Wrongful Death Claims After Car Accidents in San Francisco: What You Should Know
San Francisco’s bustling streets, steep hills, and constant flow of cars, cyclists, and pedestrians make it one of the most challenging cities to navigate safely. Unfortunately, serious traffic collisions happen every day — and when one of those crashes takes a life, the aftermath can be devastating. Families are left grappling with grief, confusion, and a flood of questions: How did this happen? Who is responsible? And what legal rights do we have?
This guide explains everything families in San Francisco should know about wrongful death claims after car accidents, including how fault is determined, what compensation is available, and how the attorneys at Mary Alexander & Associates help grieving families find justice and accountability.
Understanding Wrongful Death After a Car Accident
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s life is taken as a result of another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or unlawful behavior. In San Francisco, this might involve:
- A driver running a red light or stop sign.
- Speeding or reckless driving on city streets.
- Distracted driving — such as texting or using a phone behind the wheel.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists.
- Defective vehicles or poor road maintenance.
These incidents are not simply “accidents.” They are preventable tragedies caused by choices — and California law gives families the right to hold negligent parties accountable through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, only certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim. These include:
- The deceased’s spouse or domestic partner.
- Children or stepchildren of the deceased.
- Grandchildren, if the deceased’s children have also passed away.
- Other financially dependent relatives (such as parents or siblings).
If there are no immediate family members, other heirs may be eligible under California’s intestate succession laws. A San Francisco wrongful death lawyer can help determine who has standing to file.
Determining Fault After a Fatal Car Accident
Establishing fault is one of the most important — and complex — aspects of a wrongful death case. In car accident claims, liability may rest with:
- Another driver, for violating traffic laws or driving recklessly.
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defective part (like brakes or airbags) contributed to the crash.
- A city or public entity, for failing to maintain safe roadways or proper signage.
Your attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation, which may include reviewing police reports, obtaining dashcam or surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, reconstructing the crash, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Because multiple parties may share fault, having a law firm with the resources and experience to uncover every detail is essential.
The Role of Comparative Negligence
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident, their family can still recover damages — though the total compensation will be reduced by the deceased’s percentage of responsibility.
For example, if a jury finds the other driver 80% responsible and the deceased 20% responsible, the family can still recover 80% of the total damages. A skilled wrongful death attorney ensures that fault is apportioned fairly and that insurance companies don’t unfairly shift blame onto the victim.
Common Damages in Car Accident Wrongful Death Claims
Families can pursue both economic and non-economic damages to reflect the full scope of their loss. These may include:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Lost income, benefits, and future financial support.
- Loss of household services.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, and care.
- Loss of moral support and guidance.
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members.
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these damages help ease the financial strain and hold negligent parties accountable.
How Long Do You Have to File?
In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. However, if the claim involves a government entity (for example, if the crash was caused by a city vehicle or a dangerous road condition), families may have as little as six months to file a claim.
Failing to meet these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover compensation. That’s why it’s critical to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
The Process: From Claim to Resolution
The wrongful death process following a fatal car accident typically includes these steps:
- Initial Consultation: The family meets with a wrongful death lawyer to review the case and understand their legal rights.
- Investigation: The law firm gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and consults experts.
- Filing the Claim: The attorney files a formal complaint against the responsible party.
- Negotiation: Most cases involve extensive settlement discussions with insurers and opposing attorneys.
- Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court, where a jury decides the outcome.
Throughout this process, the legal team at Mary Alexander & Associates provides steady support, keeping clients informed and empowered while handling every legal detail.
Why Choose a San Francisco-Based Firm
Wrongful death cases in San Francisco often involve unique challenges: city-owned vehicles, Muni or BART accidents, complex intersections, and dense traffic patterns. A local firm familiar with these issues — and the city’s courts and procedures — can make a major difference.
Mary Alexander & Associates has decades of experience handling wrongful death and personal injury cases throughout the Bay Area. Their attorneys understand how local investigations work, how to obtain city records, and how to build cases that resonate with San Francisco juries.
The Emotional Side of Seeking Justice
For many families, filing a wrongful death claim after a car accident isn’t just about financial recovery — it’s about answers. It’s about ensuring that the person responsible is held accountable and that future tragedies are prevented.
At Mary Alexander & Associates, every case is handled with empathy and integrity. The firm recognizes the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one and strives to provide both legal excellence and personal compassion. Families are supported at every stage, from the first phone call to the final verdict or settlement.
Taking the Next Step
If your loved one was killed in a car accident in San Francisco, you don’t have to face this journey alone. The law allows you to seek justice — and a skilled attorney can guide you through every step.
Contact Mary Alexander & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation. Their wrongful death attorneys have recovered millions for California families and are ready to help you find accountability, closure, and peace.
Justice begins with one call — and your family’s story deserves to be heard.
