San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation that allow people to get from one place to another exponentially quicker than any car could. As many favor the vehicle’s built-in speed and ability to take advantage of fitting through tight and narrow spaces on the road, a lot of car drivers consider switching to a motorcycle for these conveniences. However, what often keeps most drivers from switching is the thought of getting into a severe motorcycle accident.

The city of San Francisco reported that from 2014 to 2020, 62 motorcycle fatalities occurred. They also determined that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash. According to a motorcycle accident report by the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. As motorcycle riders are more susceptible to serious injuries in a traffic collision, it is important that they seek legal assistance if their injuries are due to the negligence of another party.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers are well versed in California law and have experience handling motorcycle accident cases. From complex crashes to negligent accidents, our lawyers have seen it all–and they are confident in their ability to get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients who have suffered serious injuries, and we are ready to fight for you. With over 20 years of legal experience, our motorcycle accident attorneys will help guide you throughout the entire legal process and will be right there to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a number of factors, but they can happen anytime– especially when you least expect it. According to the motorcycle accident report by the NSC, around 94% of motorcycle accidents happen during good weather with around 66% happening on urban roads. In addition, roughly 55% of motorcycle accidents involve two or more vehicles. Regardless of what kind of danger the reports indicate, it does not steer people away from purchasing motorcycles.

In San Francisco, these accidents are typically caused by distracted and negligent actions such as bad left turns, open car doors, intoxication, and sudden lane changes. Hazardous road conditions also commonly cause accidents. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand the differences between these types of causes to get a better understanding of what kind of personal injury claim you should file with your attorney.

Left Turn Accidents

A left-turn accident is when a vehicle makes a left turn at an intersection and collides with a vehicle traveling straight from the opposite direction. This type of accident typically occurs due to a misjudgment of speed and distance, or a failure to yield the right of way. A motorcyclist is at a higher risk of sustaining a serious injury in this scenario, and the severity will depend on the speed and size of the vehicles involved. Whoever was more negligent and caused the accident in question would be liable in this scenario.

Car Door Accidents

Car door accidents are a fairly common accident when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming vehicle, cyclist, or a motorcycle rider, causing a collision. While it is expected that people will check for traffic before they open their door, there are many people who don’t think twice when doing so. As a result, an injured motorcyclist can pursue damages for their physical injuries if they can prove that the person opening the door was not paying attention.

Intoxication

Driving under the influence causes a number of accidents, and it is no different for motorcycle accidents. According to a drunk driving report conducted by the NHTSA, 5,934 people operating a motorcycle were fatally killed in traffic crashes, but out of that number, roughly 29% were reported to have been drunk. In an adjacent motorcycle accident report by the NSC, 72% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were not impaired, but instead were victims to drunk drivers on the road. With that in mind, if someone has sustained severe injuries and has unfortunately perished, their immediate family can file for a wrongful death suit against those responsible.

Hazardous Conditions

Hazardous conditions on the road can sometimes be difficult for motorcyclists to avoid, especially if they are caused by severe weather conditions. While not much legal action can be taken in these situations, motorcycle crash victims can do something if the hazardous condition was man-made. From neglected road conditions such as pot holes and uneven pavement to oil and grease spills, these conditions can potentially cause long-term injuries even when one is wearing protective gear.

Lane Changes

Improper lane changes are another common cause of motorcycle accidents, especially in San Francisco during rush hour. As drivers and motorcyclists are often trying to quickly get out of traffic, this type of motorcycle accident happens more often than you think.They tend to occur when a driver is not being attentive enough to their surroundings. According to a lane changing safety study by the National Institute of Health, at least 33% of all road crashes happen as vehicles change lanes. In a lane changing accident, the negligent party is whoever wasn’t paying attention or made a rash error.

Defective Motorcycle Parts

Defective motorcycle parts can play a significant role in causing a motorcycle accident. One defective part can potentially cause an accident with catastrophic injuries. As such, it is the manufacturer and the motorcycle company’s responsibility to ensure that their products are performing without fail. Should a motorcycle crash happen due to a defective part or improper installation, then the company, the manufacturer, or even the mechanic who worked on the motorcycle may be held liable for damages.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

Depending on the type of motorcycle accident they were involved in, a rider could be left with anything from minor road rash to a traumatic brain injury. It is vital that you seek medical attention if you have received any of the following injuries or experienced concerning symptoms. Delayed treatment of a serious injury can result in long-term medical conditions that can potentially shorten your lifespan or drastically affect your quality of life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) generally occurs when a person experiences a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head. There are many different types of brain injuries and conditions that can occur. Sometimes, the severity of a TBI in a motorcycle crash can depend on whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet or not. If an injured motorcyclist obtains a TBI, it may impact their physical or cognitive abilities. It can drastically affect their ability to even ride a motorcycle again. This is why it’s important that those who suffered a TBI seek a motorcycle accident attorney to recover damages.

Broken Bones

One of the most common types of injuries in motorcycle accidents is broken bones. If a rider makes physical contact with the ground after getting into an accident, this is likely to happen. Depending on how intense the impact is, the motorcyclist may break one or more bones in their body. Broken ribs are some of the most common results of a motorcycle accident, but other bones can potentially be broken. If the impact isn’t as severe, then the least a motorcyclist could get away with are some bruises, cuts, or scratches.

Road Burn

Road burn refers to a type of friction burn when skin scrapes against a rough surface during an accident. It is particularly common in minor to moderate motorcycle accidents. While these injuries are not fatal on their own, if not treated properly, an infection can emerge. However, road burn can still occur in severe accidents in addition to more severely sustained injuries. So depending on the scale of the accident and how much protective gear you are wearing, the damage and full recovery time vary widely.

Internal Bleeding

One of the more subtle types of injuries, internal bleeding can happen when strong impacts to the body occur. Internal bleeding happens when the internal organs become damaged or punctured. As internal bleeding can take place in any part of the body, it is extremely important to get evaluated by a medical expert after a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel like you did not sustain severe injuries after the accident, it is still strongly suggested to get checked out to make sure, because if left alone, it can potentially cause life-threatening results.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is referred to as the damage that has been inflicted upon the spine and the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the spine is classified as one of the most delicate parts of the body due to its limited ability to absorb an excessive amount of pressure and impact force. With that in mind, any injury victims in a motorcycle accident may likely face temporary or permanent paralysis. However, it all depends on which vertebral segment was damaged in the accident.

Available Damages for a Motorcycle Accident

If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive damages. Certain damages may be compensated depending on the scale and severity of the accident, so if you file a motorcycle accident case you can potentially sue for economic and non-economic damages. Damages such as loss of earning capacity, medical bills, and lost wages are all common examples of economic damages that can be recovered by accident victims.

Meanwhile, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering are examples of non-economic damages that can be compensated for a serious motorcycle accident. These damages are usually paid out by the responsible party or their insurance company, however, if there is a dispute regarding the amount or the time of compensation, it is recommended to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer about it.

How Is Compensation Calculated for Motorcycle Accident Victims in San Francisco?

Compensation typically depends on the severity, scale, and the responsibility of the negligent party. For instance, any motorcycle accident in San Francisco that has resulted in the victim sustaining long-term physical injuries such as paralysis or a loss in cognitive function may recover damages around the six to seven figure range to cover all possible medical bills and quality of life adjustments. However, for more moderate accidents, they can range anywhere within the five figure range to account for medical care and property damage.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco?

Section 335.1 of California’s legislation states that the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the incident date. So it is in your best interests to file a claim within that time limit or you risk waiving your right to recover any compensation for your damages. As filing a personal injury claim can sometimes be a lengthy process, it is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help speed up the process.

Need a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident in the San Francisco bay area due to a person’s negligence then you may be eligible for financial compensation. Motorcycle accident claims can be an extremely stressful process for those unfamiliar with the legal system, so it is recommended to seek legal representation in order to get the compensation that you deserve.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers are well versed in California state law and are ready to fight for you. We are a personal injury law office with over 20 years of legal experience and our motorcycle accident lawyers handle each case with the care and integrity to ensure our clients get the proper compensation they deserve.

We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to fight for our clients throughout the legal process. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any question or concerns you may have.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our offices by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?

In California, all personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If you wait to file a claim after that timeframe, you would not be able to file a claim and it would be dismissed at court.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

According to California Civil Code 1431.2, California abides by a pure comparative negligence system, which means that the awarded compensation of an accident will be determined by the percentage of responsibility to each party. So if you were 25% responsible for the accident, then 25% of your awarded compensation will be reduced to take account of your partial responsibility of the accident.

How Much Can I Recover From My Motorcycle Accident?

The value of a motorcycle accident claim is going to be dependent on various factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the amount of property damage, and the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits. For example, a severe Sab Francisco motorcycle accident with a long-term spinal cord injury can range anywhere within the six figure range to cover medical costs and quality of life improvements.