Car Accident Attorney San Francisco

San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer Fighting for Your Rights

Car accidents are the most common type of auto collision in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you were rear-ended on the Bay Bridge, hit at an intersection in the Mission District, or involved in a highway crash on I-280, Attorney Michael Martinovsky is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With experience handling car accident claims of all types, he provides dedicated, personal representation from your initial consultation through resolution of your case.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Attorney Martinovsky represents victims of all types of car accidents in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, including:

• Rear-end collisions — Among the most common accidents in Bay Area traffic, often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious neck and back injuries.
• Intersection accidents — Collisions caused by drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal turns at intersections throughout San Francisco.
• Highway crashes — High-speed collisions on I-80, I-280, US-101, and other Bay Area freeways that frequently result in severe injuries.
• T-bone (side-impact) collisions — Broadside crashes that are especially dangerous for passengers on the side of impact, often resulting in broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Sideswipe accidents — Collisions that occur when vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction make lateral contact, common during lane changes on busy Bay Area roads.
• Head-on collisions — The most dangerous type of car accident, often caused by wrong-way drivers, impaired drivers, or drivers crossing the center line.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Francisco

Understanding what caused your accident is critical to building a strong case. The most common causes of car accidents in the Bay Area include:

• Distracted driving — Texting, using a phone, eating, or any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road. California law prohibits handheld phone use while driving.
• Speeding — Driving faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions, reducing a driver's ability to react and increasing the severity of crashes.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) — Alcohol and drug-impaired driving remains a leading cause of serious and fatal car accidents in California.
• Running red lights and stop signs — Intersection violations are a major source of T-bone and broadside collisions in San Francisco.
• Following too closely (tailgating) — Failing to maintain a safe following distance, especially in stop-and-go Bay Area traffic, leads to preventable rear-end collisions.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills — Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages — Income lost while recovering from your injuries, including future loss of earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
• Pain and suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident
• Property damage — Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the collision

California Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Pure comparative negligence: California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you were 30% responsible for the accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000.

Statute of limitations: In California, you have 2 years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims, the deadline is 3 years. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to recover compensation, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Mandatory insurance: California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. However, minimum coverage amounts are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. An experienced attorney can identify all available insurance coverage and pursue the maximum compensation for your claim.

Why Choose Attorney Martinovsky for Your Car Accident Case

• Personal attention — You work directly with Attorney Martinovsky, not a paralegal or case manager
• Proven education — UC Berkeley undergraduate, University of Iowa College of Law (top 20 nationally ranked)
• Trilingual service — Representation available in English, Spanish, and Russian
• Contingency fee — No fee unless we win your case. You pay nothing upfront.
• Bay Area knowledge — Familiarity with San Francisco roads, intersections, and local courts

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents