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Motorcycle Accident Injury in San Francisco

There’s nothing like the wind in your hair, the cool breeze on your face, and the sense of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. But, as all motorcyclists know, riding can also be dangerous, and the risks increase when other drivers fail to pay attention, violate traffic laws, or act with disregard for the safety of others. When a driver such as this causes an accident, and a motorcyclist gets injured, taking action quickly is imperative.

The Unique Dangers Motorcyclists Face on the Road

Motorcycle accidents present unique risks, and riders must exercise great caution on the roads. Even as overall injuries and crashes declined during the pandemic, reports showed that injuries for motorcycle and bicycle riders in San Francisco remained high. Certain factors contribute to motorcycle accidents more than other vehicle crashes, including: 

  • Construction and Design of MotorcyclesDue to their two-wheeled construction, motorcycles are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Balance is a significant factor when the rider brakes, turns or swerves to avoid an unexpected hazard. In addition, the operator is at greater risk of injury because they aren’t protected by a metal shell or a seat belt, like the driver of a car.
  • Visibility IssuesThe smaller, narrower profile of motorcycles may lead other motorists to overlook them on the road or through a mirror. The lack of visibility is of particular concern at intersections where many vehicles and traffic patterns congregate. 
  • Road ConditionsDebris and uneven surfaces are a concern for motorcyclists who are also trying to navigate traffic. A pothole that might cause a jolt inside a car can actually lead a motorcycle to flip and toss the rider. Weather can also create hazards, including wet, slippery roadways.
  • Operator Skill Level – All of the challenges that motorcycle riders face require the operator to have an advanced skill level, often beyond what is necessary for driving a car. The two-wheeled construction necessitates balance, while road conditions and visibility issues require vigilance. Special licenses and training are required to legally operate a motorcycle, but practice is also critical.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Am Harmed in a Motorcycle Accident?

After you are harmed in a crash, you should seek medical care for your injuries right away and be sure that the accident is reported to the police. Then, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. If you believe that the other driver was at fault, you should hire an attorney; an insurance adjuster will likely try to offer you as small of a settlement as possible to save the insurance company money, and may even try to pin the accident on you. 

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?

Injuries incurred by a motorcyclist are often severe, and sometimes permanent and disabling. These injuries can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical care, in-home treatment, future surgeries, lost wages, and more. When you file a claim, you have the right to seek compensation for all of these losses. You also have a right to seek compensation for the value of your pain and suffering. Our attorneys can help. 

Talk to a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle crashes are all too common in San Francisco, and injured victims face an uphill battle to return to health. Expenses for medical treatment and recovery add up, and you may be out of work for some time due to your injuries. Fortunately, you do have options to recover compensation from the party whose negligent driving led to your motorcycle accident. The skilled accident and injury lawyers at Bogaards Law can assist you in pursuing the responsible party for compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please contact our office for more information or to schedule a case assessment.

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