San Rafael Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in an Auto Wreck? Our San Rafael Car Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help
Did you know?
In 2021 alone, more than 6.1 million police-reported crashes occurred in the United States — roughly 1 crash every 5 seconds.
Don't Face Insurance Companies Alone—Let a San Rafael Car Accident Lawyer Help
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (if applicable)
The Rising Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Rafael and Across the U.S.
The IIHS emphasizes that some areas experience much higher crash rates based on population and miles driven. Factors like population density, roadway conditions, and driver behavior contribute to elevated accident rates in many areas.
The broader U.S. numbers are alarming, but local jurisdictions like San Rafael often see thousands of accidents each year.
In San Rafael, thousands of crashes are reported annually, many resulting in severe injuries or life-altering consequences.
In some metropolitan areas, over 10,000 traffic crashes occur each year, including hundreds that lead to life-altering injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Rafael
- Distracted Driving – texting, using GPS, or eating behind the wheel
- Speeding – exceeding the limit or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – alcohol and drug-related crashes
- Reckless Driving – tailgating, weaving, or failing to yield
- Poor Road Conditions – potholes, debris, or lack of signage
- Vehicle Defects – brake failure, tire blowouts, and recalls
Steps To Take After a Car Wreck in San Rafael
- Call 911 – Always report the accident to the police and request medical help.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any visible damage.
- Exchange Information – Get contact and insurance info from all drivers involved.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) show up later.
- Contact a Lawyer – Speak to a car accident attorney before giving statements to insurance companies.
Injuries Our San Rafael Car Accident Lawyers Frequently Encounter
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Common in rear-end collisions, often underestimated and delayed in onset.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Ranging from mild concussions to long-term cognitive damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Including herniated discs, nerve compression, or full paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Particularly in the ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs.
- Internal Injuries – Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
- Psychological Trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression stemming from the event.
Understanding Your Potential Damages in a San Rafael Auto Accident
- Economic Damages – These include quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damage, and future earnings.
- Non-Economic Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive Damages – In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, these serve to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
What You Need to Know About Comparative Fault in California
Establishing fault is a critical step in securing fair compensation, and it begins with strong evidence.At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we collaborate with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and investigators to prove liability and defend your rights.
Who Is Legally Responsible for Your Car Crash?
- Other Motorists – Negligent drivers, uninsured or underinsured motorists
- Employers – If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident
- Vehicle Manufacturers – Defective parts or recalls
- Government Entities – Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or faulty traffic signals
How We Help With Insurance Claims in San Rafael
That’s why Boyadzhyan Law Firm steps in to manage every part of your insurance claim.
Our team brings in expert witnesses and documentation to counter insurer attempts to undervalue your losses.
How Insurers Try to Reduce Your Car Accident Claim
Quick Lowball Offers
They hope you'll accept money quickly without understanding the true value of your claim.
Blaming the Victim
Adjusters may argue that you were partially or fully responsible to reduce their payout.
Excessive Paperwork Requests
You may be overwhelmed with forms and requests meant to frustrate or slow your case.
Downplaying Injuries
They might argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed or were pre-existing.
Surveillance & Social Media Monitoring
Insurers are known to track your online presence for “evidence” to devalue your injuries.
Recognizing Unfair Insurance Tactics
- Collecting police reports, witness statements, and video footage
- Requesting medical records and treatment plans
- Evaluating vehicle damage and traffic data
- Interviewing expert witnesses, including doctors and economists
See the NAIC website for more details on bad faith insurance practices.
How Attorneys Strengthen Your Insurance Negotiation Power in San Rafael
We combine facts, expert input, and witness testimony to create a powerful narrative.Our aim is always full and fair compensation, whether through a settlement or verdict.
How We Build a Strong Case
- Collecting police reports, witness statements, and video footage
- Requesting medical records and treatment plans
- Evaluating vehicle damage and traffic data
- Interviewing expert witnesses, including doctors and economists
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
No matter how valid your claim, you’ll be barred from recovery if you miss the deadline.
Acting fast and talking to an attorney immediately protects your legal options.
Quick Fact: In claims involving government vehicles (such as city buses or maintenance trucks), the filing window is often much shorter — sometimes as little as 6 months.
Learn more at California Department of Transportation or your local DMV website.
When Your Case Goes to Court: What to Expect
Trial isn’t our fallback — it’s a powerful tool we’re ready to use.We take a meticulous approach to trial prep — covering every detail with intention.
What Goes Into Trial Preparation at Boyadzhyan Law Firm
- Comprehensive Evidence Gathering: From surveillance footage to cell phone data.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, vocational experts.
- Jury-focused Case Strategy: Simplifying complex evidence for maximum impact in court.
- Mock Trials and Focus Groups (when applicable): Helping us test and refine arguments.
We’re With You Every Step of the Way
We’re not just your lawyers — we’re your advocates, advisors, and allies from start to finish.You’ll never be left guessing about your case — we make sure you feel informed, supported, and empowered at every turn.
Let’s Talk About Your Recovery
You’ve been through enough. Let’s make sure your next step is one toward justice, compensation, and peace of mind.
Contact Boyadzhyan Law Firm today for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. Whether you need answers, legal representation, or just someone to listen, we’re ready to help.
Complex Car Accident Cases We Handle in San Rafael
Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
Getting into an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver introduces a layer of complexity that standard cases don’t have. You’re no longer just dealing with the driver — now the rideshare company’s insurance and corporate policies come into play.
As of 2024, Uber and Lyft both provide third-party liability coverage up to $1 million, but that coverage only applies under certain conditions depending on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off duty.
Understanding these distinctions is key — and we handle it all for you. Learn more about how this insurance works at Uber’s Insurance Policy Summary or Lyft’s Coverage Guide.
Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
Collisions with 18-wheelers and commercial delivery vehicles often result in devastating injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. These cases also tend to involve:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Logbooks and maintenance records
- Multiple liable parties (driver, employer, manufacturer)
We work with trucking industry experts to uncover the truth and hold every responsible party accountable. For more info on trucking safety standards, visit the FMCSA Website.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
If the driver who hit you has no insurance — or not enough — you may think you’re out of options. But don’t give up hope. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can still recover damages through your own insurer.
We’ll examine every angle of your policy and help you navigate any UM/UIM claims — a process that’s often just as adversarial as dealing with another driver’s insurance company.
Understanding the Full Value of Your Car Accident Claim in San Rafael
Economic Damages
These are tangible, financial losses with clearly measurable costs:
- Medical Bills: Emergency care, surgery, rehab, medications, long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Time missed from work during recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If you can’t return to your prior job or career path.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
These refer to intangible harm that affects your quality of life:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and emotional trauma.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD.
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships and companionship.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Long-term consequences of the crash.
Backing Your Case With Numbers and Expert Analysis
We’ve handled countless cases in high-risk areas, including:
- Downtown corridors with heavy pedestrian activity
- High-speed zones along major highways
- School zones and intersections where rear-end collisions are frequent
Legal Advocacy You Can Rely On in San Rafael, California
At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we take the pressure off your shoulders by:
- Investigating your accident thoroughly
- Protecting you from lowball insurance tactics
- Negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation
- Preparing your case for trial if needed
