San Francisco

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents

The fourth largest city in California with a 2018 population of 883,405 and a financial, business, and cultural center for the United States, San Francisco’s 46.89 miles are bursting at the seams. The dense population, congested roads, pleasant year-round climate, heavy tourism industry, and nearness to busy freeways like the 101, the 80, and the 280 make it no surprise that motorcycle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. These accidents can have severe or even fatal consequences for riders, as 406 motorcyclists were killed in California during 2017 and San Francisco alone averaged over 500 serious traffic-related injuries (including those to motorcyclists) in 2016.

Motorcyclists are at a high risk from distracted and impaired drivers, speeders, tailgaters, and motorists practicing unsafe lane changes even before factoring in road conditions and mechanical failures. Though wearing proper safety attire, keeping a motorcycle properly serviced, and behaving safely when riding can help lessen the risk of catastrophic injury or death, when accidents can occur these are often the consequences riders face. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, it is advisable to contact a personal injury attorney experienced with motorcycle accidents to see whether you may be able to recover compensation for your physical injuries and other losses you have suffered.

Causes of San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents

The mild climate and pristine scenery in San Francisco make it an inviting locale for motorcyclists to ride. However, the large number of motorcyclists on the roads also correspond with a larger group of people at risk for injury or death when involved in an accident with motor vehicle.

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are not always seen by larger motor vehicles when on roadways either through motorist error or negligent behavior. The risk to motorcyclists is also increased by:

  • Congested roads;
  • Large volumes of traffic; and
  • Improperly maintained roadways.

Distracted drive, unsafe lane changes, dangerous turns by motor vehicles, and failing to check for oncoming motorcycles before entering a larger street from a driveway, parking lot, or highway entrance ramp also cause many crashes and injuries each year.

What Damages Can I Recover for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

The smaller size of motorcycles relative to other vehicles on the road makes them easier to overlook, but it also offers less protection and can result in greater injuries and more fatalities in comparison to other motorists that find themselves involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is not uncommon to see broken bones, internal organ damage, injuries to tendons and ligaments, severe skin damage or road rash, and trauma to the head, neck, spinal cord, and back. These injuries can cost a small fortune in medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and accommodations required to cope with long-term or permanent injuries interfering with their day to day life.

Compensatory Damages

You may be entitled to compensation if you can prove another party – motorists, manufacturers, or service technicians – behaved negligently and caused your motorcycle injuries. Riders may be awarded provable damages for incurred losses from medical bills, lost wages, or burial expenses. Damages may also be given for more abstract harms such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and scarring or disfigurement.

Punitive Damages

San Francisco motorcycle riders may also be able to recover exemplary awards in the form of punitive damages intended to punish a party’s particularly vile or reprehensible behavior and discourage its repetition in the future. A clear and convincing showing of fraud, malice, or oppression by the injuring party can lead to an award issuing that may be exponentially larger than any compensatory damage amount.

It can be difficult to navigate the differing legal standards of proof for different types of damages to issue, as well as countering any legal defenses raised or proving abstract harms have occurred. A San Francisco motorcycle attorney can help put your best legal foot forward in hope of securing recovery.

What If I Am Involved in a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in a San Francisco motorcycle accident, you should complete a few simple actions as soon after the accident as possible to look after your health, treat your injuries, and help your case for any future compensation you choose to seek.

Seek Medical Attention

Injuries in motorcycle accident are often very noticeable, but not always. Harms such as traumatic brain injury may not show symptoms for days or even weeks after an accident. Get a thorough evaluation by a medical professional, have your injuries treated, and attend all recommended follow-up appointments. This is important even if believe you were not hurt.  Keep all medical records and incurred expenses that resulted from your injuries.

Document the Accident and Your Injuries

Gathering evidence and information can help establish fault in your motorcycle accident and substantiate your claim for damages. Get the contact information of any accident witnesses, and if you can take pictures of the scene and the damage to your motorcycle. Notify authorities and keep a copy of their completed report. In addition to expenses and medical records, keep copies of paystubs and dates of wage records if you must miss work or lose wages because of your injuries.

Contact a San Francisco Motorcycle Attorney Today

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the skilled attorneys at Daneshrad Law today. San Francisco motorcycle attorney Alan Daneshrad has years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims and successfully recovered millions of dollars for their injuries. Focus your attention on your recovery as our attorneys work hard to establish negligence and get you the maximum award possible to help put your life back on track. The team of attorneys at Daneshrad Law has a winning combination of skill, know-how, and dedication to personalized, compassionate representation you want when seeking recovery for your injuries. Call us today at (888) 881-3529 or fill out our online  case evaluation page to an initial case consultation. Your case review is free and do not pay anything unless we win your case. Let our attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve starting today.

Free Case Evaluation

Daneshrad Law, PC offers a free case evaluation so you can personally speak with a California personal injury attorney about your unique situation. Let us help you gain control over your legal issue today.

Contact an attorney at Daneshrad Law, PC today. Please fill out the form or give us a call at 888-881-DLAW.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Still have unanswered questions? Check out our personal injury FAQ for more information.

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    How much is my personal injury case worth and will you guarantee success?

    The “value” of your case depends on many factors, such as the extent of your injury, the amount of your medical bills, and your condition after you have finished medical treatments. The calculation also factors in if you in any way contributed to or caused the incident. An attorney will never guarantee any outcome in your case; however, an experienced attorney can give you a fair assessment of the outcome of your case.

    How much does a personal injury attorney charge?

    Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. Therefore your attorney will only get paid if you get paid. If no recovery is obtained there is no out of pocket cost from you. Most law firms work on a percentage based fee. They usually obtain 33.33% of your final award. Contingency-based cases are very beneficial because they provide access to the courts for those who can’t otherwise afford to pay attorneys fees and the costs of litigation. It also reduces frivolous lawsuits because attorneys will only litigate cases they think they will likely win.

    What should I do if I'm unsatisfied with my current personal injury attorney?

    If you are unhappy with your current attorney for any reason you have the option of changing your attorney. Once you obtain a new attorney he/she can handle the process of substituting out the previous attorney. Generally, it is a very simple process to do and there is no cost to you. However, your current attorney will likely need to split a portion of your award with your prior attorney according to the amount of work he/she has contributed to your claim prior to being substituted.