San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer can help evaluate your case and determine your potential of recovering compensation. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still have a good chance of receiving compensation. Our firm at Cutter Law P.C. has years of experience dealing with motorcycle accident cases, and we know what it takes to get you the best possible outcome.
Quick Links
- What should I do if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco?
- How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
- What if my loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco?
- Can I still receive compensation if I’m partially to blame for the accident?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries in San Francisco?
- Why should I hire a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps you should take. Handling the process properly betters your chances of getting full compensation for your injuries and damages. Here is what you should do in the aftermath of an accident:
- Call 911 for help. You need to get help right away if anyone is injured. If no one is hurt, but the vehicles involved are disabled and blocking traffic, get to a safe area and call emergency services to help move the vehicles.
- Collect information about the accident. Once the scene is safe and any necessary medical care has been given, exchange contact information with all parties involved. If there are witnesses to the crash, get their names and phone numbers as well. This will be important when you start working on your case.
- Take pictures of the scene and get a police report. If you are able, use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident and surrounding area. Make sure that you capture images of all vehicles involved in the accident, any damage that was done, and any injuries sustained. You should also request a copy of the police report.
- Make sure that you receive medical attention as soon as possible even if no injuries are visible immediately after the accident. This is important for your health and will provide helpful evidence for your case.
- Call a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer. If you have sustained any injuries due to an accident, it is important to speak with a motorcycle injury lawyer. Your attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you take the necessary steps to receive compensation.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on various factors, including what injuries you sustain, how bad your injuries are, the cost of any vehicle damage, and the extent to which the accident impacts your life. A motorcycle accident lawyer can give you a more accurate estimate of your case’s value after speaking about the details of the accident.
Damages that you can recover in a motorcycle accident case include:
- Medical expenses: these expenses include both past and future medical bills.
- Pain and suffering: these damages compensate for the pain and anguish suffered due to the accident.
- Lost wages: if you were unable to work because of your injuries, you can recover any lost wages.
- Property damage: this money covers the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged property, including your motorcycle.
- Punitive damages: if you can prove that the other driver was grossly negligent or had malicious intent, you may receive punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future.
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, insurance companies often try to offer a low settlement amount. A motorcycle accident lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
What if my loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco?
If someone you love dies in a motorcycle accident, you can often recover money from the at-fault driver. According to California’s wrongful death statute, only certain people can file a wrongful death claim, such as the “decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children.”
To qualify for a wrongful death claim, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the death of your loved one. If successful, you can recover money for things like medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering. However, the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim in California is 2 years from the date of your loved one’s death.
Can I still receive compensation if I’m partially to blame for the accident?
Under California law, you can still recover money even if you are partly to blame for an accident. Under the state’s comparative negligence law, the court assigns a percentage of liability to each party. Even if you are 99% liable for the accident and injuries, you can technically still recover 1% of the damages awarded. If the court finds a plaintiff 20% responsible for a San Francisco motorcycle accident case with a final award of $100,000, the plaintiff would receive $80,000.
$23.5 Million
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$240 Million
Settlement in a nationwide defective medical device case involving defective pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators against Boston Scientific and Guidant
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries in San Francisco?
If you get hurt because of someone else’s negligence, the State’s statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a claim. In San Francisco, you have 2 years from the time of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is a good idea to start your lawsuit early because certain steps, such as gathering evidence, can take time and encounter delays. A personal injury attorney will ensure that you file your claim within the statute of limitations.
Why should I hire a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer. The San Francisco personal injury attorneys at Cutter Law are experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions for our personal injury clients, including a $596,000 settlement for a motorcyclist who was seriously injured after a car failed to yield the right of way. Think how much that money could help you in your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is legal in California. For more information, visit our California Motorcycle Laws page.
No. You should never talk to the other driver’s insurance company without your attorney present. The other driver’s insurance company may use what you say against you, which could negatively affect your case and ability to receive compensation.
Yes. All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets when riding on public roadways in San Francisco and elsewhere in California.
According to Berkeley University of California, the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents are:
- Unsafe Speed (29.5%): motorcyclists who are speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Car Right-of-Way (18.7%): the car fails to yield or violates the motorcyclist’s right-of-way because the driver is not paying attention
- Improper Turning (17.4%): drivers who make improper turns, including left and right turns, merges, and lane changes
- DUI (9.6%): driving or bicycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Improper Lane Change (5.8%): motorcyclists changing lanes improperly or attempting to change lanes at the same time as another vehicle
The most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Road burns/road rash: These accidents leave bruises and painful scrapes when a motorcycle rider is dragged or thrown from their bike.
- Broken bones: Depending on the type and severity of the crash, broken bones may occur.
- Amputation: Many riders lose a limb (or several) during an accident.
- Spinal cord injury: Trauma to the spinal cord affects nerves that run from the brain, through the spinal cord, and to every part of the body. Disrupting these signals can seriously impact anything from mobility to sensory messages.
- Paralysis: Paralysis involves one or more arms or legs that cease to function due to damage related to an accident. For example, a paraplegic cannot move from the rib cage down, and a quadriplegic cannot move from the neck down.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): There are varying degrees of brain injury. Mild trauma can result in a concussion and temporary loss of consciousness. In more severe traumatic brain injuries, motorcyclists may slip into a coma that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or longer.
- Death: Unfortunately, some motorcyclists do not survive injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
If you or a loved one is a victim of a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, contact us at Cutter Law P.C. for a free case review. We will answer any specific questions about your claim and help start you on the road to recovery.
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Cutter Law P.C.
1999 Harrison Street Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612
