This page provides general legal information about personal injury law in San Francisco, California. It does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney before making any legal decisions.
Courts & Filing in San Francisco
Personal injury civil lawsuits from San Francisco are filed in San Francisco County Superior Court at San Francisco Superior Court. Government entity claims require a six-month administrative claim before any lawsuit. Complex cases may be designated under California Rules of Court Rule 3.400.
Primary civil courthouse for personal injury lawsuits from San Francisco and San Francisco County. Government entity claims against the City of San Francisco, San Francisco County, or Caltrans require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit can be filed in any California court.
California Personal Injury Law in San Francisco
All personal injury claims from San Francisco are governed by California law: pure comparative fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.); the two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1); the six-month Government Claims Act deadline for government entity claims (Government Code Section 945.4); MICRA caps for medical malpractice; and uncapped economic and non-economic damages for all non-malpractice personal injury categories.
Personal Injury Context in San Francisco
San Francisco has san francisco superior court handles the bay area's broadest personal injury docket; muni transit accidents, pedestrian incidents in dense urban environment, and high-profile premises liability cases. These local factors create the specific personal injury risk profile of San Francisco and its surrounding community, generating the personal injury claims that are litigated in San Francisco County Superior Court.
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Frequently Asked Questions — San Francisco
Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in San Francisco?
Personal injury civil lawsuits from San Francisco are generally filed in San Francisco County Superior Court at San Francisco Superior Court, 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102. Unlimited civil cases (over $35,000) are filed in the civil department. Claims against the City of San Francisco, San Francisco County, or other government entities require a written administrative claim within six months under Government Code Section 945.4 before any lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in San Francisco?
Two years from the date of injury under CCP Section 335.1 for most personal injury claims. Medical malpractice: one year from discovery or three years from the act. Government entity claims: six months under Government Code Section 945.4. Minor victims: tolled until age 18 under CCP Section 352.
What makes San Francisco a significant area for personal injury claims?
San Francisco has san francisco superior court handles the bay area's broadest personal injury docket; muni transit accidents, pedestrian incidents in dense urban environment, and high-profile premises liability cases. This combination of population density, traffic volume, commercial activity, and employment creates substantial personal injury exposure across all categories of injury.
Does California's pure comparative fault apply in San Francisco?
Yes. California's pure comparative fault from Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) applies throughout California, including San Francisco. Recovery is reduced proportionally by the victim's fault percentage but never eliminated. This applies to all personal injury cases in San Francisco County Superior Court.
What if a City of San Francisco vehicle or property caused my injury?
Government entity claims against the City of San Francisco or San Francisco County require a written administrative claim within six months of the injury under Government Code Section 945.4. Missing this deadline permanently bars the government entity claim. For state highway defects, a claim against Caltrans must also be filed within six months.
Can I recover for pain and suffering in a San Francisco personal injury case?
Yes. California imposes no cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement) in non-malpractice personal injury cases. San Francisco County Superior Court juries determine non-economic damage amounts based on the severity, permanence, and impact of the injuries on the victim's life. Medical malpractice non-economic damages are capped by MICRA at $470,000 (2026).
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