San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a San Francisco motorcycle crash? The attorneys at Golden Gate Legal fight for riders' rights. Get the help you need to recover.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you're seeking legal representation in the San Francisco area, our team is ready to help at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience fighting for motorcyclists injured in San Francisco. We've created this guide to outline what to do after an accident, provide an overview of the legal process, and answer the questions you likely have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco
After a motorcycle crash in San Francisco, it's vital to follow these steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
The first thing to do is check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If it's safe and you're able to, move to a secure area away from the busy San Francisco streets to prevent any further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If there are any injuries or significant damage, your first step should always be to call 911. It's also vital to get a medical evaluation right away, even if you feel unhurt, as some serious conditions aren't immediately obvious and this creates an important record for your health and potential case.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, and surrounding road conditions or traffic signs. Be sure to also gather contact and insurance details from the other driver, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
After an accident, be mindful not to say anything that could be taken as admitting fault, no matter how minor it seems. It's also best to avoid discussing the crash on social media and to not sign any documents or speak with insurance representatives until you've consulted with a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
After a motorcycle crash on the busy streets of San Francisco, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a crucial step to ensure your legal interests are protected. Our dedicated attorneys will manage the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in San Francisco, our team is ready to fight for you. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to, without losing a penny.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees upfront, and we only receive a fee when we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to provide the legal and emotional support you need throughout your case.
We encourage you to see what our past clients have to say by checking out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of your San Francisco personal injury claim so you can focus on what matters most, your healing. Here’s how the process works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a free meeting where we listen to what happened, answer your questions, and evaluate the details of your potential case.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle gathering all the necessary evidence, like police reports and medical bills, and will file all the required claims with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and will keep track of your progress to build the strongest possible claim.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will send a formal demand to the insurance company and begin aggressively negotiating for a top-dollar settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once we win or settle your case, we manage the final paperwork to make sure you get your compensation check without any hassle.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver. Compensatory damages for motorcycle accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible to protect their bottom line, which is why having an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal on your side is crucial to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not a complete list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle:
Road Rash
Road rash describes the painful skin abrasions from sliding across the pavement in a crash, which can result in serious complications like infection, permanent scarring, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a common result of motorcycle accidents, frequently needing surgery or casts and involving a long recovery that might leave a person with permanent mobility challenges or ongoing pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A serious motorcycle accident can inflict devastating harm to the spinal cord, potentially causing a loss of movement and sensation that permanently alters an individual's independence, mobility, and overall enjoyment of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries from a motorcycle accident can result in lasting effects such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and sudden emotional or personality changes.
Foot and Leg Injuries
A rider's legs and feet are at a high risk of injury during a crash, commonly resulting in broken bones, dislocated joints, or deep gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional aftermath can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting in lasting anxiety, recurring nightmares, and flashbacks that frequently require professional treatment to address.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While every crash is different, many motorcycle accidents in San Francisco stem from a handful of common causes:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
When drivers speed or act recklessly, they have less time to respond to unexpected events and the crashes that occur are often much worse — particularly in areas with heavy traffic or pedestrians.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in slower response times, poor judgment, and a significantly increased chance of causing a fatal collision.
Running Red Lights
Failing to stop for a red light frequently causes high-speed intersection collisions and puts pedestrians in the crosswalk at extreme risk.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of distracted driving or following too closely, these accidents frequently lead to severe spinal injuries and concussions.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers switch lanes without looking or signaling, they often cause sideswipe accidents or make other vehicles brake suddenly to avoid a crash.
Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic is a risky practice that can easily lead to a crash if other drivers aren't expecting it and don't check their mirrors before changing lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
Here at Golden Gate Legal in San Francisco, you won't pay anything out-of-pocket for your personal injury case. We only get paid when we win for you, so pursuing your claim comes with no financial risk.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident takes a few key steps and often requires a detailed look at the specifics of your case. If you believe the other driver is responsible for what happened, we can help you build a strong case to demonstrate their negligence.
It's important to know, however, that if you are found to be partially responsible, the compensation you receive could be reduced by your percentage of fault. Understanding this is key to getting a clear picture of the potential value of your claim, especially with the complex driving conditions found throughout San Francisco.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting longer than this period means you will likely lose your legal right to recover any compensation for your losses.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, once you file a claim, the insurance company has a specific timeline to follow. They must acknowledge your claim and begin their investigation within 15 days. After you provide all the necessary proof and documentation for your claim, they have 40 days to make a decision on whether to accept or deny it.
If your claim is accepted, the company is then required to issue payment within 30 days. This means that, according to California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire process from filing to payment should generally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you get into a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, the incident will typically stay on your California driving record for three years. This period begins on the date of the collision. However, for more severe accidents, such as those involving a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, the record can remain for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
First and foremost, we're here to listen. At Golden Gate Legal, we take the time to understand exactly what happened to you right here in San Francisco. We want to make sure you have access to the best care, so we'll help evaluate the full scope of your injuries and can connect you with leading medical specialists to support your treatment.
Your main focus should be on getting better. While you do that, our team will take on the legal burdens. We'll build a strong case to get you the compensation you need to cover everything from your medical bills to the pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
