San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Unobstructed vistas and the sprawling open road ahead can provide a rousing sense of freedom and adventure. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face – it’s a feeling like no other. 

The allure of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Lombard Street, often beckons travelers to explore the city from behind the wheel. However, navigating its hilly terrain and bustling streets can challenge even experienced drivers.

Motorcyclists, in particular, are drawn to the city’s scenic routes, with the temptation to cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway or wind through the Redwood Forest. 

Yet, these winding roads and scenic routes also pose risks. The exhilarating ride can turn into a nightmare when accidents occur, resulting in injuries that can change lives forever.

Accidents in San Francisco often lead to a complex legal process involving insurance claims, medical bills, and legal battles. 

Seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an accident can be daunting, especially for anyone unfamiliar with accident laws and procedures.

A San Francisco Motorcycle attorney fights for your rights and helps you get compensation for damages you suffered during a motorcycle accident in the area.

Why Use Our San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?

Wilshire Law Firm stands out as your go-to legal partner in San Francisco. Here’s why:

Our team of 500+ accomplished legal professionals has a proven track record of success.

We have recovered over $1 billion in total for our clients, and recently, our San Francisco personal injury attorneys recovered a $35.2 million trial verdict in a life-changing accident injury case that resulted from a tractor-trailer rear-ending our client on the freeway. 

We understand the unique issues of motorcycle accident claims and bring 15 years of experience and resources to the table to tackle them head-on.

As the Official Personal Injury Partners of the Los Angeles Chargers, our attorneys are recognized for their excellence in personal injury, employment law, and class action cases. U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers named us among the Best Law Firms for four consecutive years.

Whether you’re near our principal office or any of our satellite locations, exceptional legal assistance is never far away. We provide our clients with a comfortable and professional environment to ensure they receive the support they need.

When you choose Wilshire Law Firm, you choose a legal partner dedicated to your success, with a proven history of achieving results and a commitment to delivering personalized representation. Your journey to justice starts here.

Our San Francisco office is ideally located to serve clients throughout the area at 75 Broadway, Suite 202, San Francisco, CA 94111. Situated near the Sentinel Building and Saybrook University, it offers easy access and a comfortable environment for discussing your case.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are known for being very dangerous. Riders have little protection during a crash and often suffer severe or deadly injuries. 

Putting it in perspective: motorcyclists are almost 28 times more likely to die in a traffic collision compared to people in cars.

One of the main reasons for motorcycle accidents is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to NHTSA data, drugs or alcohol were a factor in nearly 25 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes, which is higher than any other cause.

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Unsafe Lane Changes: When other vehicles change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling correctly, they can bump into motorcycles.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or other distractions may not notice motorcycles on the road.
• Inexperienced Riders: Novice motorcyclists may lack the skills to handle various traffic situations.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Impaired riding significantly impairs judgment and coordination. It also impairs other drivers on the road, making them more prone to accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or slippery surfaces can pose hazards to motorcycles.
• Left-Turning Vehicles: Collisions often occur when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Rear-End Collisions: Motorcycles can be easily rear-ended by larger vehicles if they suddenly slow down or stop.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals can lead to intersection collisions.
• Weather: Rain, snow, or ice can reduce traction and visibility, making riding riskier.
• Mechanical Defects: Mechanical issues or faulty parts can contribute to accidents.
• Animals on the Road: Sudden encounters with animals like deer can cause riders to lose control.
• Reckless Riding: Maneuvers, such as weaving through traffic, can lead to accidents.
• Fatigue: Drowsy riding impairs concentration and reaction times.
• Lack of Protective Gear: Failing to wear helmets, gloves, jackets, and appropriate clothing increases the risk of injury.

Motorcycle accidents often result from a combination of factors, and safety measures, such as defensive riding, proper training, and wearing protective gear, can help mitigate these risks.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Bikers don’t have as much protection between them and the road as others, making accidents more dangerous. 

Here’s a rundown of the most common injuries bikers face in San Francisco:

• Head Injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern, primarily when riders don’t wear helmets or don’t wear them correctly. Impacts to the head can lead to traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures.
• Fractures: Motorcycle accidents can result in fractures, typically to the extremities, such as arms, legs, and wrists, when riders make contact with the ground or other objects, often due to the force of the collision.
• Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider’s unprotected skin comes into contact with the road surface during a slide or skid. It can range from minor abrasions to more severe skin injuries, sometimes requiring skin grafts.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions, and they result from the abrupt movements and impacts that occur during accidents. Riders may suffer muscle and ligament damage in various parts of the body.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact crashes or falls can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can have long-lasting or permanent effects, affecting mobility and sensation.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can occur when a motorcyclist collides with parts of the motorcycle or the road. These may involve damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs and can be life-threatening.

These injuries are particularly common in motorcycle accidents due to the vulnerability of riders, who lack the protective enclosures that cars provide. 

Negligence in San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Cases

Many San Francisco motorcycle accidents happen due to negligence— when someone fails to exercise what the law says is “reasonable care” in a presented situation, subsequently causing harm to someone else. 

As California law outlines, such negligent behavior is a breach of responsibility, theoretically making the offending party legally accountable for any consequences.

With motorcycle accidents, negligence can manifest in myriad ways, including a lack of visibility (like when a driver fails to check their blind spot before a lane change), striking a motorcyclist, or a city’s inattention to road conditions, leading to a motorcycle crash.

Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident involves four factors:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care.
• The defendant breached this duty of care.
• The breach was the cause of your accident and the injuries you sustained.
• You suffered quantifiable damages as a result.

Proving all these aspects of negligence might feel confusing and scary, especially after a harrowing accident. But it’s crucial to get the compensation you deserve.

At Wilshire Law Firm, our lawyers handle this complicated job well. We know all about negligence laws for motorcycle accidents. 

With this knowledge, we build a strong case to prove the other party’s negligence and ensure you get the compensation you should.

Compensation in San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Cases

If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to understand everything you might be entitled to. 

The compensation in a motorcycle accident lawsuit can be ample, covering both economic and non-economic losses due to the accident.

• Medical Expenses: This covers current and future medical expenses resulting from the accident. Whether it’s immediate medical care, ongoing therapy or rehabilitation, or medical needs in the future, you have the entitlement to pursue compensation.
• Lost Income: If your injuries cause you to miss work or affect your future earning capacity, you can claim for lost wages, earnings, and loss of future income.
• Property Damage: You can seek compensation for damage to your motorcycle or other belongings due to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: These are non-economic damages to compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries. They also cover loss of enjoyment of life due to physical limitations caused by the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If the motorcycle accident results in death, the surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

Getting comprehensive compensation demands a strong understanding of the law and a robust representation of your case. 

At Wilshire Law Firm, we ensure that your claim covers all possible avenues of compensation. We get you the maximum possible amount to help you regain control of your post-accident life.

The Statute of Limitations in San Francisco, California

Every state has a designated timeline to file an accident claim, known as the Statute of Limitations. 

In California, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. Failure to meet the deadline leads to dismissal of your case and the forfeiture of your compensation rights.

How Can a San Francisco Motorcycle Lawyer Help?

A lawyer can be beneficial if you’ve had a motorcycle wreck in San Francisco in the following ways:

• Legal Know-how: An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents understands the complex laws and regulations specific to San Francisco and can provide you with adept guidance throughout the legal process.
• Investigation: They can investigate the accident thoroughly, collect evidence, gather witness statements, and reconstruct the events to determine liability and build a strong case.
• Negotiation: Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury and advocating for your rights.
• Medical Referrals: Attorneys often have a network of medical professionals who can evaluate your injuries and provide credible testimony to support your claim.
• Understanding of Local Laws: San Francisco may have unique traffic laws and regulations. A local lawyer will be well-versed in these laws and how they apply to your case.
• Emotional Support: Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be emotionally challenging. A lawyer can provide guidance, support, and reassurance during this difficult time.
• Maximizing Compensation: Lawyers aim to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, considering immediate and future medical costs, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
• Filing Deadlines: They’ll ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits, preventing your case from being dismissed due to missed time limits.

Hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle wreck in San Francisco can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome and help you navigate the legal process more effectively.

Let Wilshire Law Help You

By choosing Wilshire Law Firm, you’re selecting a team devoted to your cause, providing customized legal support tailored to your specific circumstances. 

Our track record of over $1 billion in favorable results for our clients speaks to our dedication and experience. We work tirelessly to ensure that you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to for the challenges you’ve endured.

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate. Reach out to Wilshire Law Firm today for a complimentary consultation. 

Allow us to alleviate the legal burdens so you can concentrate on what matters most – your recovery and well-being. Count on us to be your advocate and guide as you pursue the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Call us at (213) 712-4459.

Our San Francisco Location

Wilshire Law Firm

75 Broadway, Suite 202
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 968-4279