SAN FRANCISCO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

Supporting the Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Accidents

In the Bay Area and San Francisco, there are some of the most beautiful places to ride a motorcycle. There are many reckless, inattentive, and distracted drivers on our roads, causing our roadways to become congested and dangerous. When they cause injuries, drivers who disregard the rules of the road should be held accountable.

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by motorcycles' reduced profile, which reduces their visibility, as well as by reckless or distracted automobile drivers. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, we can assist you in holding the negligent party accountable.

At Bostwick & Associates, our San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers are available to evaluate your legal options and discuss how we may be able to represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Learn more about our firm by calling (888) 831-8448 and discuss a potential case during a FREE consultation. Contact us to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in San Francisco.

Motorcycle Laws in California

California has specific laws designed to protect motorcyclists and promote safety on the road. Knowing these rules is essential, both for safe riding and for understanding liability after an accident.

• Helmet Law: All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet at all times.
• Lane Splitting: California is the only state that expressly allows lane splitting, where motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. However, lane splitting must be done safely and prudently.
• Licensing Requirements: Motorcyclists must have an M1 or M2 license, depending on the type of motorcycle they operate.
• Equipment Rules: Motorcycles must be equipped with proper lights, mirrors, and functional exhaust systems. Riders must also use daytime headlights.

Violations of these laws can impact liability in an accident case. That is why it is critical to have an attorney who understands both the unique rights of motorcyclists and how California law applies in accident claims.

We pay close attention to how law enforcement and insurance adjusters interpret these regulations, because misunderstandings about lane splitting or protective gear can unfairly shift blame onto riders. By presenting clear evidence of how the collision occurred and how the law actually works, we can push back when someone tries to argue that simply riding a motorcycle in San Francisco is inherently risky and excuses careless driving by others. Our goal is that the legal process takes into account the realities of riding in Bay Area traffic rather than relying on stereotypes about motorcyclists.

How Our San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case

After a serious crash, many riders are unsure what a legal case will actually involve and how much work will fall on their shoulders. When you come to us after a collision in San Francisco, we take on the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery. From the outset, we map out a plan tailored to your situation, taking into account where the wreck happened, the injuries you suffered, and the insurance coverage that may apply.

Our process typically begins with a detailed intake meeting where we gather information about the crash, your medical treatment, and any contact you have already had with insurers. We then obtain and review the police report, scene photographs, and available video, and when necessary, we work with accident reconstruction professionals who understand local roadways such as Market Street, Geary Boulevard, or the approaches to the Bay Bridge. At the same time, we secure your medical records and consult with treating physicians to understand your prognosis and future care needs so that any settlement discussions are grounded in solid documentation.

As your claim progresses, we handle communications with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys, shielding you from pressure to give statements or accept low offers. We prepare formal demands that explain how the other party’s conduct caused the collision and lay out, in concrete terms, the losses you have sustained. If the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly, we are prepared to file a lawsuit in the appropriate Bay Area court and move your case toward trial. Throughout this process, our motorcycle accident lawyer keeps you informed, explains each step in clear language, and involves you in key decisions so that you remain in control while benefiting from our decades of experience.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco

The minutes and days after a crash can feel overwhelming, especially on busy streets like Van Ness Avenue, the Embarcadero, or along Highway 1. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and any future claim:

• Prioritize Medical Care: Your safety comes first. Call 911 from the scene if you are seriously hurt, or seek medical attention as soon as possible—even if injuries seem minor. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to head trauma, internal injuries, and fractures that may not be immediately obvious.
• Report the Crash and Secure the Scene: If you are physically able, make sure law enforcement responds, and an official report is created.
• Document What Happened: As soon as you can, write down everything you remember. Note traffic flow, road conditions, weather, and what the other driver did. Save photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, your motorcycle, protective gear, and visible injuries.
• Be Careful with Insurance Communications: Before discussing fault, injuries, or settlement, consider speaking with a lawyer who understands California motorcycle accident claims.
• Preserve Evidence and Follow Treatment Plans: Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, helmet damage, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. Attend follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Gaps in treatment can later be used to argue that injuries were not serious.

Motorcycle accidents in San Francisco often involve unique roadway hazards, heavy traffic, and drivers who fail to look twice. Taking careful, documented steps after a crash can make a meaningful difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.

Common Challenges in San Francisco Motorcycle Claims

Motorcycle cases in San Francisco often involve issues that do not arise in a typical car crash claim. Riders may face bias from witnesses, insurers, or even jurors who incorrectly assume that anyone on a bike must have been speeding or taking unnecessary risks. In a dense urban environment with complex intersections and frequent construction, it can also be harder to untangle exactly how a collision occurred without a careful, on-the-ground investigation.

We frequently see disputes about fault when crashes happen at busy locations such as the intersections along Folsom or Mission Street, freeway on-ramps, or around popular tourist areas where drivers may be distracted. Insurance companies sometimes seize on any suggestion that a rider was lane splitting or changing position within the lane, even when those actions were lawful and reasonable under California rules. Overcoming these arguments requires detailed work with diagrams, photographs, and sometimes expert testimony to show how visibility, timing, and driver choices interacted in the seconds before impact.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco

Motorcycle crashes in San Francisco often result from the negligence of other motorists. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or failing to pay attention often overlook motorcyclists.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists sometimes fail to check blind spots, cutting off riders.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction times and increases the severity of crashes.
• Failure to Yield: Many collisions occur when cars fail to yield at intersections or when turning left in front of a motorcycle.
• Driving Under the Influence: Intoxicated drivers are a serious danger to motorcyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can cause catastrophic injuries.

When another party’s negligence causes your crash, a skilled San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer at Bostwick & Associates can investigate, gather evidence, and hold them accountable.

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle riders lack the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and vehicle frames. As a result, their injuries tend to be more severe than those sustained in car accidents. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders may suffer concussions or severe brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause paralysis or long-term mobility challenges.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Legs, arms, and ribs are especially vulnerable in crashes.
• Road Rash: Severe abrasions occur when riders are thrown from their bikes and slide across pavement.
• Internal Injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding are life-threatening if not treated immediately.
• Fatal Injuries – Sadly, many motorcycle crashes result in wrongful death.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims may be unable to work, leaving them with mounting financial strain. That is why securing full compensation is essential.

Beyond the immediate physical harm, serious injuries from a crash can affect nearly every part of your daily routine. You may need help with basic tasks, be unable to return to riding, or require modifications to your home or vehicle to stay independent. In the Bay Area’s high cost-of-living environment, even a temporary reduction in income can create serious pressure on your family. When we build a claim, we work with treating doctors, life-care planners, and financial professionals to document not just your current medical bills, but the long-term costs of care, therapy, and lost opportunities that flow from a severe motorcycle injury.

We also recognize that the emotional impact of a collision—anxiety about traffic, sleep problems, or fear of getting back on a bike—can be just as real as a visible injury. These non-economic damages are compensable under California law, and they are particularly important in cases involving permanent pain or loss of a favorite activity. By presenting a complete picture of how the crash has changed your life in San Francisco, we can advocate for a result that accounts for both the financial and human losses you have suffered.

Compensation Available for Injured Riders in California

A successful motorcycle accident claim in California can help victims recover both economic and non-economic damages. At Bostwick & Associates, we fight to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future treatment, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving families.

In practice, the value of a claim depends on many details, including the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and how clearly we can prove another party’s fault. In San Francisco, we also consider factors such as your occupation, whether you can return to work in the city’s competitive job market, and how ongoing treatment will fit into your life. Our team reviews medical records, employment history, and expert opinions to build a damage picture that reflects both your immediate needs and the long-term consequences of the crash.

Why Choose Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in San Francisco?

Before you sign any documents or accept any settlements, consulting experienced representation is in your best interest. A motorcycle accident lawyer in San Francisco can help you ensure you have the resources to conduct investigations, consult experts, and build the strongest possible claim. What is more, statistics show personal injury plaintiffs who have an attorney recover, on average, three times more compensation than those without.

• $21M for a 56-year-old woman who suffered a mild TBI when her vehicle was struck by a truck. This is the largest non-punitive award of its type for an individual in California's history.
• $17M for a baby born with brain damage due to a failure to treat a routine maternal infection. This is believed to be the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history.
• $5M for the parents of a 14-year-old child who was killed in an ATV rollover at her bible camp. At the time, this was the largest settlement for the wrongful death of a child in California history.
• $3.5M for a motorcyclist with vertebral artery dissection that was not promptly diagnosed and treated by emergency hospital health care providers.

When you work with Bostwick & Associates, you are working with a firm that has spent decades handling complex, high-stakes injury cases across California and in courts around the country. Our record-setting results and extensive trial experience mean that insurance carriers in the Bay Area know we are prepared to see a case through, whether it resolves in negotiation or in a San Francisco courtroom. That reputation often changes how those companies approach settlement discussions, because they understand we have the resources and determination to keep pushing until your case is fully heard.

We also recognize that choosing a lawyer after a motorcycle crash is about more than numbers on a verdict sheet. Our team takes a hands-on approach, meeting with you and your family, explaining your options in clear terms, and keeping you updated as your case progresses. Because we limit the number of matters we accept, we can devote the time necessary to understand the details of your ride, the roadway, and your medical care, and to tailor a strategy that fits your specific circumstances in San Francisco.

If you’re overwhelmed by medical bills, pain, and insurance calls after a crash, turn to the trusted San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys at Bostwick & Associates. Call (888) 831-8448 or contact us today.

Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco FAQs

How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government entity, the deadline may be much shorter.

What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After My Accident?

Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce payouts. It is best to avoid giving recorded statements until you have spoken with an attorney.

What If the Driver Who Caused the Accident Is Uninsured?

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. An attorney can help explore your options.