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San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney | Law Office of John J. Roach

I’m John J. Roach — a San Francisco personal injury lawyer with extensive trial experience representing Bay Area victims of car accidents, truck collisions, and auto wrecks, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, wrongful death, pedestrian injuries, and Uber and Lyft rideshare collisions. Since founding my firm in 2015, I’ve recovered over $25 million for injured clients, including a $6 million brain injury settlement and a $2,185,000 TBI pedestrian recovery.

I prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. That trial-ready approach is why insurance companies take my demands seriously — and why, when they don’t, I win at arbitration or at trial.

I know the real toll of a serious accident: mounting medical bills, lost income, and a painful recovery that doesn’t wait for insurance adjusters to decide your claim. I fight lowball offers and pursue full compensation — medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care when needed. You pay no attorney fees unless I recover for you.

Fluent in Spanish, I proudly represent the Bay Area’s Spanish-speaking community and conduct consultations and representation entirely in Spanish when preferred. Super Lawyer, 2021–2026.

Golden Gate Bridge with marine layer fog rolling over the Marin Headlands, representing San Francisco where personal injury attorney John J. Roach fights for accident victims

Client Reviews

Atty. John Roach represented me in a personal injury claim. I felt supported and confident throughout the case as he was very compassionate and explained everything in detail. And because of his expertise, he did a great job, winning out Arbitration with a settlement above and beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing a dedicated, compassionate, and effective lawyer.

Evangelina Co

John Roach represented me when I had to fight with an insurance company to get paid for an injury I received when I slipped at a hotel. I broke my left leg day 1 of our vacation. With 5 kids including a newborn, pandemic and summer time, it really disrupted my life. John got me way more money than I thought, and he made the process easy for me. He was easy to communicate with, and always treated me with respect and seemed to really care about what I had been through. I am so grateful someone recommended him. I was able to purchase a much needed new car for my family with my settlement! Thank you so much!

Jessica M.

John is helping me settle my bodily injury case. I was hit by a car making an illegal uturn while driving my motorscooter. My only regret is not calling him sooner.

Ryan M.

He is an excellent lawyer.

Sandra R.

I was in a car accident that really affected my day to day quality of life, and John helped me immensely with my insurance claim to help cover medical costs. If you have been injured, I strongly recommend that John represents you.

JonJon B.

John was excellent handling my case. He did an awesome job. I would highly recommend him.

Elizabeth E.

John is nothing short of Amazing. John helped me on a personal injury case that lasted way longer than it should have. Once John took it on the case moved effortlessly and efficiently John was very attentive he answered any all questions I may have had in a timely manner. John worked very hard on my behalf and got me a very nice settlement, plus watching John in trial was everything He crushed it ! If you’re looking for an attorney that has your best interest at heart John Roach is your person. I recommend 10/10 his passion for justice is unmatched.

Gail C.

John was a tremendous help and excellent attorney. He was able to fight for the best case scenario within an astonishing timeframe (took roughly 3 months; others estimated 6-9). Additionally, he not only cares about maximizing your case, but you as a person, allowing you to prioritize your health while he handles the legal work. If ever required to hire another attorney of this discipline, John would be my obvious choice.

Isaak

John was very transparent on the process and very responsive. He made the process easy. Thank you!

Bella M.

John Roach is a fantastic attorney and I trust nobody else. John has been my go to my entire adult life and has treated me like a human being with a story and shown value and attention to detail that is unmatched.

I highly encourage you to reach out to John to handle your case. He will not let you down. John went the extra, not only mile, but many extra miles for me and I can’t emphasize the appreciation and trust I have for the man.

Tim H.

San Francisco steep residential street with cars and Victorian homes, representing the unique urban landscape where personal injury attorney John J. Roach serves accident victims throughout the Bay Area

Trial-Ready Representation for Serious Injuries

Extensive trial experience shapes how I practice. I prepare every case for trial from day one — which is why insurance adjusters settle for full value, and why, when they don’t, I win at arbitration or at trial.

I’ve built my reputation handling cases other firms find too complex: catastrophic injuries, disputed liability claims, traumatic brain injuries with minimal imaging, and spinal cord damage requiring lifetime care. Every Bay Area case I take gets my personal attention from intake through resolution — no associate handoffs, no paralegal screening.

Cases I handle across San Francisco, Oakland, and the greater Bay Area:

  • Car accidents and auto collisions
  • Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian injuries
  • Uber, Lyft, and rideshare collisions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Slip and fall / premises liability

Call (415) 851-4557 for a free, confidential consultation — no pressure, no obligation, and no attorney fees unless I recover for you.

Featured On


Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) logo - Proud member John J. Roach, Esq., experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney dedicated to protecting consumer rights and advocating for accident victims in the Bay Area.
San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA) logo - Proud board member John J. Roach, Esq., experienced personal injury attorney serving San Francisco and the Bay Area.
John Roach, Super Lawyer - Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco, California
Notable acheiver award from SFTLA for a trial win during the pandemic

Recent Case Results

Multi-million-dollar recoveries for Bay Area injury victims — every case handled personally by me.

$6,000,000

$6,000,000 settlement, traumatic brain injury: pedestrian vs auto


Result

$1,600,000

$1,600,000 settlement, broken bones: pedestrian vs auto


Result

$750,000

$750,000 arbitration award mild traumatic brain injury: auto vs auto


Result

$300,000

$300,000 jury verdict: dog attack with no physical contact


Result

$425,000

$425,000 settlement, slip and fall with disputed liability: mild traumatic brain injury


Result

$250,000

$250,000 policy limits settlement, spine injury: auto vs auto


Result

$180,000

$180,000 settlement, low back injury: auto vs auto


Result

$2,185,000

$2,185,000 settlement, traumatic brain injury: pedestrian vs auto


Result

$650,000

Lumbar spine injury affecting work: auto vs auto


Result

$495,000

$495,000 settlement, lumbar spine injury involving spinal cord stimulator: auto vs auto collision


Result

View all results

Why Work With Me


Solo practice. Personal attention.

When you hire my firm, you work directly with me — not an associate, not a case manager. I handle every phone call, every deposition, and every settlement negotiation. No handoffs, no surprises.

Contact Us Today

I fight back when insurers blame you.

Insurance companies routinely blame accident victims to shrink payouts. I dismantle those defenses with evidence, expert testimony, and trial-ready preparation — so you aren’t punished for someone else’s negligence.

Practice Areas

No fees unless I win your case.

I work on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation through settlement, arbitration, or verdict. Free consultations, confidential case evaluations — no pressure, no obligation.

Results

Focus on your recovery. I’ll handle the claim.

Serious injuries need rest, therapy, and time. While you heal, I handle insurance negotiations, medical lien resolution, evidence preservation, and every legal deadline — so you can focus on what matters most.

John J. Roach
San Francisco skyline at sunset with Transamerica Pyramid and Bay Bridge, representing the city where personal injury attorney John J. Roach fights for accident victims

Small Firm Feel. Big Firm Results.

As a solo practitioner, I give personal attention to every client who walks through my door. I oversee every case from intake through resolution — every client gets personalized representation from a real trial lawyer, not a paralegal or junior associate.

This approach has delivered seven-figure recoveries for Bay Area accident victims across San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, and beyond. I bring the resources my clients need to take on major insurance carriers and corporate defendants — and I bring them personally, to every case I accept.

Contact me today to discuss your case and learn how I can protect your rights.

Get a free consultation

Recognized by Leading Local and National Organizations

I’ve been recognized by leading local and national organizations for my work representing Bay Area accident victims.

My work has been featured in major news outlets. I’m a frequent contributor to Plaintiff Magazine and was profiled by the publication in a feature article. The San Francisco Chronicle and other news outlets covered my representation of a Chinese-American parent in a case involving the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education recall — I filed a civil lawsuit on his behalf against a man who stole signed recall petitions, protecting my client’s constitutional right to participate in California’s democratic process.

These recognitions reflect the work that matters most to me: fighting for Bay Area injury victims and delivering life-changing results for clients and their families.

Get a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a San Francisco personal injury attorney cost?

Nothing upfront. I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you through settlement, arbitration, or verdict. Free consultations are always available at no cost and no obligation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in California?

California's statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. Claims against a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, have a much shorter deadline — typically six months to file an administrative claim. Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to recover compensation. Contact me as soon as possible after an accident to preserve your rights.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in San Francisco?

Call 911 if anyone is injured, move to safety if possible, and request a police report. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine — some injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, appear hours or days later. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, impact on your quality of life, and whether liability is disputed. Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death typically have significantly higher value than minor soft tissue claims. I evaluate every case individually during a free consultation and give honest assessments of potential recovery.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000. Insurance companies often exaggerate a victim's share of fault, which is why having a trial-ready attorney matters.

Do I have to go to court for my personal injury claim?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, insurance companies offer fair settlements only when they believe the attorney is prepared and willing to try the case. I prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, which is why my clients consistently recover full value — whether through settlement, arbitration, or trial.

Do you handle Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accident cases?

Yes. I represent passengers, drivers, and third parties injured in Uber and Lyft accidents throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Rideshare cases involve complex insurance coverage questions — Uber and Lyft maintain up to $1 million in liability coverage when drivers are actively transporting passengers. Call me for a free consultation.

Do you handle slip and fall cases in San Francisco?

Yes. I represent slip and fall victims injured on dangerous property throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises under California premises liability law. If you were injured by a hazardous condition — wet floors, broken stairs, uneven walkways, or inadequate lighting — you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do you handle dog bite cases?

Yes. California Civil Code section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning the owner is responsible for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of aggression. I represent dog bite victims throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. No fee unless I win your case.

Do you handle traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases?

Yes. Traumatic brain injury is a core focus of my practice. I've recovered a $6 million settlement and a $2,185,000 settlement in separate TBI pedestrian cases, among other significant recoveries. Mild TBI and concussion cases are often underdiagnosed and undervalued by insurance companies — I work with leading neurologists and neuropsychologists to document the full impact of brain injuries on my clients' lives.

Do you have a Spanish-speaking attorney?

Yes. I am fluent in Spanish and proudly serve the Spanish-speaking community throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. I offer fully bilingual legal services — consultations, case updates, depositions, and representation — entirely in Spanish when preferred. ¿Habla Español? Llame al (415) 851-4557.

What areas of the Bay Area do you serve?

I serve clients throughout San Francisco — including Bernal Heights, Civic Center, Marina District, SoMa, Sunset District, Bayview, and Richmond District — as well as Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, South San Francisco, Concord, Fremont, Hayward, and surrounding Bay Area communities.