Motorcycle accidents can lead to really serious injuries. Here in San Francisco, riders are out there sharing the roads with cars, trucks, buses, bikes, and tons of pedestrians. Those steep hills, tight turns, heavy traffic, and constant rideshare stops make it even riskier.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash in San Francisco, you deserve real answers and solid support. A San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through your options, handle the insurance hassle, and fight to protect your rights. At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, we represent folks injured in motorcycle accidents all across the city.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Happen in San Francisco?
Motorcycle crashes in San Francisco happen for many reasons, including:
- Drivers not seeing motorcycles in blind spots
- Cars turning left in front of riders
- Sudden stops in heavy traffic
- Slippery roads after rain or fog
- Uneven pavement or road hazards
- Rideshare and delivery vehicles pulling in and out
Riding a motorcycle in San Francisco means constantly scanning for risk. A crash often happens in a blink, and the injuries can be severe.
Common Motorcycle Accident Types in San Francisco
Motorcycle crashes can happen in many ways. Some common types include:
- Left-turn crashes, when a car turns in front of a rider
- Rear-end collisions, when a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind
- Lane splitting crashes, when a rider moves between cars
- Collision with fixed objects, like guardrails or curbs
- Road hazard accidents, caused by potholes, debris, or uneven pavement
- Rideshare and delivery vehicle crashes
Each crash creates its own set of facts and challenges. Understanding what happened is an important part of a claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco?
After a motorcycle crash, your health is first. You should:
- Call 911 and get medical help
- Report the crash to the police
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
- Exchange information with drivers involved
- Get witness names and contact info
- Seek medical care even if you feel okay at first
- Save medical records, bills, and receipts
- Talk to a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement
Insurance companies may contact you early. They often try to limit what they pay. Getting legal guidance first can help protect your claim.
How Fault Is Decided in Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Fault in a California accident is not always placed on just one driver. Responsibility may be evaluated based on:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and video from traffic or witnesses
- Statements from drivers, riders, and witnesses
- Damage to the motorcycle and other vehicles
- Medical records showing injuries
- Expert review of what went wrong
Even if you were partly at fault, you still may be able to recover compensation. A San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney can help explain how fault affects your claim.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries because riders have no steel frame or airbags. Some common injuries include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Broken bones
- Road rash and deep cuts
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Limb injuries
Some injuries get worse over time. That is why medical care and records matter for both your health and your claim.
How Siegal & Richardson, LLP Helps After a Motorcycle Accident?
When you work with our firm, we help in ways that match your needs. We can help by:
- Investigating how the crash happened
- Reviewing police reports, photos, and witness accounts
- Gathering medical records and treatment notes
- Communicating with insurance companies for you
- Evaluating the full effect of your injuries
- Building a claim aimed at fair compensation
Our goal is to make the process easier while you focus on healing.
Types of Compensation You May Be Able to Get
Every motorcycle crash is different, but many riders hurt in accidents may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost income from time missed at work
- Reduced ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
- Damage to your motorcycle and personal items
- Loss of normal daily activities
A San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer can explain what types of compensation may apply in your case.
When to Contact a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Talk to a lawyer if:
- You were hurt in a motorcycle crash
- Fault is unclear or disputed
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- You were hit by a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle
- The insurance company offers a low settlement
- Your injuries are affecting your work or daily life
Early guidance can help you avoid mistakes and protect your rights.
Get Help After a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle crash can change your life fast. You don’t have to handle insurance calls, medical bills, and legal questions alone. Whether your accident happened on a city street, near a freeway entrance, or close to a transit hub, help is available.
Siegal & Richardson, LLP is here to help. Contact our team to talk about your San Francisco motorcycle accident and your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents
1. Is lane splitting legal for motorcycles in California?
Yes. California allows lane splitting when done safely. Even if lane splitting was involved, it does not automatically mean the rider is at fault. Each crash is reviewed based on the facts.
2. What if a driver says they did not see my motorcycle?
That is common in motorcycle crashes. Drivers are still required to watch for motorcycles. Not seeing a rider does not excuse unsafe driving or failure to yield.
3. Can I file a claim if I was wearing a helmet?
Yes. Wearing a helmet does not prevent you from filing a claim. In fact, helmets often reduce injury severity, which can help support your case.
4. What if road conditions caused my motorcycle crash?
Poor road conditions like potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement can cause serious crashes. Depending on who was responsible for maintaining the road, a claim may still be possible.
5. Do motorcycle accident claims work differently from car accident claims?
They can. Motorcycle injuries are often more severe, and riders may face unfair bias from insurance companies because they are perceived as “reckless”. These cases often require careful review of evidence to show how the crash happened and why the rider was not at fault.
6. What if my motorcycle accident involved a delivery or rideshare vehicle?
If a delivery driver or rideshare vehicle caused the crash, additional insurance policies may apply. These cases often involve more than one insurer and require closer review.
7. Should I repair my motorcycle before my claim is resolved?
It’s best to document the damage first. Photos, repair estimates, and inspections can help show how the crash happened. Making repairs too soon can make it harder to prove the extent of damage.