A San Francisco car accident can result in many things, which can seriously affect you and your family. From injuries to damage to your car, any number of these consequences are profound and long-lasting. Unfortunately, these car accidents can also result in the most tragic of outcomes–fatalities.

Loved Ones of Fatal Car Accident Victims Can Count on MJQ Law

When your loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident in San Francisco, we understand the immense emotional and financial burden that can result from such a tragic event. As experienced car accident lawyers in San Francisco, we are dedicated to helping families seek justice and compensation for the losses they have suffered.

At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, we have extensive experience in representing clients in fatal car accident cases and we have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can provide you with information about the legal options available to you and how we can assist you during this difficult time.

San Francisco Fatal Car Accident Statistics

Like any major city, San Francisco has its fair share of car accidents throughout a given year. In order to combat the issue, the city devotes significant resources to its Vision Zero program. Launched in 2014, Vision Zero is a road safety initiative with the aim of eliminating all traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2024.

Part of the program tracks fatal car accidents throughout the city in real-time and also identifies certain areas of the city where these accidents take place. According to Vision Zero’s 2021 annual report, there were:

• 27 fatal car accidents in the city
• 59% of these accidents occurred in Vision Zero’s “High Injury Network”
• 48% of these accidents involved pedestrians

While the number of fatal car accidents in San Francisco has fluctuated over the years, it remains a serious issue that the city is actively working to combat. Part of that process involves keeping you and other members of the public educated about the various causes of fatal car accidents in the city.

What Causes Fatal Car Accidents in San Francisco?

One of the issues with fatal car accidents in San Francisco is that there are a number of different causes. Not only are these causes wide-ranging, but they are also extremely common. Some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in San Francisco include the following:

• Speeding – Speeding is a major factor in many fatal car accidents in San Francisco. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to changes in traffic or road conditions and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles.
• Distracted driving – Distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while driving, can also be a major contributing factor to fatal car accidents. When drivers are distracted, they are less likely to notice hazards on the road and may be slower to react to changing traffic conditions.
• Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant contributor to fatal car accidents in San Francisco. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make errors on the road, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Poor road design – Poor road design can also contribute to fatal car accidents in San Francisco. Roads that are poorly designed or maintained, or that lack adequate lighting or signage, can increase the risk of collisions and make accidents more severe when they do occur.
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety – As the Vision Zero program indicates, pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable road users who are at an increased risk of being involved in fatal car accidents. Improperly marked or poorly designed crosswalks, bike lanes, and other infrastructure can make it more difficult for these road users to navigate the streets safely.

By addressing these factors and implementing strategies to reduce their impact, drivers in San Francisco can work to reduce the number of fatal car accidents on its streets and create a safer environment for all road users.

How Car Accidents in San Francisco Become Fatal

Another issue with fatal car accidents is that virtually any accident can be fatal. When you couple this fact with the reality that car accidents occur every day in San Francisco, the problem quickly becomes compounded. Generally speaking, the nature of fatal car accidents involves a number of different injuries and conditions, such as:

• Head and brain injuries – Head injuries are a common cause of fatalities in car accidents. These injuries can include skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions, and can have long-term effects on a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.
• Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or other serious medical conditions that can impact a person’s quality of life and lead to long-term disabilities or death.
• Internal injuries – Internal injuries such as damage to the organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Broken bones – Broken bones can occur in any part of the body during a car accident and can be particularly severe if multiple bones are broken. These breaks can lead to complications that can become fatal for victims.
• Burns – Burns can occur when a car catches on fire or when a person is exposed to hot or caustic materials during an accident. Severe burns can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as serious infections and other medical complications that can quickly become fatal.

In addition to physical injuries, fatal car accidents frequently cause emotional trauma for survivors and the families of those who have died in the accident. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.

It is important to remember that any car accident, regardless of the severity of the injuries, can have a significant impact on a person’s life but these impacts are magnified when the accident is fatal. Thus, it’s important for survivors or loved ones to understand that they have legal options to pursue on behalf of their deceased loved ones.

Legal Options After a San Francisco Fatal Car Accident

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is a traumatic experience that can leave family members feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. In San Francisco, there are legal options available for those who have lost a loved one in a car accident. Here are some of the legal options that may be available:

• Wrongful death claims – A wrongful death claim is a legal action that can be taken by the surviving family members of a person who has died due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. A wrongful death claim can help provide compensation for:
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Other damages that are associated with the loss of a loved one

• Product liability claims – If the car or any of its parts were defective and contributed to the accident and death, a product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer or seller of the product. In these cases, the family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for their loss.

Especially in a fatal car accident, it’s extremely important to work with experienced San Francisco car accident lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Our team can also help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

MJQ Law Provides Support For Families After a Fatal Car Accident in San Francisco

At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, we understand how devastating a fatal car accident can be, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you through this difficult time. We will work tirelessly to help you navigate this difficult process to make sure you receive the benefits and support you need.

If you need guidance or have any questions after a fatal car accident in San Francisco, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.