San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Bay Area Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims Explained
Motorcycle accidents result in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year in California. Many of these incidents could be avoided and are frequently caused by negligent drivers who cut off motorcyclists in traffic, nearly force bikers off the road, or fail to yield when the motorcyclist has the right-of-way.
According to NHTSA statistics, motorcyclists are five times more likely to get hurt in a crash and 26 times more likely to die than occupants of passenger vehicles. Drivers of larger vehicles often overlook motorcycles, and this carelessness leads to serious accidents and injuries.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents involving negligent drivers include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Driving while distracted or intoxicated
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Opening car doors without looking
- Making an abrupt or sudden stop
- Turning into the path of a motorcyclist
- Failing to give riders enough space
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, our motorcycle accident attorneys in San Francisco know the risks bikers face every day. Riders have less protection than those in cars and are more vulnerable to serious injuries. We take on complex cases to help you seek fair compensation after a crash caused by another driver's negligence. With nearly five decades of experience, our team has recovered more than $500 milliion in compensation for our clients!
California Motorcycle Laws
Understanding the rules of the road is critical for both safety and your legal claim. California has some of the most specific motorcycle statutes in the country:
- Universal Helmet Law: Under California Vehicle Code § 27803, all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet. Failing to do so can significantly impact your ability to recover damages for head injuries.
- Lane Splitting (CVC § 21658.1): California was the first state to formally legalize lane splitting. While legal, it must be done in a "safe and prudent" manner. Insurance companies often try to use lane splitting as a reason to shift 100% of the fault onto the rider, but we know the law is on your side.
- Handlebar Height: To prevent "ape hanger" setups that compromise control, handlebars cannot be positioned so that the rider's hands are more than six inches above their shoulder height.
Where Do Motorcycle Crashes Often Occur in SF?
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) identifies a "High Injury Network"—the 12% of city streets where 68% of severe and fatal crashes occur. For motorcyclists, the danger zones often include:
- Market Street: High pedestrian volume and complex transit lanes create a high-stress environment for riders.
- The Octavia Boulevard / Market St Intersection: Historically one of the most dangerous junctions in the city.
- The SOMA District: Wide, one-way streets like 6th and 9th Streets often encourage speeding and aggressive lane changes by commuters.
- 19th Avenue (Highway 1): The heavy flow of traffic through the Sunset District makes this a frequent site for rear-end and left-turn collisions.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to the lack of protection, motorcyclists often suffer severe or catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These injuries often require long-term medical treatment, which is why it’s critical to pursue full and fair compensation.
Compensation from a Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle offers zero "crumple zone." When a rider is hit, the injuries are almost always serious. At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we fight to recover the maximum compensation available, including:
- Economic Damages: This covers tangible losses like emergency room bills, ongoing physical therapy, lost wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your bike and gear (helmets and leathers aren't cheap).
- Non-Economic Damages: This compensates you for the "human cost"—pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from riding again.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or DUI, the court may award additional funds to punish the at-fault driver.
How Insurance Companies Treat Bikers
It is an unfortunate reality: insurance adjusters often view motorcyclists as "inherently risky." Even when a driver clearly violates your right-of-way, the insurance company may try to argue that you were speeding or that your "lane splitting" was reckless.
This is why having a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer is vital. We anticipate these tactics. We use accident reconstruction experts and witness testimony to prove that you were operating your vehicle safely and that the fault lies entirely with the negligent driver. We don't let them devalue your claim based on outdated stereotypes.
Our Proven Success: Motorcycle Accident Case Results
Our lawyers have been recognized for their strong results. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, work with attorneys who have a demonstrated history of positive outcomes.
Our firm recovered $8,750,000 in a wrongful death case for a family who lost a loved one because of a careless driver. In another claim, we secured $1,250,000 after a driver made a sudden lane change and hit a motorcyclist.
We hold the AV Preeminent® rating, highlighting our commitment to legal ethics and ability. Best Lawyers in America has recognized us every year since 1991. These honors reflect our commitment to strong advocacy and personal service for motorcyclists across the Bay Area. We maintain clear communication and responsive support throughout your case, allowing you direct access to your legal team at every stage. Our approach combines local experience, national-level recognition, and a focus on results.
Contact our San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer today at (415) 940-7176 and let us get started on your claim.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
