If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, your life may never be the same. If someone else is responsible for causing your motorcycle crash – such as a careless or irresponsible driver – it is important to get the support you need when seeking justice.
At Jacoby & Meyers, our lawyers will empower you by helping you understand the inner workings of the legal system so that you can achieve the results you need. Our mission is to improve your life by maximizing your physical, financial and emotional recovery.
We serve clients in San Francisco from our conveniently located office at 450 California St Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94111. Call us at (415) 855-4289 for a free consultation.
Why Jacoby & Meyers?
- With more than 50 years and $2 billion in settlements won, we have earned the trust of tens of thousands of clients. We are Californians advocating for Californians.
- We’ve been representing injured motorcyclists since 1972 with a 99 percent success rate. Our team includes experienced litigators, seasoned lawyers, case managers and assistants.
- Our first goal is always to help our clients recover from their injuries. We can find the doctors who are best for you and your specific case to help you on your path to healing.
- Jacoby & Meyers has been voted the #1 Personal Injury Firm five years in a row. We are experts in serious automotive accidents, including motorcycle crashes.
- We believe everyone deserves justice. That’s why we take motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis in San Francisco, with $0 charged in fees unless we win.
How a San Francisco Attorney Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, an insurance company may try to take advantage of your vulnerable state to convince you to settle for as little money as possible for your medical bills, property damage and other losses. The most effective way to stand up for your rights is by hiring an experienced personal injury attorney.
An attorney can assess the circumstances of your motorcycle crash to determine fault, name the defendant(s) and gather evidence. Then, your lawyer can hire experts and deal with insurance companies on your behalf to fight for a positive outcome. Should your case end up being litigated before a California judge, a trial attorney can present the evidence of your case in the most effective way possible.
Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can be severe for riders and their passengers. With little to no injury protection besides a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer life-changing injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic deaths in the U.S.
Typical injuries that might be seen in a motorcycle accident case include:
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures and trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash, abrasions and burns
- Broken bones
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Soft-tissue damage
- Lower extremity injuries
- Amputations
At Jacoby & Meyers, our years of experience in the field allow us to generate bigger and better results for seriously injured clients. We can assist you in finding doctors that are best suited to provide medical treatment to aid in your recovery.
Top Causes of San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in San Francisco can happen for many reasons, often involving dangerous driver actions and behaviors. Motorcycles are small vehicles that drivers can easily miss – especially when they aren’t paying adequate attention to the road.
The leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Improper lookout
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Sudden stops
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Red-light running
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Unsafe left-hand turns
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Road rage or aggression
- Dangerous road defects, such as potholes
- Motorcycle part breakdowns
Determining the cause of your motorcycle accident is an important step in the recovery process, as you will be able to file an insurance claim against the at-fault person or party. This is how California’s fault-based insurance law works.
Motorcycle Accident Laws in California
Navigating a motorcycle accident claim requires knowledge of California’s surrounding laws, statutes and regulations. If you or a loved one gets injured in this type of crash, Jacoby & Meyers can help you understand your rights by explaining the laws that apply to your case.
Key motorcycle accident laws include:
- Fault law. In California, injured traffic accident victims – including motorcyclists – can receive compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance provider if they can prove fault. Liability must be established using clear and convincing evidence.
- Helmet law. The universal helmet law in California requires all motorcyclists to wear approved safety helmets (California Vehicle Code § 27803). If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, an insurance company may try to use this against you.
- Comparative negligence. California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that if a victim is allocated a percentage of fault for an accident, he or she can still recover a portion of compensation (minus the victim’s degree of fault).
- Statute of limitations. California Civil Code § 335.1 gives a deadline of two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a related personal injury claim, in most cases. If you miss your deadline, you will most likely forfeit the right to file.
Our lawyers can explain these laws and more that may affect your specific claim. As your attorneys, we will fight to help you protect your rights and receive maximum compensation for your past, present and future damages.
Talk to Our San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you need help getting appropriate medical treatment for your injuries, handling your property damage, negotiating with an insurance company or fighting for a fair settlement after a motorcycle accident, reach out to Jacoby & Meyers. Our San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to guide you through the legal process with a high level of care to leverage a successful case result.
Let us help you get the justice you deserve so that you can get back to the life of motorcycle riding you love. Contact us today to request a free consultation with one of our attorneys about your case. Call our local San Francisco office anytime at (415) 855-4289.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form