John J. Roach, Esq. | SF Injury Trial Attorney

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San Francisco personal injury lawyer John J. Roach

I am a San Francisco personal injury lawyer. I handle every case myself — from your first call to the day we settle or win at trial. You will not be passed off to an associate or a paralegal. You work with me. That’s the difference.

I represent clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond — San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sacramento counties. Wherever your accident happened, I know the local courts, the judges, and the tactics the insurance companies use in that venue.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, truck collision, pedestrian incident, or any other accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a lawyer who will treat your case with the personal care it deserves. That’s exactly what you get here.

A Proven Track Record of Success for Injury Victims

Since 2009, I have represented injury victims throughout the Bay Area. I have recovered more than $25 million in settlements, jury verdicts, and arbitration awards for victims of serious injuries. My results speak to my ability to secure substantial recoveries in challenging cases:

$6 million settlement for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle who suffered a traumatic brain injury Read the full case story
$2.185 million settlement in another traumatic brain injury case (pedestrian vs. auto)
$1.6 million settlement for a client with multiple severe fractures and long-term disability (pedestrian vs. auto) Read the full case story
$750,000 arbitration award in an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim involving mild traumatic brain injury from a rear-end collision — far exceeding the insurer’s initial offer, after proving the long-term cognitive and emotional impacts through expert evidence and strategic advocacy Read the full case story
$650,000 settlement for lumbar spine injury affecting work (auto vs. auto)
$495,000 settlement for lumbar spine injury requiring spinal cord stimulator (auto vs. auto)
$425,000 settlement for slip and fall with disputed liability and mild traumatic brain injury
$300,000 jury verdict in Converse v. Adkins (Alameda Superior Court No. RG21109307, 2025) — a dog owner negligence case where the jury awarded full non-economic damages with no reduction for comparative fault, after a trial emphasizing foreseeability and the sudden emergency doctrine (no physical contact between dog and victim) Read the full case story
$200,000 settlement for spinal injury (auto vs. auto)
$100,000 jury verdict for lumbar spine injury (auto vs. auto collision)

These are not outlier results. They reflect a consistent ability to secure life-changing compensation in complex car accident cases, brain injury claims, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death matters, rideshare/Uber/Lyft collisions, dog attacks, and underinsured motorist arbitrations.

Insurance companies know that when I am on the other side, they are dealing with a lawyer who is fully prepared to take the case to trial or binding arbitration if that is what justice requires. Notable arbitration successes include cases against major insurers like CSAA, where strategic presentation of evidence led to favorable awards validating severe injuries and rejecting low offers.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 35 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Gramme's Baby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you, John Roach, for your assistance in getting me the most in my settlement case. I was in a car accident, and Mr. Roach did all the navigating to make sure I didn't have to worry about all the legal work. All I had to do was focus on my recovery. I appreciate your business.
  
 
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   Yanet Sanchez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Me ayudo con mi caso fue el megor abojado que tuve porque los abogados anteriores no me ayudaron como yo esperaba. 🙏🏻
  
 
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   Karen Gabrielson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have known John Roach, Esq. for a few years.  He recently assisted my attorney with a complex personal injury case. I am honored to write this review and  to recommend him. There were numerous depositions in my case that required careful handling. John  did an excellent job and contributed much in handling these for my attorney when schedules conflicted. It was truly a balancing act to obtain facts from highly specialized professionals who are very clear on their specility, but did not always see or grasp the legal vs what is medically correct.  In short, the legal is viewed through the lenses of the medical. John was absolutely excellent in staying on point when conducting these depositions. And when things strayed off, he brought them right back to Front and Center. With careful attention to detail, John was able to extract facts and opinions needed for the case. John’s attention to detail is phenomenal. He was able to take on, often on short notice, depositions needed to prepare in case for trial. In my interaction with John, I was impressed by his calm demeanor and ability to ferret out succinctly exactly what was needed to move the case along. I was very happy he was on my team! My case had a good outcome which I  certainly  attributed to John Roach’s ability to get the results and to move case along. I am highly appreciative of John Roach, Esq. and would not hesitate to recommend him. Sincerely, Karen Gabrielson
  
 
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   Desiree Basila 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Identifying a good personal injury lawyer can be difficult. I wanted to encourage anyone in that process to consider attorney John Roach. Importantly he will make it easy for you right from the beginning. He answers the phone! Himself! (Don't be discouraged if you can't reach him immediately, though. Be persistent. It's worth it.) He listens carefully to your situation and asks pointed questions to get at the heart of what might be required specific to your case. Even though it was just a consultation, he took the time to consider how to get important answers regarding aspects many lawyers never bring up until it is too late to do anything about it. Thorough, kind and with a sense of humor, he seems to genuinely enjoy practicing law, but more importantly, he brings integrity to that practice through transparency and thoughtfully applied experience. Unfortunately, I was unable to hire Mr Roach because I was already trapped in a disputed settlement by a lawyer I had trusted naively. But this harsh experience means that I know what I am talking about now. If you are at the beginning of your search, consider starting  with Mr Roach. After just one consultation with him I came away with important insights into my case, resources, and most importantly a renewed faith in the law and what the client attorney relationship can potentially be.
  
 
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   Serhiy Nikolaichuk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the privilege of working with John Roach as co-counsel on several personal injury cases, and I refer clients to him without hesitation. John is the rare solo practitioner who combines the personal attention of a one-attorney office with the skill and tenacity you'd expect from a much larger firm. He knows San Francisco courts, he prepares thoroughly, and he fights hard for his clients — while always being a true professional and collaborative partner. The outcomes we've achieved together speak for themselves. If you or someone you know has been injured and needs an attorney who will personally handle your case from intake to resolution, John is the real deal.
  
 
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   Stephen Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. At the law offices of John J. Roach, has a vast knowledge of the law and any questions pertaining to law,in his field or steer you in the right direction leading to what you may need answered. Also a hard work and upstanding fellow in and out of his profession.
  
 
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   Samuel Reynolds 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent,  knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney!! I would definitely recommend John Roach !!
  
 
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   Elizabeth Kantor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John Roach is an exceptional attorney.
  
 
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   Elaine Brannigan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John represented me in a recent case. Throughout the entire experience he was professional, kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend John Roach.
  
 
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   Ricardo barahona 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Law Office of John Roach represented me through a bicycling injury case. I am very thankful for their services through this really difficult time for me, and ultimately I came out of this experience happy to have them on my side. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend you use these professionals.

Recognition and Client Reviews

Super Lawyers: 2021–2026 (Rising Stars prior to that)
Avvo: 10.0 “Superb” rating
Yelp: 4.9/5 stars across 27 reviews
Google: 5.0 stars across 35 reviews

Super Lawyers recognition is awarded by fellow attorneys based on peer review and professional achievement. Clients describe me as thorough, transparent, and someone who — as one put it — “genuinely enjoys practicing law” and “brings integrity to that practice.” One reviewer, who couldn’t hire me due to a prior settlement, wrote that a single consultation left them with “a renewed faith in the law and what the client attorney relationship can potentially be.” Read client reviews →

John J. Roach Esq. - Super Lawyers 2021-2026 and Rising Stars - San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer

I am trusted by fellow San Francisco trial attorneys as a preferred referral for serious personal injury and catastrophic injury cases throughout the Bay Area.

Bilingual Personal Injury Lawyer — English and Spanish

I am a bilingual personal injury lawyer serving English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Consultations, case strategy discussions, deposition preparation, and full representation are available entirely in Spanish when preferred — not through an interpreter, but directly in conversation.

For Spanish-speaking clients, this means more than language access. Legal concepts like comparative negligence, contingency fees, and statute of limitations don’t translate cleanly, and a general interpreter cannot explain what they mean for your specific case. I explain the law directly, in your language, so you understand your case as well as any English-speaking client would.

Spanish-language services include free initial consultations by phone, video, or in-office; written communication including contracts and case updates; and culturally informed representation for the specific concerns Hispanic Bay Area clients bring.

Hablo español. Llame al 415-851-4557.

Thought Leadership & Commitment to the Legal Community

What truly sets me apart as a San Francisco personal injury lawyer is my active role in advancing the profession and supporting fellow trial lawyers. I am a frequent contributor to the two most respected publications in the California plaintiffs’ bar, sharing practical insights, case analyses, and lessons from the courtroom.

Publications in Plaintiff Magazine

“My First Trials” (February 2015) — Practical lessons from preparing and trying small cases as if they were million-dollar matters early in my career. Read the article | Download PDF
Profile: John Roach (October 2019) — Full feature on my transition from prominent plaintiffs’ firms to building a successful solo practice, with mentorship insights. Read the profile | Download PDF

“The In-Person Jury Trial During the Pandemic: One Lawyer’s Experience” (January 2021) — First-hand account of conducting the first in-person civil jury trial in San Francisco Superior Court after the March 2020 shutdown. Read the article | Download PDF
“Converse v. Adkins as an Evolution of Palsgraf and the Law of Foreseeability” (June 2025) — In-depth analysis from my trial in Converse v. Adkins, examining jury instructions on the sudden emergency doctrine and foreseeability in negligence law. Read the article | Download PDF

**Publications in The Trial Lawyer (SFTLA Magazine)**

“Enough: Plaintiff Attorneys Take on the Tenderloin” (Spring 2025 / May 2025 issue) — Article spotlighting impactful plaintiff-side work addressing issues in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. View SFTLA Publications & Magazine Archives
Interview / Feature with a San Francisco Superior Court Judge (July 2023 issue) — Reflective piece featuring a long-serving SF Superior Court judge, contributed via my Magazine Committee role. View SFTLA Publications & Magazine Archives

View all publications →

YouTube Channel and Legal Blog

I maintain an active YouTube channel as an educational resource for attorneys. The channel features real-world examples of various types of depositions, including videotaped expert and party depositions in personal injury cases. It has become a practical resource for attorneys building their deposition skills and sharpening their questioning techniques. In addition to depositions, the channel covers recent cases, trial insights, and topics like maximizing non-economic damages (e.g., the per diem method in catastrophic claims).

I also regularly publish on my legal blog, with in-depth posts on California personal injury law, car accident claims, traumatic brain injuries, underinsured motorist (UIM) arbitrations, wrongful death, spine injuries, and practical advice for injury victims — including what to do after a crash, navigating insurance, and maximizing compensation.

Legal Education and CLE Leadership

I serve as Co-Chair of the SFTLA Education Committee, where I help design and produce continuing legal education (CLE) programs for the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. In February 2026, I organized and chaired the highly attended SFTLA Mental Health & Wellness CLE for Lawyers — a program addressing trial stress, wellness strategies, and support resources for attorneys facing the unique pressures of litigation.

I also presented “How to Market Your Firm as a LinkedIn Badass” in partnership with ADR Services, Inc. (September 2025), and continue to develop CLE programming and educational content for the San Francisco trial bar through my role on the SFTLA Education Committee.

Current Leadership in the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA)

I serve as a Board Member on the SFTLA Board of Directors. In a city where personal injury law is intensely competitive, this elected leadership role reflects the deep respect I have earned from my peers in the San Francisco plaintiffs’ bar. Few solo practitioners achieve this level of governance and influence within the organization that shapes trial practice in Northern California. View current SFTLA Board →

The Power of True Personal Attention

You have my cell phone number. Not a case manager’s, not an intake coordinator’s — mine. From the free first call to settlement or verdict, I am the lawyer you reach. In car accident cases, quick decisions about medical care, insurance negotiations, and preserving evidence can mean the difference between fair compensation and a lowball offer.

An injury doesn’t just hurt your body. It disrupts your life, your family, and your financial future. That is why I offer:

No fees unless we win (contingency fee basis)
Free, no-obligation consultations — in person, by phone, or video
Fluent Spanish-language representation — Visite nuestra página en español →
Home and hospital visits when needed
Aggressive pursuit of all available compensation — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care, and more

Why Bay Area Injury Victims Choose My Firm

Big personal injury firms advertise heavily, then hand your case off to a junior associate. I don’t work that way. Clients choose me because I handle every case personally — and because I am respected by the judges, insurance companies, and fellow trial lawyers I face every day.

Whether your case involves a rear-end collision on the Bay Bridge, a T-bone crash in the Mission or Oakland, a pedestrian struck in downtown San Francisco or Berkeley, or a complex brain or spine injury anywhere from Marin to Santa Clara or Sacramento, I bring the same dedication, trial experience, and community leadership that have made me one of the most trusted solo practitioners in the region.

If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t settle for less than the best personal attention and results. Contact my office today for a free consultation. I will treat your case like it is the most important matter in my practice — because it is.

Call (415) 851-4557 or fill out my consultation form. I am ready to fight for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: John J. Roach — San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer

How long has John J. Roach been practicing personal injury law?

I have been fighting for injury victims throughout the Bay Area since 2009. I founded the Law Office of John J. Roach in 2015 as a solo practitioner dedicated to providing personalized, aggressive representation.

How much has John J. Roach recovered for his clients?

I have recovered over $25 million in settlements, jury verdicts, and arbitration awards for injured clients — including a $6 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $2.185 million settlement in another TBI case.

Does John J. Roach speak Spanish?

Yes. I am fluent in Spanish and proudly serve the Bay Area’s Spanish-speaking community. All legal services are available in both English and Spanish. Visite nuestra página en español →

What areas does John J. Roach serve?

I serve clients throughout the Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, Solano County, and Sacramento.

Has John J. Roach been recognized by his peers?

Yes. I have been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2021–2026 and was previously on the Rising Stars list. I serve as a Board Member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association and Co-Chair of the SFTLA Education Committee. I have a 10/10 Avvo rating and 4.9 stars on Yelp from 27 reviews.

What types of cases does John J. Roach handle?

I handle car accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, dog bites, slip and fall, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft. I work on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win.

Are You an Attorney Looking to Refer a Client?

I welcome referrals from Bay Area attorneys for serious personal injury cases. I handle every referred case personally, keep referring counsel informed throughout, and manage all fee-sharing arrangements in full compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.5.4.

Learn about my referral process →

John J. Roach | San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer