usually does not pay your medical bills right away. In most cases, that insurer evaluates the claim and any payment comes later through a settlement or judgment. A personal injury lawyer can help explain what options may be available while the case is pending.

What if I keep receiving medical bills while my case is open?

If you keep receiving medical bills while your case is open, that does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with your case. Bills often continue to come in while treatment is ongoing and are later addressed as part of case resolution. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand how those bills may be handled.

What if I do not have health insurance?

If you do not have health insurance, you may still have options for treatment. Depending on the case, some providers may agree to treat under a lien, with payment deferred until the case is resolved. A personal injury lawyer can sometimes help identify treatment options in that situation.

Can I recover lost wages if I was unable to work?

Yes, you can recover lost wages if you were unable to work because of your injuries. In some cases, you may also be able to recover for reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future. A personal injury lawyer can help document wage loss and employment impact.

What if the other party says I caused the accident?

If the other party says you caused the accident, that does not end the case. Liability is determined by evidence, including photos, videos, witness statements, reports, property damage, and sometimes technical analysis. A personal injury lawyer can assess whether the evidence actually supports that defense.

What if the insurance company blames me to avoid paying?

If the insurance company blames you to avoid paying, that is a common defense in personal injury cases. The real issue is whether the evidence supports the insurer’s position. A personal injury lawyer can challenge unsupported blame-shifting and develop the proof needed to support your claim.

Can I recover money for pain and suffering?

Yes, you can recover money for pain and suffering in a personal injury case. This type of compensation addresses physical pain, emotional distress, and the effect the injury has had on your daily life. A personal injury lawyer can help present those non-economic damages in a persuasive way.

What if my injury worsened a pre-existing condition?

If your injury worsened a pre-existing condition, you may still have a valid claim. The responsible party does not escape liability just because you were more vulnerable or had a condition that the accident made worse. A personal injury lawyer can help frame the aggravation issue clearly and correctly.

What if the other party is uninsured or underinsured?

If the other party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have other avenues for recovery. Depending on the case, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply, along with claims against other responsible parties. A personal injury lawyer can investigate whether other coverage or defendants exist.

Is it better to settle the case quickly or wait?

Whether it is better to settle quickly or wait depends on your treatment, the clarity of liability, and how much is known about your damages. Settling too early can be risky if the full extent of your injuries is not yet clear. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate whether the timing is right.

Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?

You should not automatically accept the first offer from the insurance company. Many first offers are low and do not reflect the full value of the claim. A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether the offer fairly accounts for your medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and future losses.

When should you speak with a personal injury lawyer?

You should speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Early involvement can help preserve evidence, organize treatment, avoid harmful statements to insurers, and identify all possible sources of recovery. In many cases, the sooner a personal injury lawyer gets involved, the better protected the claim is.

Free consultation with a San Francisco personal injury lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to Anderson Franco for a free consultation. During this session, Anderson and his team will listen to your account of the accident or incident, assess the situation, and provide legal advice on your options. This consultation allows you to receive professional guidance, understand your rights, and determine whether pursuing a legal claim is the right course of action. It’s also an opportunity to gather information, ask questions, and decide if Anderson is the right attorney for you. There’s no risk in scheduling a free consultation.

Client Reviews

I was very lucky to have found Anderson when i needed a lawyer to take on my case. I was in a pedestrian/car accident in October. I came to find out that the driver was underinsured but Anderson was able to...

Alejandra

Anderson was amazing from start to finish. I had 0 experience with accident claims and he walked me through all of the details with an incredible depth of knowledge and experience, patience, and compassion...

Rob

I had an incredible experience with Anderson, who represented me in an accident claim. He handled everything with remarkable speed and professionalism, managing my expectations and answering any questions I had...

Karen

I am so grateful to Anderson for how he handled my case. He was so diligent and patient with reference to the coverage issues involved. He worked very hard on getting a resolution of the case and always kept me...

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Anderson Franco is a rockstar! I didn't pursue legal assistance after a car crash that had a variety of impacts on my life because it seemed like a hopeless endeavor given the specifics. Surely it would be a...

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Extremely happy with services provided. I was intimidated by the entire legal process and was not sure what to expect. Anderson was very reassuring and clearly knew what he was doing. It was a lot less stress...

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Attorney Franco was very helpful with my case. He always provided the best advice and guidance for any questions I had. He was also very attentive to my health and the medical attention I needed. My family and...

Lucia N.

I signed on with Anderson Franco to represent me for an unfortunate auto-pedestrian accident I experienced in San Francisco in May 2024. Anderson kept me updated at each step of the process, explained the nitty...

David K.

I was in a terrible car accident and Anderson and his team were able to hold the parties at fault accountable and obtained a settlement for the injuries I sustained. They made the entire process effortless!...

Maria M.

I am pleased to give Anderson the highest recommendation possible. I had a car collision in December 2021. Anderson was very helpful throughout the whole process. He made the process easy and convenient. All of...

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Best lawyer in the Bay Area.

Jose B.

I cannot recommend Anderson Franco highly enough. He is an incredible personal injury lawyer who helped me settle my case quickly with an extremely favorable outcome. He was always available to answer my...

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Highly recommend! Anderson was our attorney who helped me and my family on a settlement of a lawsuit. He continued to fight the case until satisfied with the results.

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Attorney Franco is kind and understanding. He is knowledgeable and patient to us explaining every detail of what we have to do. He will support you all the way. Thanks again Attorney.

Thelma

I was injured in a car accident while on the way to pick up my son up from preschool. My car was totaled and I was taken to the hospital. The entire experience was extremely stressful and I worried about “next...

Alexis