If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Sally Morin Law, our San Francisco personal injury lawyers focus on helping injury victims navigate complex insurance claims and legal proceedings while pursuing maximum compensation.
Whether you were hurt in a car accident, bicycle crash, pedestrian accident, rideshare collision, or another serious incident, our team provides personalized legal representation designed to protect your rights and your future.
Why Choose Sally Morin Law for Your California Personal Injury Case
We are a five-star rated, all-female California personal injury firm that has helped seriously injured clients since 1997. Our practice is limited to traffic-accident cases involving broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery, and other life-changing harm. We do not take minor soft-tissue claims.
Proven Results for California Injury Victims
Since 1997, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers have recovered millions for clients seriously injured in traffic accidents. We maximize settlements, negotiate medical liens downward, and put more money in our clients’ pockets.
Notable results include:
- $4,250,000 – Scooter vs. taxi collision in San Francisco
- $1,650,000 – Pedestrian struck by vehicle with autonomous features in San Francisco
- $841,500 – Rideshare passenger injured by intoxicated driver
- $700,000 – Pedestrian hit in a marked crosswalk
- $550,000 – Motorcyclist injured on the Bay Bridge
Fee promise: We work on a pure contingency fee. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also work to reduce medical liens so more of the recovery stays with you.
Notable California Personal Injury Results
A young couple on a Vespa was struck by a left-turning taxi in San Francisco. Both riders suffered catastrophic injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
$1,650,000 – Pedestrian / Autonomous Features
A visitor to San Francisco was struck in a crosswalk by a driver who relied on autonomous braking that failed. The client sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, shattered pelvis, and ruptured knee.
A photography student riding as a passenger was hit by an intoxicated driver who ran a red light at high speed. Recovery included third-party limits, UIM, and excess coverage.
$700,000 – Pedestrian Accident
A 62-year-old woman was struck in a marked crosswalk by a distracted driver. Primary policy limits plus umbrella coverage were recovered.
$550,000 – Motorcycle Accident
A young designer was struck on the Bay Bridge. Opening offer was $300,000; final settlement and lien reductions put more than $280,000 in the client’s pocket.
Key California Laws That Protect Personal Injury Victims
California personal injury claims rest on well-established statutes and case law. Understanding these rules helps explain both the strength of a claim and the tactics insurance companies use.
Duty of ordinary care – Civil Code § 1714
Everyone is responsible for injuries caused by a failure to use ordinary care. This is the foundational negligence statute that applies to almost every traffic-accident case.
Pure comparative negligence
California follows pure comparative negligence (established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) and applied under Civil Code § 1714). You may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault; your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. There is no 50% or 51% bar.
Statute of limitations – Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Claims against government entities generally require a formal claim within six months. Missing these deadlines usually ends the case permanently.
Minimum auto liability limits – SB 1107 (effective January 1, 2025)
California raised minimum bodily injury liability limits to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident and property damage to $15,000. Many drivers still carry only the minimum, which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and thorough investigation of all available policies matter.
Relevant California Vehicle Code sections frequently at issue include:
- CVC § 22350 (Basic Speed Law)
- CVC § 21703 (Following too closely)
- CVC § 22107 (Unsafe lane changes)
- CVC §§ 20001 & 20002 (Hit-and-run duties)
- CVC § 17150 (Owner liability / permissive use)
We use these statutes, the police report, scene evidence, and expert analysis to establish liability and counter attempts to shift blame.
San Francisco & Bay Area Personal Injury Realities
San Francisco and the wider Bay Area present distinct risks that affect both the frequency and severity of serious traffic injuries.
San Francisco’s Vision Zero program has mapped a High Injury Network showing that roughly 12–13% of city street miles account for approximately 68–75% of severe and fatal traffic injuries. These corridors concentrate risk for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, scooter riders, and vehicle occupants. Dense traffic, steep grades, complex intersections, heavy rideshare activity, and mixed commercial/residential streets all contribute.
Common high-exposure locations include major arterials, downtown intersections, and routes with high volumes of vulnerable road users. Many of our clients are transported by ambulance to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital or other trauma centers, reflecting the seriousness of the injuries we see.
Most civil personal injury cases arising in San Francisco are filed in San Francisco Superior Court. Cases from the East Bay, Peninsula, or South Bay may be venued in Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or other county superior courts depending on where the collision occurred and where the parties reside. We handle claims throughout Northern and Southern California from our San Francisco and Los Angeles offices.
Local knowledge of typical insurance practices, common defense arguments, and the practical realities of recovering from serious injuries in a high-cost region informs every demand package we prepare.
How a California Personal Injury Claim Works & What To Do Now
Immediate steps after a serious traffic accident
- Seek medical care right away, even if adrenaline masks symptoms.
- Report the collision when required and obtain the police report number.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, injuries, and any visible hazards.
- Collect names and contact information for witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to any insurance company without legal advice.
- Preserve evidence (damaged clothing, helmet, vehicle parts, medical records).
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer promptly so deadlines and evidence are protected.
What our firm handles for you
- Full investigation and evidence preservation
- Coordination with treating physicians and collection of complete medical documentation
- Identification of all available insurance policies (liability, UIM/UM, umbrella, commercial)
- Preparation and presentation of a comprehensive demand package
- Aggressive negotiation and, when necessary, litigation
- Negotiation of medical liens and reductions so you keep more of the recovery
- Ongoing communication so you always know the status of your case
Most of our cases resolve through settlement without trial. When trial is required, we are prepared. The timeline varies with injury severity, length of medical treatment, and insurance cooperation; complex cases often take many months to more than a year. A thorough approach consistently produces better net results than a rushed settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions – California Personal Injury Claims
How much does a California personal injury lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most claims must be filed within two years of the injury. Government claims have much shorter deadlines. Contact us early so rights are protected.
What if I was partially at fault?
California’s pure comparative negligence rules still allow recovery. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company?
Be very cautious. Adjusters are trained to obtain statements that can reduce or deny claims. Speak with us before providing any recorded statement.
What damages can I recover?
Economic damages (medical bills, future care, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Do you only handle San Francisco cases?
No. We represent clients throughout California from our San Francisco and Los Angeles offices.
What makes a strong personal injury case?
Clear liability, well-documented serious injuries, and adequate insurance coverage are the primary factors we evaluate in every free case review.
How long will my case take?
Some claims resolve in a few months; more complex cases can take a year or longer. We keep you informed at every stage.
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Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident, speak with our team. We will explain your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Meet Our Team
Get the settlement you deserve
Since 1997, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover compensation for serious injuries from car, motorcycle, scooter accidents, and more. Contact our expert team for help with your California injury case.
Our Location
We serve clients throughout Oakland and the East Bay from our San Francisco headquarters.