San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
A motorcycle crash in San Francisco can change your life in seconds. Riders have little protection in a collision, and even “moderate speed” impacts can cause serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and long-term disability. On top of that, motorcyclists often face unfair bias from insurers and even witnesses who assume the rider must have been speeding or “taking risks” that contributed to or caused the accident.
The San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers at The Hassell Law Group have more than 90 years of experience fighting for injured riders and families throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial – because insurance companies pay claims when they know your lawyers are ready and willing to fight in court.
Your consultation is free. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we win.
Our Motorcycle Accident Case Results
Motorcycle crash claims are often aggressively defended. Our results prove we know how to build strong cases and overcome situations where the driver denies fault, the police report got it wrong, or the insurer is disputing the claim.
$4,677,244 court judgment (San Mateo County)
Won for a motorcyclist struck by a car driving on the wrong side of the road. The rider suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken bones requiring surgeries.
$525,000 result – Dangerous Road condition (pothole case)
Secured in a roadway hazard case where a motorcyclist hit a pothole at night in a turn lane and suffered a spleen injury that required spleen removal surgery. The responsible party tried to blame the accident on the motorcyclist.
$500,000 policy-limits settlement (Santa Cruz County)
Recovered for a motorcyclist who suffered a leg injury after being hit by an elderly driver—despite a police report that was against the rider.
$437,500 settlement (scooter operator crash)
Obtained for a scooter operator struck by a vehicle, causing loss of consciousness, a hand fracture, and an ankle tendon injury requiring surgery. The car driver tried to deny responsibility.
Why Choose The Hassell Law Group After a Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle accident cases aren’t just “car accident cases with a motorcycle.” They involve unique dynamics, unique injuries, and unique insurance tactics.
Clients choose our firm because we offer:
- 90 years of combined legal experience representing those injured in serious accident cases
- Trial-ready representation from day one
- A track record of strong outcomes, including judgments and policy-limits results
- A strategy based on all the facts, the evidence, skilled negotiation, and winning
- Personal attention and clear communication
- No fees unless we win
San Francisco Office
415-334-4111Aptos Office
831-508-8819Pinole Office
510-849-6410
Quick Contact FormNew Case Intake Form
Motorcyclist Bias and How We Counter It
Insurance adjusters frequently try to reduce payouts by blaming the rider – even when the facts prove otherwise. Common bias includes assumptions like:
- “Motorcyclists always speed.”
- “Riders take unnecessary risks.”
- “Lane splitting is reckless.”
- “The rider came out of nowhere.”
We counter this with evidence. Our approach is designed to prove liability clearly and establish the full value of your damages so the insurance company can’t rely on stereotypes.
How We Build Winning Motorcycle Accident Cases
The earlier your lawyer gets involved, the easier it is to preserve evidence that can win your case.
Immediate Investigation
We act quickly to document what happened before evidence disappears, especially surveillance footage and witness recollections.
Motorcycle-Specific Evidence Collection
Depending on the case, we may gather:
- Police reports, 911 call records, body cam footage
- Witness statements
- Traffic, business, and residential surveillance camera footage
- Vehicle damage and impact-point analysis
- Scene documentation (skid marks, debris fields, gouge marks)
- Phone records when distracted driving is suspected
- Medical records from medical providers treating you
Expert Support When Needed
For serious cases, we may work with:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Human factors/visibility experts (“looked-but-didn’t-see” cases)
- Medical experts and other kinds of experts
- Economic experts (to prove damages, future earnings loss, and long-term costs)
Trial Preparation From Day One
We prepare every case like it’s going to trial. That trial readiness often drives higher settlement offers – because insurers know what it costs to defend (and potentially lose) a well-built case.
Common Motorcycle Accident Types in San Francisco
Motorcycle crashes often happen because a driver fails to see a rider or misjudges speed and distance. Common collision patterns include:
- Left-turn crashes (driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcyclist)
- Unsafe lane changes / merges into a rider’s lane
- Rear-end collisions at stoplights and congested corridors
- Dooring accidents
- Right-hook turns across a rider’s path
- Dangerous road conditions (potholes, uneven pavement, poor lighting, loose gravel)
California Motorcycle Laws That Can Affect Your Claim
Motorcycle cases can turn on very specific legal issues. Our team knows how to address them in negotiations and in court.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is legal in California provided it is performed with caution and done safely. It is also a frequent insurer talking point. The real question is whether the rider was operating reasonably and whether the driver acted safely.
Insurance companies may try to argue that injuries would have been different “with a different helmet” or “better gear.” We focus on what matters: fault, causation of damages, and medical proof—we fight blame shifting.
Dangerous Road Conditions
If your crash involved a roadway hazard (like a pothole or unsafe roadway design), the claim may involve a government entity and strict deadlines. These cases require immediate action and the right strategy.
Insurance Issues in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle crashes often involve insurance complexities that can affect settlement value.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Many serious motorcycle injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. Your own UM/UIM coverage may be one of the most important sources of recovery.
Policy Limits and Coverage Stacking Issues
When serious injuries are involved, we look for all available compensation sources (carefully and strategically), including multiple insurance policies where applicable.
What Not to Do With Insurance Adjusters
Insurers often request recorded statements early- sometimes before you even understand your medical diagnosis. We help protect your claim by controlling communications and presenting your case the right way. Speaking directly with insurance company representatives is not recommended.
Who Can Be Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?
Liability isn’t always limited to “the other driver.” Responsible parties may include:
- A negligent driver who failed to yield, turned illegally, or merged unsafely
- An employer if the at-fault driver was on the job at the time
- A governmental entity (dangerous roadway conditions)
- A property owner (hazardous parking lot, exits, or driveway conditions)
- A vehicle owner (negligent entrustment)
Our job is to identify every responsible party and pursue compensation from every available source.
Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced or lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental trauma
- Permanent impairment, disability, and disfigurement
- Property damage (motorcycle and gear)
We work to ensure your claim reflects all your damages, and the full impact of the crash – not just today’s bills.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because riders are physically exposed, injuries are often severe, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion
- Spinal injuries, herniated discs, nerve damage
- Broken bones and crush injuries requiring surgery
- Internal injuries
- Road rash with infection/scaring/nerve complications
- Long-term mobility limitations
What Happens When You Hire Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Here’s what our representation typically looks like:
- Free consultation and claim evaluation
- Immediate evidence preservation and investigation
- Medical documentation + damage valuation (including future care)
- Aggressive negotiation with the insurer
- Litigation and trial when the insurance company refuses to pay fair value
Why Our Trial Lawyers Often Obtain Higher Motorcycle Settlements
Insurance companies keep track of law firms. They know which firms settle cheaply and which firms are prepared to litigate and try cases.
Trial readiness matters because it increases risk for the insurer. When that risk is real, settlement offers tend to rise.
At The Hassell Law Group, we prepare every case for trial from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my San Francisco motorcycle accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, time missed from work, and whether you have long-term impairment. Serious motorcycle injuries often involve substantial future damages.
What if the police report blames me?
Police reports are not the final word. We’ve secured strong outcomes even when reports were unfavorable, by building the case with evidence and expert analysis (as shown in our case results section of our website where results are obtained despite the report being against the rider).
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence, meaning partial fault does not automatically bar recovery.
What if my crash was caused by a pothole or road defect?
These cases may involve a government claim with strict filing deadlines. Immediate action and investigation is critical.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
Yes. If you suffered injuries, especially serious injuries, legal representation can protect you from insurer tactics, preserve evidence, and maximize your compensation.
Contact Our San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, we’re ready to help. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options clearly, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today on (415) 334-4111. We can help.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Related Practice Areas
- San Francisco Car Accident Lawyers
- San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyers
- San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
- San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers
- San Francisco Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
- San Francisco Slip and Fall & Trip and Fall Lawyers
The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.