A traffic collision at the busy intersection of Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco’s Mission District left at least one person injured on Saturday evening, November 16, 2025. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash occurred at approximately 7:19 p.m., providing immediate medical attention to the injured party before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Details of the Mission District Traffic Collision
The accident occurred during peak evening hours at one of the Mission District’s busiest intersections. Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue see considerable vehicle and pedestrian activity throughout the day, with traffic volumes typically increasing during weekend evenings as residents and visitors frequent the area’s numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Emergency medical personnel responded promptly to the scene, assessing and stabilizing the injured individual before transporting them to a local medical facility. As of this report, authorities have not released information regarding the severity of the injuries sustained or the current condition of the injured party.
The collision temporarily disrupted traffic flow through the intersection as first responders secured the area and began their preliminary investigation. Law enforcement officers worked to manage traffic and ensure public safety while emergency crews attended to the injured person and documented the scene.
Investigation Into the Cause of the Traffic Collision
San Francisco authorities have not yet disclosed specific details about the circumstances surrounding this collision. Information regarding the number of vehicles involved, the direction of travel, and the particular factors that may have contributed to the crash remains under investigation.
Investigators will likely examine multiple aspects of the incident, including driver behavior, compliance with traffic signals, road conditions, visibility factors, and any potential mechanical issues with the vehicles involved. Witness statements and available surveillance footage from nearby businesses may also provide crucial insights into how the collision occurred.
When a crash happens at a major intersection like Mission and South Van Ness, GJEL’s team understands the importance of thoroughly investigating every detail. Victims deserve answers about what happened, and a comprehensive investigation is essential for establishing accountability and securing the compensation they need for their recovery.
Understanding Your Rights After a San Francisco Traffic Collision
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic collision in San Francisco, understanding your legal rights is an essential step toward recovery. California law provides protections for accident victims, allowing them to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the negligence of another party.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents
Intersections like Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue present unique hazards that can lead to serious collisions:
Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians create dangerous situations that can result in serious crashes.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic control devices is a leading cause of intersection accidents, often resulting in high-impact collisions.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using navigation systems, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice traffic signals, other vehicles, or pedestrians at intersections.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop safely and increases the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment significantly compromises a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Poor Visibility: Inadequate street lighting, weather conditions, or obstructed sight lines can contribute to intersection accidents, particularly during evening hours.
Types of Injuries Common in Traffic Collisions
Traffic accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and scarring
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
The full extent of injuries may not be immediately apparent following an accident. Some symptoms may emerge hours or even days after the collision, making it essential to seek prompt medical evaluation even if you initially feel uninjured.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
Protecting your health and legal rights after a traffic collision requires prompt action:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, a thorough medical examination creates an essential record of your condition and identifies injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
Document the Scene: If safely possible, take photographs of vehicle damage, the accident location, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties, and obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Report the Accident: File a report with the San Francisco Police Department, particularly if the accident involved injuries, significant property damage, or suspected violations of traffic laws.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, repair estimates, receipts for accident-related expenses, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you seeking recorded statements. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney before providing detailed statements to insurance companies.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
California Traffic Laws and Liability
California operates under a “fault” system for car accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the collision is liable for resulting damages. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way when entering or crossing an intersection, while Vehicle Code Section 21453 governs compliance with traffic signal indicators.
Determining liability in intersection accidents often requires careful analysis of multiple factors, including traffic signal timing, right-of-way rules, driver actions, and road conditions. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident.
California also follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would be entitled to recover $80,000.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in California
California law imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, accident victims generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. If a claim involves a government entity, special rules apply, and a formal claim must typically be filed within six months of the incident.
Missing these deadlines can result in the permanent loss of your right to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case. Consulting with an attorney promptly after an accident ensures that all necessary steps are taken within the required timeframes.
It’s essential to recognize that, although the two-year deadline may seem ample, building a strong personal injury case requires considerable preparation and thorough investigation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and crucial documentation may become harder to obtain as time passes. Additionally, suppose you wait too long to consult with an attorney.
In that case, you may find yourself rushed to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires, potentially compromising the quality of your case preparation. Starting the legal process early allows your attorney sufficient time to conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. If settlement negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, having started early ensures your attorney has adequate time to prepare for trial without the pressure of an approaching deadline.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have represented accident victims in San Francisco for decades, securing over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of California traffic laws and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
When you work with GJEL, we handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursuing full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Every accident case is unique, and we approach each client’s situation with the individual attention it deserves. GJEL’s goal is not just to win cases, but to help injury victims rebuild their lives and secure the resources they need for their future.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators
When traffic accidents result in severe, life-altering injuries, victims and their families often face overwhelming uncertainty about their financial future. A catastrophic injury settlement calculator serves as a valuable tool for understanding the potential compensation available for injuries that result in permanent disability, long-term medical care, or significant lifestyle changes.
These specialized calculators take into account factors that extend far beyond immediate medical bills, including lifetime medical care costs, necessary home modifications, assistive devices and equipment, lost earning capacity over your entire working life, the need for ongoing rehabilitation and therapy, and the profound impact on your quality of life and ability to enjoy daily activities.
Unlike standard accident calculators, catastrophic injury calculators recognize that severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, or injuries resulting in paralysis require comprehensive lifetime care planning. The calculator helps project these long-term costs and needs, providing a more accurate picture of the total compensation necessary to secure your future.
While no calculator can replace the detailed case evaluation provided by an experienced personal injury attorney, these tools offer an essential starting point for understanding the true scope of your claim. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to ensure that catastrophic injury victims receive compensation that truly reflects the full extent of their losses and future needs. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“If you’ve been injured in a collision at this busy Mission District intersection, please know that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. The hours and days following an accident can feel overwhelming—you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. As your advocate, I want you to understand that California law protects your right to full compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life. At GJEL, we’ve spent decades fighting for San Francisco accident victims, and we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable. Your focus should be on healing—let us handle the legal complexities. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Please reach out for a free consultation so we can discuss your rights and help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.” — Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking the legal representation you deserve. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we believe that every accident victim should have access to experienced legal counsel, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay absolutely nothing upfront, no retainer fees, no hourly charges, and no out-of-pocket costs while we work on your case.
We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, which means our interests are entirely aligned with yours. We’re invested in maximizing your settlement or verdict because our fee comes from the recovery we secure on your behalf. This arrangement allows you to have a top-tier legal team fighting for your rights without any financial risk. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Fairfield office for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us put our decades of experience and proven track record to work for you. At the same time, you focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Comprehensive Local Resources for San Francisco Accident Victims
San Francisco Police Department
Mission Station (Serving the Mission District)
630 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Non-Emergency: (415) 558-5400
Emergency: 911
Website: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org
For accident reports, traffic incident information, and police assistance
San Francisco Police Department – Traffic Company
1251 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 575-6395
Specialized unit handling traffic collision investigations and enforcement
California Highway Patrol – San Francisco Area Office
450 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 457-2875
24-Hour Dispatch: 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247)
Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov
For accidents on state highways and freeways in the San Francisco area
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
1 South Van Ness Avenue, 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 701-2311
Customer Service: 311 (within SF)
Website: https://www.sfmta.com
For traffic signal issues, road conditions, and transportation-related concerns
San Francisco Department of Public Works
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 557-1000
Customer Service Center: 311
Website: https://www.sfpublicworks.org
For reporting hazardous road conditions, potholes, and infrastructure concerns
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center
1001 Potrero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
Main Phone: (415) 206-8000
Emergency Department: (415) 206-8111
Website: https://zuckerbergsanfranciscogeneral.org
Level I trauma center providing emergency and specialized care
UCSF Medical Center
505 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 476-1000
Emergency: (415) 353-1566
Website: https://www.ucsfhealth.org
Comprehensive medical care and specialized treatment services
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – San Francisco Office
1377 Fell Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 1-800-777-0133
Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
For driver’s license issues, vehicle registration, and accident reporting requirements
San Francisco Department of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-2500
Website: https://www.sfdph.org
Mental health services, victim support, and community health resources
San Francisco Victim/Witness Assistance Program
District Attorney’s Office
350 Rhode Island Street, Suite 400N
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 553-9044
Crisis Line: (415) 437-3000
Website: https://www.sfdistrictattorney.org
Support services, counseling referrals, and assistance for crime and accident victims
California Department of Insurance
San Francisco District Office
45 Fremont Street, 23rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-927-4357
Website: https://www.insurance.ca.gov
For insurance complaints, questions about coverage, and consumer protection
Legal Aid Society of San Francisco
1663 Mission Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 864-8848
Website: https://www.legalaidatsf.org
Free legal assistance for low-income individuals
Bay Area Legal Aid
1735 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 1-877-660-6608
Website: https://www.baylegal.org
Legal services for qualifying Bay Area residents
San Francisco Superior Court
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 551-4000
Website: https://www.sfsuperiorcourt.org
For filing civil lawsuits and accessing court services
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov
Vehicle recalls, safety complaints, and crash statistics
California Office of Traffic Safety
2208 Kausen Drive, Suite 300
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 509-3030
Website: https://www.ots.ca.gov
Traffic safety resources and collision prevention information
Trauma Recovery Center – UCSF/SFGH
2727 Mariposa Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 437-3000
Website: https://traumarecoverycenter.org
Free mental health services for survivors of violent crime and traumatic incidents
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Lost and Found
San Francisco International Airport
Phone: (650) 821-7014
For recovering personal items lost in accidents near the airport or involving rideshare services
