Car Accident Lawyer San Francisco

San Francisco Car Accident Statistics

In 2022, San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area recorded thousands of traffic accidents, with rush hours during the evening being the most hazardous time to drive.

Statistics show that a significant percentage of these accidents occur between 3 p.m.
and 6 p.m., a timeframe accounting for just 12.5% of the day but nearly 20% of accidents.

Every 15 hours on average, someone is taken to San Francisco General Hospital after being seriously injured in a traffic crash. In 2022, 37 people lost their lives in traffic crashes in San Francisco. That’s because many of San Francisco’s streets are dangerous, especially for people walking. There are around 160 miles of streets designated as
‘high-injury’ because crashes happen so frequently.

The primary causes of accidents in San Francisco include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Distracted driving alone accounted for hundreds of accidents in the Bay Area. Speeding contributed to over 14% of fatal collisions, and San Francisco reported several pedestrian fatalities, making it one of
the deadliest cities for pedestrians in the state.

Common Types of Auto Accidents in San Francisco

San Francisco’s bustling streets, narrow lanes, and unique geography contribute to various types of auto accidents. From minor fender-benders to severe collisions, these incidents are often caused by driver negligence or challenging roadway conditions.

Rear-end collisions

Rear-end accidents are among the most frequent in San Francisco, often occurring in congested traffic or at stoplights. Distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking are common causes of these incidents. Often a rear-end collision results in whiplash, neck injuries, and other serious consequences, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Intersection collisions

With heavy pedestrian traffic and vehicles converging at busy intersections, San Francisco experiences a significant number of T-bone and side-impact collisions. These accidents often happen when drivers run red lights, fail to yield, or misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles. Areas like Market Street and Geary Boulevard are particularly prone to intersection-related crashes.

Sideswipe accidents

Narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and frequent lane changes contribute to sideswipe accidents in San Francisco. These accidents typically occur when drivers fail to check their blind spots, signal properly, or merge without sufficient space. Freeways like I-280 and US-101, as well as city streets, are hotspots for sideswipe collisions.

Pedestrian accidents

As one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., San Francisco sees a high number of accidents involving pedestrians. Many of these incidents occur at crosswalks, often due to drivers failing to yield or being distracted. Pedestrian-involved accidents are particularly severe and can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Βicycle accidents

With a growing number of cyclists sharing the roads, bicycle accidents are common in San Francisco. Drivers who fail to share the road, check for cyclists when turning, or open car doors into bike lanes (dooring accidents) frequently cause these incidents. Streets like Valencia and Polk, which are popular biking routes, often see such accidents.

Multi-vehicle pileups

Heavy traffic on major freeways like I-80, I-280, and the Bay Bridge can result in chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles.

Rollover accidents

Rollover accidents are less common but can be devastating when they occur, especially on San Francisco’s steep hills. These accidents often involve larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks and are caused by sharp turns, speeding, or losing control on uneven road surfaces.

Head-on collisions

Although less frequent, head-on collisions in San Francisco can be deadly. These crashes often occur when a driver crosses the centerline, either due to distraction, intoxication, or attempting unsafe maneuvers.

Hit-and-run accidents

Hit-and-run incidents are a significant problem in San Francisco, where drivers flee the scene after causing damage or injury. These accidents frequently involve pedestrians, cyclists, or parked vehicles, leaving victims with little recourse to legal assistance.

Parking lot accidents

Due to the city’s limited parking spaces, accidents in parking lots or garages are common. These low-speed collisions often involve drivers backing out of spaces without checking for other vehicles or pedestrians.