Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Attorney San Francisco California

What to Expect From Us

  • Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case, discuss your rights, and determine the merits of your claim.
  • Case Investigation: Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, gathering evidence to support your claim.
  • Negotiation: We will engage in negotiations with insurance companies and the responsible parties to secure a fair settlement.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate vigorously on your behalf.
  • Personalized Support: Throughout the process, you will receive personalized support, regular updates, and open communication from our team.

What Should I Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco?

Taking the right steps immediately after a motorcycle accident in San Francisco is crucial for your safety and for protecting your legal rights. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on San Francisco’s busy and often steep roadways, so thorough documentation and quick action are essential.

  1. Stay calm and check for injuries.
    Your safety comes first. Assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away for medical assistance.

  2. Move to a safe location if possible.
    If your motorcycle is in the roadway and you can safely move it, relocate to a secure spot. If you cannot move it, turn on hazard lights (if available) and wait for emergency services.

  3. Call the police.
    Always request a police response. The San Francisco Police Department will file a collision report, which is vital for any future motorcycle injury claim.

  4. Exchange information.
    Obtain the other driver’s name, license number, insurance details, and contact information.

  5. Take photos and videos.
    Document your motorcycle damage, road conditions, surrounding traffic, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries.

  6. Seek medical attention immediately.
    Even if you feel “fine,” motorcycle crashes often cause hidden injuries. Getting evaluated helps protect your health and your claim.

After completing these steps, contact a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected and to begin the claims process.

Damages Available in San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accidents in San Francisco often result in severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, and overwhelming medical bills. If another party’s negligence caused the collision, you may be entitled to compensation under California law.

In California, motorcycle accident victims can pursue economic, non-economic, and in rare cases punitive damages. A San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney can help determine which damages apply to your case.

Compensatory Damages in San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents

Compensatory damages aim to restore you to your pre-accident condition as much as possible.

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

These reflect measurable, out-of-pocket expenses such as:

  • Emergency room bills and hospitalization

  • Surgeries and future medical care

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

  • Prescription medication

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of future earning capacity

  • Motorcycle repair or replacement

  • Mobility equipment (helmets, gear, braces, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages (Human Impact)

These compensate for the personal toll of the accident:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Scarring or disfigurement

  • Loss of companionship or intimacy (loss of consortium)

Unlike some states, California does not cap non-economic damages in motorcycle accident cases.

Punitive Damages in California Motorcycle Accidents

Punitive damages are not common and are awarded only when the at-fault driver acted with malice, oppression, or fraud—for example:

  • DUI motorcycle collisions

  • Extreme reckless driving

  • Hit-and-run accidents with egregious behavior

California generally allows punitive damages only when clear and convincing evidence shows intentional or extremely reckless misconduct.

Damages in Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Cases

If a motorcycle accident results in death, California allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death damages, including:

  • Funeral and burial expenses

  • Loss of financial support

  • Loss of household services

  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance

  • Emotional suffering (survivor actions)

These damages are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 377.60–377.62.

Securing Compensation After a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident

Recovering compensation requires proving liability, documenting damages, and negotiating with insurance companies—who often underestimate motorcycle injuries. A skilled San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and pursue maximum recovery under California law.

California Statute of Limitations

What Is the Deadline to File a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In California:

  • Personal Injury Claims: 2 years from the date of the accident

  • Wrongful Death Claims: 2 years from the date of death

  • Claims Against Government Entities (e.g., Muni): 6 months to file an administrative claim

Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim.

How Liability Is Determined in California Motorcycle Accident Cases

California uses an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the victim’s losses.

To recover compensation, the injured motorcyclist must prove:

  1. Duty of care

  2. Breach of duty

  3. Causation

  4. Damages

California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning:

  • You can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault.

  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example:
If your damages total $100,000 and you are 25% at fault, you can still recover $75,000.

Evidence matters greatly in minimizing fault accusations.

Why Immediate Evidence Collection Matters

San Francisco traffic conditions, steep hills, and congested intersections make motorcycle crash evidence time-sensitive. Early attorney involvement helps preserve:

  • Accident scene photos

  • Surveillance or traffic cam footage

  • SFPD collision reports

  • Eyewitness statements

  • Medical documentation

  • Helmet and gear damage

  • Motorcycle damage analysis

  • Expert accident reconstruction

Do I Need to Go to Court for My San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Most motorcycle accident cases settle out of court through negotiation or mediation. However, litigation may be necessary when:

  • The insurance company denies liability

  • The offer is unfair

  • The injuries are severe or permanent

A skilled attorney can advise whether settlement or trial is the best approach.

Key Evidence in San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Claims

Important evidence includes:

  • Photos/videos of the crash scene

  • Damage to your motorcycle

  • Medical records and imaging

  • Medical bills and treatment plans

  • Lost wage verification

  • Eyewitness statements

  • Police accident report

  • Expert testimony (medical, accident reconstruction)

This evidence supports your claim and helps establish liability and damages.

You Don’t Pay Unless You Win

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Most San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. The attorney is only paid if they win or settle your case.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco

Motorcycle crashes occur in many forms, including:

  • Head-on collisions

  • Left-turn accidents

  • Lane-change or sideswipe collisions

  • Rear-end impacts

  • Dooring accidents (common in SF)

  • Multi-vehicle pileups

  • Hit-and-run collisions

  • Road hazard/poor maintenance accidents

San Francisco’s road conditions—steep grades, Muni tracks, potholes, and dense traffic—often contribute to motorcycle crashes.

Common Injuries from San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face severe injuries due to lack of physical protection. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Road rash

  • Broken bones

  • Internal bleeding

  • Organ damage

  • Burns

  • Disfigurement

  • Nerve damage

  • Catastrophic injuries

  • Amputations

These injuries often require long recovery periods and extensive medical care.

California Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

California law requires:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident

  • Property Damage Liability: $5,000

Many drivers on the road carry only the minimum—often far too low for motorcycle injuries.

Optional but strongly recommended:

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

  • MedPay

  • Collision

  • Comprehensive coverage

What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured:

  • You may file a UM/UIM claim with your own insurer.

  • However, insurers often dispute motorcycle claims aggressively.

A lawyer can handle communications and protect your rights.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Driver negligence is the leading cause of motorcycle crashes. Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving (texting, phone use)

  • Left-turn accidents at intersections

  • Speeding

  • Unsafe lane changes

  • Dooring (especially common in San Francisco)

  • Tailgating

  • Failure to yield

  • Driving under the influence

  • Fatigue

  • Road hazards (potholes, debris, uneven pavement)

Motorcyclists are often blamed unfairly, making strong evidence essential.

Motorcycle-Accident-lawyer-san-francisco