Motorcycle Accidents
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 Motorcycles – Due 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 Issues – The 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 Conditions – Debris 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.
Case Results
Morales v. PG&E
Wrongful death of the 20-year-old daughter of Renee and Israel Morales in the San Bruno PG&E gas pipeline explosion, with co-counsel John Feder. We were the second case to go to mediation resulting in one of the highest settlements in history.
Cardarelli v. Encompass Community Services
Motorcyclist gets cut off by left-turning van in Capitola. Suffers below-knee amputation. Within one month of signing on with Bogaards Law, motorcyclist received a $250,000 advance from the defendant’s insurance company.
Avila v. Nicer
Pedro Avila was walking in a marked crosswalk, when a car took a left turn in Potrero Hill, and hit him. He suffered a broken right leg. The settlement included the $100,000 policy limits and $100,000 cash out of pocket from the motorist.
Felguth v. Epstein
Speeding on a rented motorcycle after the Gay Pride Parade, plaintiff was hit by a Jeep making a left on Mission Street in San Francisco. Both sides’ accident reconstruction experts agreed that if plaintiff had been going the speed limit, the accident could have been avoided. Plaintiff suffered multiple pelvic fractures and underwent three surgeries. Her medical specials were $185,000. She had no wage loss claim as a Lt. Firefighter.
Pedestrian v. Auto
2019 – A petite 84 y.o.woman crossed in the middle of the street in dark clothing to go to the grocery store at night. She was hit by a car and died instantly.
Wilson v. Minitransport Co.
Pedestrian gets hit by commuter bus making a right turn. Suffers a Lisfranc ankle injury with surgery. Medical bills were under $50,000. No wage loss.
Confidential/Pre-Litigation
Partial finger amputation of 8-year-old boy with comparative fault.
Baca v. Pickwick Hotel (YHB) and Garage (NBPS)
Customer trips and falls in parking garage. Suffers trimalleolar ankle fracture with surgery. Medical specials are $37,500. No wage loss.
Confidential Settlement
Woman falls leaving a doctor’s office in SF. Suffers a complex ankle fracture. Liability is hotly contested. No wage loss.
Confidential Settlement
Employee in a tech start-up makes a whistleblower claim regarding misuse of Facebook manager.
Wolter v. Marzolf Bros and Martin Flores Drywall
Homeowner slips on unsecured tarp in her foyer after coming downstairs and sues her general contractor doing her kitchen remodel. Homeowner suffers a severe elbow injury with surgery.
Ocegueda v. Hoffman
Wrist fracture arising out of pedestrian/auto accident, no surgery.
Tashjian v. U.S.F.
Plaintiff slipped and fell on nacho cheese on the floor at a U.S.F. basketball game, injuring his knee and resulting in arthroscopic surgery.
Personal Injury
CASE RESULT
$250,000 settlement plus a pair of season tickets to U.S.F. men’s basketball
Dempsey v. Stone
2014 – Mr. Dempsey was on his bicycle when he was hit by a car leaving the golf club. Liability was hotly contested. He suffered a broken right hand and cervical fractures.
Hiskes v. DoubleTree Hotel
Plaintiff was an 85-year-old man attending a weekly Rotary meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel in Livermore. He slipped on wet tiles and broke his femur in four places. Unfortunately, due to Alzheimer’s and life-threatening health issues, the plaintiff was unable to appear for his deposition or litigation past mediation.
Gutierrez-Hermasillo v. Martindale Ranch
Carbon monoxide poisoning case where clients, living in a ranch home in west Marin County, had only one day of exposure and no residual symptoms.
Kintis v. Barbieri
Wrongful death of 94 year old petite grandmother who ran out into traffic in the middle of the block between parked cars against a red light. Our accident reconstruction expert found no liability- zero-against the driver who hit her.
Wright v. Apple Inn
2016 – Two sisters were exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty wall heater in a hotel that didn’t have a carbon monoxide detector. They needed 28 hours of treatment, including oxygen. Medical bills were less than $10,000.
Retsky v. Ride Share Company
Cyclist gets doored by rideshare car. Bruising and scarring near eye and hand.
Confidential Bus Case
2017 – An 86 y.o. lovely woman got on the MUNI bus, and the driver took off before she was seated. She fell and suffered a low back injury. She has a significant past medical history. Her medical bill was a mere $6,000.
Gamba v. Wanaselja
Race car professional suffered neuropathic leg pain when race car driver backed up into him, while standing at metal table in hangar. Liability was hotely contested.
Guttman v. Hyndman
2016 – Ms. Guttman had a head-on collision, and suffered a sprained right ankle with surgery.
Maimes v. Szaebo
Court trial in Marin County for breach of plaintiff’s employment contract as an office manager. Plaintiff had both a personal and work relationship with employer, a medical doctor.
Student v. Student
Female student was sexually abused by a male student at a local private middle school. The male student had abused other students in the past.
Student v. School Teacher
Disputed sexual molestation of high school male student by female teacher at private school.
Sexual Molestation
CASE RESULT
Confidential Settlement, including money as well as adjustment of grades and schools for admission to college.
Jane Doe v. Tech Company
Plaintiff was the executive assistant for the CEO of a Silicon Valley tech company for only a few years. She was fired for absenteeism and poor work performance; however, plaintiff had a personal relationship with the CEO’s family and claimed that the personal relationship both interfered with her ability to do her office work and lead to her termination.
Woodward v. La Mariposa
Elder abuse case involving the death of a client’s father at a skilled nursing facility due to neglect, dehydration, and open wounds. Case settled at early mediation.
Mills v. Alma Via
Elder abuse case involving the death of a fellow attorney’s mother within a month of moving into an upscale care facility in Marin County, because she was not given medications. Expedited settlement within three months of claim.
Morales v. PG&E
Wrongful death of the 20-year-old daughter of Renee and Israel Morales in the San Bruno PG&E gas pipeline explosion, with co-counsel John Feder. We were the second case to go to mediation resulting in one of the highest settlements in history. We also accompanied Renee Morales to the PG&E criminal trial over 5 years later.
Tjaden v. Campbell
Bicyclist suffered broken wrist injury requiring multiple surgeries in no liability case.
Personal Injury
CASE RESULT
Prelitigation settlement for $100,000 policy limits and $15,000 cash contribution by driver
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Almost 40 years of professional excellence
Testimonials
What our clients are saying about us
The Hastings Community Justice Clinic represented a plaintiff in an employment case that Ms. Bogaards successfully mediated in
April 2022. Professor Goishi stated about her experience with Ms. Bogaards:
“We (plaintiff and his representatives) greatly appreciated Ms. Bogaards’ optimism and enthusiasm for the mediation process. This set a very positive tone and framing for the mediation itself. We also appreciated that she was a great listener, and welcomed hearing background information and emotional content that is present in most disputes, but that is often glossed over or ignored. She also did a great job of reality-checking, gently telling us about the potential weaknesses in our case. Finally, we thought it was great that she reminded us that a successful mediation will be one where both parties are unhappy. This was a great reminder of the nature of compromise. She also reiterated the upside of settling, as opposed to taking our chances with proceeding with the litigation — helpful to remind the parties about the risks of proceeding.”
U.C. Hastings Professor Miye A. Goishi of the Hastings Community Justice Clinic
My mediation appointment with Ms. Bogaards was more than interesting as it was conducted exclusively by phone due to the health crisis. Despite this, it went smoothly and productively. The case settled within the allotted time frame due largely in part to Ms. Bogaards persistence but also her vast experience in personal injury work. It was obvious her defense and plaintiff’s background gave her credibility with both parties. All in all, it was all a very positive experience for a first-time use. She was prepared and knew the flash points needed to get this settled. It took time but it was due to the parties obstinance, which she dealt with professionally and civilly. I’ve known Ms. Bogaards over the years from having litigated with her in her role as a defense attorney. I thought this case was perfect for a Mediator with a defense background that also does plaintiff’s work, as she does. I was very impressed with her grasp of value as regards a plaintiff’s case. She was spot on regarding the values and issues. I would not hesitate to use her again and recommend her as a Mediator to all plaintiff’s attorneys who view her strictly as a former defense attorney. She is way more than that; very efficient, there was no wasted time.
Don K.
Debra Bogaards is one of the most thorough, skilled and aggressive litigators in the Bay Area. She protects her clients and their interests like a mama bear to her cubs. I speak both as a client for whom Ms. Bogaards achieved an incredible result, and as a colleague who has worked beside Ms. Bogaards and has seen her diligence and thought process. Here skillset and tremendous presence and command, regardless of the forum, makes for a most fierce litigator. Ms. Bogaards is always my first recommendation to clients and friends seeking to protect their legal rights relating to personal injuries.
Joshua R.
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Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis.