The terms “accident” has become misconstrued in recent history. Since the rise of the automobile in the early 19th century, there have been what are commonly called “accidents”. This term is a misnomer in that it implies nobody is to blame, that no one is at fault, and that it had no apparent reason or deliberate causation. Sadly, quite the opposite is true. In nearly all cases, the negligent actions that another person, or entity, engages in results in these incidents. As there is a root cause for the incident in question (negligence) they are in fact, not accidents at all and the responsible party can be reprimanded for their behavior. If you have suffered personal injury as the result of another person’s negligent actions, a team of qualified San Francisco accident attorneys will be able to assist you in your case. Not just limited to car accidents, negligence can be attributed to the following types of San Francisco Accidents:
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• SUV Accidents
• Truck Accidents
Negligence at a Glance
So what exactly is “negligence”? We tend to hear this term quite often, especially when discussing San Francisco accidents of various types. Negligence is defined as a behavior that a person, company, or entity engages in that they can be held accountable for because it falls short of a reasonable, acceptable standard. A responsible person would take appropriate measures to protect another individual from a foreseeable risk or danger that could cause others harm. When a person acts negligently, they fail to take these measures, thus breaching their duty of care to others around them, and can subsequently be held liable for their actions. Common negligent actions that contribute to San Francisco accidents are:
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Driver inattention
• Ignoring posted signage
• Disobeying local laws and regulations in general
• Wet, unmarked floors, causing a slip and fall
• Faulty handrails
• Unlawful lane changes
How common are these infractions that cause car accidents in the Bay Area? The California Highway Patrol reported that in 2008, there were 3,113 fatal traffic collisions statewide. Traffic accidents wherein a person sustained personal injury totaled to over 170,000 that same calendar year. Concerning San Francisco county in 2008:
• There were about 3 fatal accidents each month
• 10 people were injured every day in a car related accident
• Nearly 6 people every week are injured in an alcohol related car accident
• 790 pedestrians were injured by cars, trucks, or motorcycles that year
Injuries that victims can incur in San Francisco accidents can include broken bones, neck injuries, brain injuries, burns, extensive cuts and bruises, and even paralysis. Tragically, a large number of people die in San Francisco accidents each year. When this occurs, the family of the victim can pursue a claim of wrongful death against the negligent party.
The Right Attorneys for the Job
Many law firms will claim to be accident attorneys to take on any and all cases. Beware of this as not all can represent their clients equally. Not all groups are prepared to go the distance in court against the large insurance companies that back these negligent drivers. A team of personable, qualified, experienced, and compassionate San Francisco accident attorneys is key in recovering the compensation you will need after you sustain a personal injury or lose a loved one to a wrongful death. When tragedy strikes, you may be stuck with a mountain of medical bills and expenses. San Francisco accident attorneys will be able to help you pursue a maximum recovery after your accident.
Remember, accidents happen every day and many end fatally. Despite being called “accidents”, there is always someone at fault and always someone liable for these incidents. When people act negligently, these accidents happen and a recovery via a claim of personal injury, or wrongful death, can be the only means to manage present and future expenses. Contact a group of San Francisco accident attorneys specializing in these cases today.