Bay Area Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a crash in San Francisco, Santa Clara, or San Mateo County, you are not alone. From routine fender benders to devastating collisions, car accidents can happen anywhere in the Bay Area and change everything. When that happens, you need a legal team that doesn’t back down from tough cases or powerful opponents. At Danko Meredith, we represent seriously injured people and grieving families, not insurance companies.

Our Redwood City-based car accident lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions for clients across Northern California, including in complex cases involving corporations. We are trial lawyers, and insurance companies know it. For a free consultation with proven car accident lawyers, contact our Bay Area law firm today. You can also reach our law office in Redwood City by calling (650) 453-3600.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision

Even a relatively minor crash can result in serious medical expenses, time away from work, and ongoing pain. But insurance companies don’t hand over fair compensation just because you were injured. They may pressure you to accept a quick, lowball offer before you even know the full extent of your injuries. They might claim you were partially or wholly at fault, or delay your case until key evidence disappears.

Having a car accident attorney from Danko Meredith in your corner means you don’t have to fight alone. We take over all communication with insurers, preserve critical evidence, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That level of preparation often pushes insurance companies or at-fault parties to settle, but if they won’t, we are always ready to argue your case before a jury.

Why Choose Danko Meredith for Your Car Accident Case

At Danko Meredith, our attorneys have over 120 years of combined experience. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for people who have been harmed by negligence, corporate misconduct, and unsafe auto products. Our law firm’s record shows our commitment to clients in the face of powerful interests.

Confidential Car Accident Settlement with Firestone

In 2002, brothers Joey and Bobby Crane were driving their SUV when the tread came off the right rear tire. The ensuing rollover accident killed Bobby, who was just 17. The official accident report claimed that the right rear tire was underinflated, but we found that the tire was properly inflated and had only 2,000 miles on it.

Further investigation revealed that while the tire looked fine, it was actually 14 years old. After just six years of oxidation, tires become more prone to detreading even if they do not have any miles on them. Firestone insisted that old tires can be safe, be we uncovered internal documents at the company that revealed the company’s management knew about the dangers of old tires since the 1970s. The company never warned the public about these dangers because they wanted to warehouse these old tires and continue to make money on their unsafe inventory.

Days before the wrongful death trial was set to begin, we reached a confidential settlement with Firestone. Today, tire manufacturers now warn customers to check the age of their tires so that old, unsafe tires can be discarded.

Experienced Bay Area Lawyers Who Know How to Get Results

Danko Meredith takes cases we believe in, and our lawyers take them all the way. Even when the odds seem stacked against clients, we can find a way to win.

Consider another past case involving a fuel-fed fire. Our client suffered severe burns in the accident. The trauma she experienced was so severe that she could not remember the accident itself or the debridement and skin grafting procedures she required. Even though she had no memory of what happened to her, we proved the emotional effects were significant and long-lasting, and we found medical specialists who could attest to various limitations our client faced from her injuries. We were able to secure a confidential $11 million settlement from the defendant corporation.

When you work with Danko Meredith, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re hiring a team of proven trial advocates who will fight for you at every step.

California’s Legal Deadline for Car Accident Claims

Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity (like Caltrans or a city-owned vehicle) was involved, the deadline may be as short as six months.

Time matters. Evidence can disappear, and missing a deadline can mean permanently losing your right to compensation. Contact our Redwood City law firm to discuss your car accident with one of our experienced attorneys.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

San Mateo County is part of a dense commuter corridor with heavy vehicle traffic, unpredictable weather, and frequent construction. In our experience, most accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence, road hazards, or both. Common causes of collisions include:

Distracted Driving

Smartphones, dashboard screens, and even hands-free calls contribute to hundreds of collisions every year. A momentary glance away from the road can lead to a lifelong injury.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding is a leading cause of serious accidents. Combined with tailgating, sudden lane changes, and road rage, aggressive driving is a recipe for tragedy.

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired driving remains a serious problem across the Bay Area. Whether alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs are involved, an impaired driver may be held both civilly and criminally responsible.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Busy intersections such as Woodside Road and El Camino Real see frequent crashes involving right-of-way violations.

Hazardous Roads and Poor Maintenance

Construction zones, potholes, and missing signage can contribute to liability. In some cases, a government agency may be responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Not all car accidents are the same. The type of collision can significantly affect the severity of injuries, the challenges of the investigation, and the strategy for pursuing compensation.

Our car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to take on all types of motor vehicle crashes throughout the Bay Area.

• Rear-End Collisions: These are among the most common types of crashes and often result from distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes are some of the most deadly accidents on California roads. These usually occur due to wrong-way driving, drunk driving, or loss of control. The forces involved often cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
• T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes: Also known as broadside collisions, these accidents typically happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield. Occupants on the side of impact are especially vulnerable to serious harm, including rib fractures, internal organ injuries, and spinal trauma.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover crashes are more likely in high-profile vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. These accidents can eject occupants, crush the vehicle cabin, or cause secondary collisions, leading to severe injuries or death.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: When several cars are involved, fault can be challenging to determine. These chain-reaction crashes often occur on Highway 101 during heavy traffic or foggy weather.
• Post-Crash Fires: The impact during a collision could spark a fire fed by fuel from a ruptured gas tank. These kinds of fires can be extremely traumatic and lead to severe burns, especially if drivers and passengers are unconscious or trapped in the vehicle wreckage.

No matter how your crash occurred, our firm is ready to help. Our car accident lawyers investigate every angle, consult industry experts, and fight aggressively to recover the compensation you deserve.

Uber, Lyft, and Autonomous Vehicles

Redwood City sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, where rideshare services and self-driving vehicles are now part of daily life in the Bay Area. But with new technology comes new legal complications.

Uber and Lyft Accidents

If you were injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle or were hit by one, your claim may involve multiple insurance policies. Liability depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a fare, or off-duty. Our car accident attorneys understand the nuances of rideshare injury claims and how to demand full compensation from all responsible parties.

Waymo and Self-Driving Vehicle Accidents

Autonomous vehicles are increasingly seen on Bay Area streets. If you were injured in an accident involving a self-driving car, liability may lie with the software developer, vehicle manufacturer, human driver, or all of the above. Our car accident attorneys have handled cutting-edge tech liability claims and have the resources to take on difficult cases against major corporations.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’re injured in a crash, the steps you take next can affect your health and your legal claim. Acting swiftly and strategically ensures that your injuries are properly documented, evidence is preserved, and your right to seek compensation remains protected.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Symptoms of serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding can take hours or days to appear. Delaying treatment not only puts your health at risk but can also weaken your legal claim, as insurance companies may argue your injuries were not serious or weren’t related to the accident.

Report the Accident to the Police

Call 911 and request an official accident report. A police report creates a valuable, objective record of what happened, including the location, time, weather conditions, and any potential traffic violations. This document often plays a key role in establishing liability.

Document the Scene

Use your smartphone to take as many photos and videos as possible. Capture all vehicles involved, your injuries, license plates, the crash site, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else that can be relevant. Try to obtain contact details from witnesses; independent accounts can be invaluable.

Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers

Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to limit payouts. Never agree to a recorded statement, sign any documents, or accept an early settlement without first consulting a lawyer. What you say to an insurer can be used against you later.

Contact Our Bay Area Car Accident Lawyers

The sooner we can begin investigating, the better your chance of recovering full compensation. Valuable evidence can disappear quickly. For example, surveillance footage may be erased, vehicles repaired, and witnesses harder to reach. Our team at Danko Meredith knows how to act fast to protect your rights. In one of our past cases, our law firm was able to mobilize quickly, gather evidence, and secure a $20 million settlement for our client in just over two months.

Do not delay. To request a free consultation with experienced car accident attorneys, contact our Redwood City law office today.

Car Accident Injuries

At Danko Meredith, we focus on catastrophic injury claims. We represent people who have suffered life-altering harm and who need full, long-term support to rebuild their lives. Car crashes often result in a wide range of severe injuries, and we know how to document them fully for maximum compensation.

We represent individuals who have sustained:

• Spinal Cord Injuries, Paralysis, and Herniated Discs: Injuries to the spine can result in permanent loss of mobility, chronic pain, or lifelong care needs. We work with neurosurgeons and physical rehabilitation experts to present the full medical picture.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions: From mild concussions to life-altering TBIs, traumatic brain injuries affect memory, mood, and cognition. These cases require detailed neurological assessments and life care planning.
• Burn Injuries from Vehicle Fires: Explosions, electrical shorts, and high-speed impacts can cause devastating second-degree and third-degree burns. We document both the physical and psychological toll, including PTSD and scarring.
• Multiple Fractures and Orthopedic Damage: Crushed limbs and shattered bones may require surgical fixation, hardware implants, and extensive rehab.
• Loss of Limb and Crush Injuries: Our Redwood City-based car accident lawyers advocate for full compensation to cover prosthetics, home modifications, lost income, and emotional suffering.
• Internal Organ Damage: These hidden injuries may not show immediately, but can be fatal or require emergency surgery.

These severe injury cases require careful medical analysis and long-term planning. Our legal team works closely with top medical experts, life care planners, and financial analysts to calculate the full scope of your needs, from current treatment to future care, lost earnings, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Serious Crash?

No two car accidents are alike, nor are the impacts they leave behind. Our car accident attorneys understand that real recovery means more than just paying your medical bills. It means helping you rebuild your life, restore your independence, and plan for a secure future.

Economic Damages

Under California law, injured car accident victims may pursue economic damages, which represent measurable financial losses. These include emergency room care, hospital stays, surgeries, and long-term physical therapy. If your injuries prevent you from working, we will pursue compensation for lost wages, as well as your reduced future earning capacity. Property damage to your vehicle and other necessary expenses, like rideshare costs or home accessibility modifications, are also part of the equation.

Non-Economic Damages

Equally important are non-economic damages, which compensate you for the pain and disruption that don’t come with a price tag. These include physical suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and the overall loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries result in permanent disfigurement or disability, your compensation should reflect the profound and lasting impact on your self-image and relationships.

Punitive Damages

In rare but especially egregious cases, such as those involving drunk or distracted drivers, you may be eligible for punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to make you whole, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.

At Danko Meredith, we do not take shortcuts or accept lowball offers. Insurance companies know we mean business. When your health, livelihood, and future are on the line, we fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to court after a car crash?

Not necessarily. In fact, the majority of personal injury cases resolve through negotiated settlements without ever going to trial. However, at Danko Meredith, we prepare every case from day one as though it will go to court.

This comprehensive approach sends a clear message to the insurance company and defense counsel: we are ready, willing, and able to take your case before a jury if necessary. That level of preparation often leads to stronger settlement offers and gives you the leverage you need to demand full compensation.

Can I sue Uber, Lyft, or Waymo?

Yes. Rideshare and autonomous vehicle companies have a duty to ensure their drivers and technologies operate safely. If you were hit by an Uber, Lyft, or Waymo vehicle, or injured while riding in one, you may have a viable claim.

These cases can be more challenging because they often involve corporate insurance policies, overlapping coverage periods, and questions of whether a driver was actively “on the clock.” Our team of car accident attorneys has experience holding large companies and insurers accountable and can handle these unique legal challenges.

How long will my car accident case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on the details of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether a fair settlement can be reached without litigation.

Straightforward cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve within a few months. However, serious injury claims, wrongful death cases, or those involving corporate defendants can take a significant amount of time, especially if they go to trial. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, prepared, and in control of your case. At Danko Meredith, our priority is not just a fast resolution, but a just one.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Redwood Shores, CA

If you were hurt in a crash, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. At Danko Meredith, we’re ready to investigate, advocate, and win.

Contact us online or call our office in Redwood City at (650) 453-3600for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Bay Area car accident attorneys.