Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Francisco, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Francisco, California?

  1-415-553-0123 is the non-emergency contact number for the San Francisco Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in San Francisco, California?

  People may request a police incident report in person at SFPD Police Headquarters during normal business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The SFPD Crime Information Services Unit located at 1245 Third Street processes incident report requests from the public, law enforcement agencies, and other authorized organizations.

• How frequent are motorcycle accidents in San Francisco?

  Since motorcycle accidents so frequently result in life-changing injuries, researchers have gathered a wealth of information on this topic. Some of this data is gathered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and kept in the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). According to this data, the following motorcycle accidents occurred in San Francisco over the last five years:

  • 68 in 2017 -72 in 2018
  • 69 in 2019
  • 66 in 2020
  • 82 in 2021

• Can motorcycle riders in San Francisco still receive compensation even if they were partially to blame for the accident?

  Even if injured motorcycle riders are partially to blame for an accident, they can still recover compensatory damages under California law. The court assigns a percentage of liability to each party under the state's comparative negligence law. Even if riders are 99% at fault for the accident and injuries, they can still recover 1% of the total damages awarded. If a court finds a plaintiff 20% responsible for a motorcycle accident in San Francisco with a final award of $100,000, the plaintiff will receive $80,000.

• Can San Francisco motorcycle riders seek compensation if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

  Under California Vehicle Code §27803, all riders and passengers must wear a motorcycle helmet in California. Failure to comply may prevent the recovery of damages. However, motorcycle accidents are circumstantial. If it is established that the other party was also careless, the motorcyclist may still be able to sue for damages, though they may be limited due to own negligence.

• Who is liable for a motorcycle accident at an intersection in San Francisco?

  The parties who may be held liable for the damages and injuries suffered by motorcycle riders in San Francisco intersection crashes include the driver of the vehicle that struck the victims, the manufacturer of the motorcycle, the city or government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway where the accident occurred, any pedestrian who was in the intersection when they weren't supposed to be, and the construction company, if the accident was caused by a construction project.

• Do San Francisco motorcycle riders who sustained injuries in minor motor vehicle accidents need an attorney?

  It depends. Motorcyclists in San Francisco who merely wish to get their motorcycles mended or cover a limited amount of out-of-pocket expenditures may be able to handle insurance claims on their own. As a result, they will not have to pay a percentage of their recovery to legal expenses. Riders who are unaware of the status of their cases, on the other hand, are recommended to seek the advice of a lawyer.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.