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Your Northern California
Personal Injury & Tenant Lawyer
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Case Results

$3,750,000
Confidential Settlement
Insurance company offered $400,000 early in litigation in a personal injury case
$1,500,000
Arbitration Award
Insurance company offered $500,000 before appraisal in a homeowner insurance case
$900,056
Arbitration Award
No offer made by the opposing side prior to arbitration in a business dispute
$75,000
confidential settlement
for violation of tenants' civil rights relating to denial of renting a unit
$350,000
confidential settlement
for an assault by an employee of a restaurant
$68,500
settlement 
in a dog bite case
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San Francisco
Personal Injury and Tenant Lawyer

Gene Halavanau is committed to advocating for individuals facing the complexities of personal injury and tenant rights issues. In the aftermath of an accident, healing should be your top priority. That is why our team is here to help you navigate the intricate terrain of the insurance industry. We're more than just legal representatives; we're your partners in the journey to recovery and securing the rightful compensation you deserve.

We are also passionate about championing tenant rights. When you are dealing with issues related to wrongful eviction, landlord harassment, and habitability issues, we will provide guidance and advocate fiercely on your behalf. Your peace of mind and your right to safe and secure housing are paramount to us.

Our commitment goes beyond words, as we take most of our cases on a contingency basis. This means that we only receive compensation when we successfully recover money from the other side.
Choose an Experienced San Francisco Bay Area Personal Injury Attorney for Your Case
A. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
Choosing an experienced personal injury attorney who provides aggressive legal representation is important for victims of vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other personal injury incidents caused by someone else's negligence or wrongful conduct.

Our compassionate personal injury lawyer at Halavanau Injury and Accident Law offers a free consultation and case evaluation for prospective clients in the San Francisco Bay area. What makes our law firm different from other personal injury law firms? We listen to you and provide personalized attention and representation.
B. Investigation and Gathering of Evidence
Skilled personal injury attorneys start the legal process by investigating the details of the accident and gathering evidence to build a case against the party or parties responsible for the motor vehicle crash, wrongful death, or other types of personal injuries. Investigation and gathering of evidence may include getting a police report, witness statements, and determining who is responsible for the victim's injuries. Experts in specialized fields may provide a report or testimony.

Your attorney uses the investigation results and the evidence to seek a fair settlement for your personal injury claim.
C. Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Consider not talking to anyone from the insurance company about the at-fault party or the accident without representation because insurance companies may use your recorded statement against you in trying to limit the payment of your potential settlement.

Leave the negotiation with insurance companies to your lawyer, who has a proven track record of engaging in negotiations that often result in significant settlements for clients.
D. Filing a Lawsuit, if Necessary
Negotiations occasionally stall, but our personal injury team can provide successful personal injury litigation to get the best possible case resolution. Insurance companies are not the friends of personal injury victims or the grieving family members of wrongful death victims. They do not always perform their part of the promise of paying a reasonable settlement for valid claims.

If necessary, the personal injury attorney at Halavanau Injury and Accident Law will file a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and property damage.

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Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in San Francisco Bay Area

We handle a variety of personal injury cases throughout the San Francisco, CA, area.

Car Accidents

The California Office of Traffic Safety indicates a 7.6% increase in the 2021 traffic fatalities in California over the 2020 statistics. San Francisco has one of the highest rates of car crashes in the U.S.

You have a right to pursue compensation against a negligent or reckless driver who causes a crash that results in injuries to you or the death of a family member. The accident attorney at Halavanau Injury and Accident Law has experience helping clients recover damages for their injuries from an at-fault party after a car accident.

Dog Bites

Dog bites cause severe injuries, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and yearly deaths. The California Department of Public Health indicates that an estimated five million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year.
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) recognizes the seriousness of the issue of dog bites to people across the bay area. The SFPD explains that it has a Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit (VDDU) where people can report incidents related to dogs that behave viciously or aggressively.

San Francisco Bay Area residents or visitors bitten by a dog need an aggressive, experienced attorney to fight for their rights. California has a strict liability law, which means the dog owner is liable for a dog bite incident, even if this is the first time their dog bit anyone.

Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to provide the experienced representation needed in a dog bite claim.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur in a variety of settings. Homeowners and business owners may be responsible for a slip and fall incident. Store owners and other business owners must keep the premises clear of objects, spills, and other hazards that could cause a customer or client to slip and fall because of the business owner's negligence. Similarly, it is an obligation of a city or adjacent building owner to keep the sidewalks safe from dangerous conditions.

Do not assume that you are okay after a slip and fall. You need to consider seeking medical attention because you could have a concussion, broken bones, or other injuries. Halavanau Injury and Accident Law injury attorney help victims of slip and fall accidents seek compensation for their injuries.

Bus Accidents

A bus weighs much more than a passenger car and is much larger than a car. Bus drivers who do not comply with traffic signals or traffic laws can cause severe injuries or wrongful death to people in other vehicles.

A bus driver who causes an accident may cause significant injuries to passengers on the bus. If you were the driver or passenger in another vehicle hit by a bus, or a passenger on a bus that crashed, you need to hire an attorney who fights for clients.

Pedestrian Accidents

There were 572 pedestrians injured or killed in San Francisco in 2020. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that San Francisco ranked three out of 15 cities with the highest pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

Pedestrians have a right to expect motorists to obey traffic laws and signals. People who are speeding or engaged in distracted driving or who are driving under the influence are some examples of motor vehicle operators who hit pedestrians.

Pedestrian accident victims often rely on an attorney with experience in personal injury claims to represent them against the driver who caused the pedestrian accident.

Motorcycle Accidents

Attorneys with experience in representing clients who are the victims of motorcycle accidents know that victims often have significant injuries. Head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other injuries or deaths occur in motorcycle crashes.

San Francisco Bay Area ranked top of the list for the most motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries or deaths in 2020. The ranking included 15 cities with a population of over 250,000 residents.

Truck Accidents

Trucks often weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. Large trucks require more braking distance compared to cars and other smaller vehicles. Cars are also smaller, making drivers and passengers vulnerable to negligent truck drivers.

Speeding and driver fatigue are often cited as reasons that truck accidents occur in the U.S. Contact a dedicated, skilled personal injury attorney for aggressive representation to recover damages from your truck accident.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents injure and kill children and adults in San Francisco every year.

Our personal injury lawyer is here for you if you were injured or if your family member was killed in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else. We understand that you may have serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages for which you need skilled legal representation.

meet our attorney
Gene Halavanau
Gene Halavanau successfully represents clients in personal injury, tenant rights, and insurance law matters. Before starting his practice, he worked with various firms gaining a unique combination of experience navigating stormy waters of the insurance industry with a focus on maximizing recovery for his clients.

Outside of the legal arena, Gene is an avid traveler and cultural enthusiast. Exploring diverse cultures and embracing new experiences has not only broadened Gene's horizons but also instilled a deep appreciation for the richness of human diversity. This passion of exploration and connection with people from all walks of life informs Gene's approach to law, where empathy and understanding are key to effective advocacy.

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Steps to Take Right Away After an Accident in San Francisco Bay Area

The first steps to take after being involved in an accident in the San Francisco, CA, area include:

Make sure that you and your passengers are okay. Ensuring that you and your passengers are okay is very important after an accident. Assess the situation and your injuries.

Do not say anything that can be held against you. Some statements can be misinterpreted and used against you, especially if an insurance adjuster is trying to take your recorded statement. Consider consulting an attorney in such a scenario.

Move your vehicle to a safe area. Move your vehicle to a safe area if you can get it out of traffic. Pull to the shoulder of the road so you are not blocking traffic. If the vehicle is leaking any fluids, stay away from it.

Contact law enforcement officials. Contact law enforcement officers immediately. Do not leave the scene unless the medics or someone else first transports you to the hospital, if needed.

Gather details and record information. Gather details such as the other party's personal information. Get the contact information for witnesses. Take photos or video of the scene, or have someone record the scene for you.

Seek immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital or urgent care immediately from the scene. Do not assume that your headache is from a simple bump on the head. It could be a serious head injury. You may have spinal cord injuries, organ damage, broken bones, or internal bleeding. It is always good to check with a medical professional if you are in doubt.

Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact an experienced attorney who provides personalized, skilled representation for every personal injury case.

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Steps to Take Right Away After an Accident in San Francisco Bay Area

Determining negligence in a personal injury case rests on the concept of negligence in California. There are four elements of negligence to prove fault that will likely result in a favorable settlement or trial.

The at-fault party must have owed you a legal duty to exercise reasonable care under the specific circumstances of the incident. Breach of duty of care occurs when the other party carelessly, negligently, or intentionally breaches the duty of care by committing an act or omission of an act. Establishing causation means proving that the at-fault party caused your injuries and other damages.

Damages is the fourth element of negligence. You must prove the extent of the damages caused by the other party.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in San Francisco Bay Area

While the statute of limitations for California personal injury claims is typically two years against a private party, the deadline to bring a lawsuit can vary and be as short as six months after the injury. It is important to consult an experienced attorney to determine the statute of limitations in your particular case.

Types of Damages in San Francisco Bay Area Personal Injury Cases

You may be able to recover economic damages, non-economic and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include current and future medical bills, ongoing therapies or treatments, and diagnostic and surgical procedures. It also includes property damage, such as repair or replacement of your vehicle, lost property in the vehicle, such as work tools or equipment, sports or hobby equipment, or entertainment systems.
Lost wages are considered economic damages. It includes current lost wages and future lost wages.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages include:
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering;
  • Mental anguish; and
  • The loss of quality of life.
Victims with a permanent disability from an accident may receive a higher award.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish the party or parties who caused the personal injury. A defendant who caused the injury because of gross or reckless negligence or intentional or irresponsible acts may be ordered to pay punitive damages.

Get the Legal Advice You Need With Our San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney at Halavanau Injury and Accident Law Today

The Halavanau Injury and Accident Law offers a free consultation for personal injury victims and eligible family members seeking to file wrongful death claims. Our attorney understands your emotional distress and that you have physical injuries with pain and suffering because of someone else's negligence.

Get the legal advice that you need today. It is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after a personal injury. Contact us today.

Why Choose Halavanau Injury & Accident Law

At Halavanau Law Firm, we know the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you endure after a personal injury. Our team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys recognizes the complexities of navigating the legal landscape, and we are here to provide you with unwavering support and expert guidance. Our track record of success speaks volumes about our ability to secure fair compensation for our clients.

Attorney Gene Halavanau from Halavanau Law Office is dedicated to assisting victims and their families in obtaining the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and losses during their personal and injury claims. His commitment to excellence is unwavering, and his team of lawyers prides itself on being tireless advocates for its clients. We understand that your personal injury profoundly impacts your life, and we are dedicated to helping you rebuild and move forward.

By choosing Halavanau Law Firm, you can trust that you have a compassionate and dedicated team fighting tirelessly for your best interests.
1

Highly Respected in Our Field

Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, earning the trust and respect of clients and peers alike.
2

Legacy of Excellence

We are committed to upholding this legacy by delivering exceptional representation and achieving outstanding results for our clients.
3

Trial Ready Legal Advocacy

Our skilled personal injury attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to fight for your rights in the courtroom, ensuring your voice is heard, and justice is served.
4

A Network of Support

We provide a comprehensive network of support including medical professionals, investigators, and expert witnesses, to strengthen your case and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
5

Committed to Our Community

We are deeply committed to our San Francisco community. Halavanau Law Firm actively participates in local initiatives and supports organizations that strive to make a positive difference.
6

Personal, Hands-On Attention

We understand that you're going through a challenging time, and we are dedicated to providing the guidance, support, and open communication you deserve.
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