Improved L2-error estimates are computed for mixed finite element methods for second order nonlinear hyperbolic equations. Results are given for the continuous-time case. The convergence of the values for both the scalar function and the flux is demonstrated. The technique used here covers the lowest-order Raviart-Thomas spaces, as well as the higherorder spaces. A second paper will present the analysis of a fully discrete scheme (Numer.Math. J. Chinese Univ. vol.9, no.2, 2000, 181-192).