Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
San Francisco and the Bay Area are well known for having some of the most scenic routes to enjoy while riding a motorcycle in California. Even when motorcyclists make every effort to be extra cautious on the roads, distracted and careless drivers of vehicles may not always respect the rules of the road. This disregard for road safety can be traced back to over 80,000 motorcyclists being injured in the United States.
The experienced team of lawyers at The Barnes Firm have handled numerous motorcycle accident cases in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. From the first phone conversation through to the final settlement, the team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm is committed to working hard for you every step of the way. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
At The Barnes Firm, we know that an unexpected motorcycle accident can turn your world upside down, especially after finding out how extensive your injuries may be immediately or over a period of time. Insurance companies will often make an unfair offer to motorcycle accident victims to pay out fast. After being involved in a San Francisco motorcycle accident, you will want a team of experienced attorneys on your side. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents happen frequently in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The injuries sustained by motorcyclists in these accidents tend to be more severe than those of a car or truck driver that hits them. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury on the road because they are not protected by a vehicle frame. When a motorcyclist accident occurs, the rider and passenger on a motorcycle are hit directly, which often results in severe injury.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys will ask questions about the accident to identify if a vehicle driver was ignoring the laws and rules of the road. More times than not, distracted driving or not following the laws that govern roads can be linked to the cause of most motorcycle accidents. We have helped many clients injured in motorcycle accidents and found the most common causes include:
Left Turn Accidents. A driver making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist is extremely dangerous. Vehicle drivers often fail to estimate the speed and distance of a motorcycle before turning, causing a motorcycle crash to occur.
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving causes over 1 million car accidents per year. Taking your eyes off the road, even just for a second, can cause a fatal accident. Distracted driving gives drivers less time to react. Given the smaller profile of a motorcyclist, delayed reaction time from a driver can cause a severe accident.
Speeding. Speeding endangers everyone on the road, but especially motorcyclists. A speeding car or truck requires more stopping distance. If a motorcycle stops suddenly and a speeding driver cannot slow down, it may result in a rear-end motorcycle accident.
Tailgating. Tailgating a motorcycle can lead to rear-end accidents. Drivers of cars and trucks should provide enough space between a motorcycle to avoid rear-ending them if traffic comes to a sudden stop.
Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence causes delayed reaction time and leads to impairments in vision and vehicle control. Motorcyclists have a higher chance of being hit by an intoxicated driver due to a smaller profile. All DUI related crashes are preventable.
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. According to a report published by The University of California Berkeley, motorcyclists who split lanes in heavy traffic have less chance of being struck from behind by other motorists, are less likely to suffer head injuries, and less likely to sustain fatal injuries in a crash. Other drivers need to be aware of motorcyclist’s lane splitting, especially when switching lanes or coming out of a complete stop. Purposely blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider, or opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist, is illegal.
After a motorcycle accident, you will likely be in a state of shock and may need medical attention. The most important thing to do is get to safety. Keep your protective gear on and move your motorcycle if you can manage on your own, or with the help of others, to avoid any additional accidents. After moving off the roadway, call 911 and request medical attention if necessary. Take photos of the accident scene, exchange information with the other driver, and request a copy of the police report before leaving the scene. Then, call The Barnes Firm and ask to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney. Our experienced attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible. Our successful San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys have handled motorcycle accident cases involving the following injuries:
The most severe injuries happen when the point of impact is located at the front of the motorcycle. Motorcyclists should always wear proper protective gear, including a helmet. California law requires all riders and passengers of motorcycles wear a helmet while riding. Even with proper gear, the results of a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have after being involved in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco or the Bay Area.
The statute of limitations in California is two years. This means you have two years after your accident or injury discovery to file a personal injury claim. If you or a family member have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the trusted and experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm for a FREE consultation today. We can help answer any questions you have regarding filing a motorcycle accident claim in San Francisco or the Bay Area.
After a motorcycle accident, more than just medical expenses can be recovered. The team of San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm can help you get the proper compensation for all damages you deserve. We’ve recovered the following for our motorcycle accident clients:
Our team of dedicated attorneys will help get you on the road to recovery. Before talking to an insurance company, call The Barnes Firm. Our trusted team of attorneys can help with any questions you may have regarding your accident, insurance, or filing a claim.
Whether the accident resulted in minor or major injuries, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco or the Bay Area, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm today. We are available 24/7 to help you go over your legal options and develop a plan to help you get the best result possible.
Call (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Every motorcycle crash is unique and will have different factors to consider. According to the NHTSA, most accidents are caused by a car or truck driver. The main reason is that the driver does not see the motorcycle rider. Sometimes, the cause of a collision is a parts manufacturer. It is rarely the fault of the motorcycle driver, contrary to popular belief.
Many reasons can lead to motorcycle accidents. The core issue is negligence. Whether it is another driver, a government agency, or a product manufacturer, it is likely a third-party lawsuit. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
The cause of the accident will also determine liability issues. The cause determines the responsible party and, therefore, the recovery options.
The NHTSA reports there are more than 5,000 motorcyclists killed in collisions across the U.S. That accounts for 14% of total traffic fatalities for the year. There were 565 motorcyclist deaths in California in a recent year. For comparison, California car accident deaths were about 4,000 for the same reporting year.
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. Often, they occur on highways where traffic is moving fast. The most dangerous counties for motorcyclists in California include:
The following intersections are also some of the most dangerous in California for collisions:
There are 8.3 million registered motorcycles nationwide. Every year, this number increases. There are 89,000 collisions involving these motorists. That is equivalent to 1% of registered motorcyclists being involved in collisions. About 25% of motorcycle crashes are the rider’s fault. This number can range by area and year.
You can seek payment for pain and suffering in a motorcycle accident settlement. The amount will depend on the severity of your injuries and if you will suffer long-term impacts. It is calculated by taking your economic losses and multiplying them. These damages are often awarded in cases involving permanent injuries or disability.
The civil process can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You will have to handle insurance claims and the court. The more complex the civil case, the longer it will take to resolve the claim. It can take weeks or months for a settlement. However, a lawsuit can take a year or more in some instances. Issues that can lengthen case time include liability and insurance.
Getting our clients the best results possible.
or call us at
(800) 800-0000
"Landon and his team did an amazing job on my case. I'm very grateful and I will definitely continue to recommend this office!"
"Cody was a great attorney. Helped me with all my needs."
"Very professional and communicative, Cody Christiansen and his team were so supportive for every step of this process. My first experience with an attorney and he was ve...
"I needed serious help with a stressful and traumatic experience and Landon was certainly on my side. Thank you Landon and Barnes Firm for all of your help to get issues ...
"Landon Vivian, ESQ did a great job on my case. After the settlement of my case, he explained all of the numbers and liens clearly so that I understood final number. I hi...
"Once I spoke to Jade Mann on the phone rearguarding my case, I knew that I picked the right Law Firm. My attorney Landon Vivian was efficient and diligent in setteling m...
"I really enjoyed working with Mr Landon and his crew… very friendly staff. They make you feel comfortable. They did a GREAT job with the handling of my case. All I had...
"They were clear, concise and explained the whole process to me while fighting for my rights and getting me what I deserved too. Highly recommend."
"Cody Christiansen, with "The Barnes Firm", and his legal team provided outstanding legal services. Their resources, negotiation skills and knowledge is far beyond expect...
"Wonderful group! Landon Vivian was the sweetest, sharpest, and most direct lawyer I’ve ever met. I would work with this group and Landon anytime I need a lawyer."
"Thanks for all the help and support! Very respectful and professional I was treated like family and I appreciate my team Landon and others for all that y’all did for m...
"I worked with Landon and Jade, both had my best interest at heart. When I first met Landon, I was very impressed at his transparency. He had laid out expectations and ti...
"My attorney Landon Vivian did so well on both of my cases I’m very appreciative of his team and the hard work he did I definitely will recommend him to anyone that nee...
"Contacting The Barnes Firm was the best decision I ever made when I had a car accident. Not only medical bills were attended to but also the settlement they negotiated f...
"Landon really helped me out with my case, and got me a huge pay out . I would definitely recommend him again ! Very happy with this firm thanks again for the hard work t...
"Couldn’t have asked for the best support… would like to express how grateful I am to Jade and Landon they are such a great team, they care about their clients and ab...
"Jade Mann and Landon Vivian handled my case and they were great! Working with them relieved a lot of the stress of dealing with the aftermath of an accident. I had never...
"Corinne Brophy was excellent in handling my case. She is very positive, confident and knowledgeable."
"I am so happy with my payout and resolution. Everyone at the Oakland office of The Barnes Firm was helpful, polite, and kept me informed. I was very comfortable working ...
"Landon Vivian did a great job on my case I'm very happy with his services and his staff !"
"Landon and his team worked diligently on my case to get me the best possible outcome."
"Landon Vivian & Jade Mann Truly helped me out at one of the single most Diffacult time of my Life after a Terrible car Accident that was not my Fault at all and that...
"This law firm was so professional, very patient and understanding. My lawyer was Landon Vivian. Anything I didn't understand he explained so clearly. Landon and his team...
"I’m truly amazed and have a great results on my case…great customer service and treated as real family…highly recommended and such a blessing as they help me on my...
"Jade an Landon got me waaaay more cash than I woulda got elsewhere 💯"
"I was thankful with my lawyer who handled my case, Cody. Very professional. Every time I have questions he will get back to me as soon he gets my message, but most of th...
"I was totally amazed as to how thorough and professional the Barnes Lawyers were. The team was led by Cody Christiansen. I was treated not as a client but as a member of...
"Landon Vivian helped my son with his car accident. Mr. Vivian was very professional and very helpful and was on top of our case from day one! Highly recommend him as an ...
We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (800) 800-0000.
Fill out our form and we will contact you shortly to discuss your case
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
We are available anytime, including after hours and
weekends.
420 Lexington Avenue
Suite #2140
New York, NY 10170
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (800) 853-5153
600 Old Country Road
Suite #425
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (800) 853-5153
500 Pearl Street
Suite #700
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (800) 853-5153
451 Grider Street
Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (800) 853-5153
28 East Main Street
Suite #600
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (800) 853-5153
633 West 5th Street
Suite #1750
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (888) 800-7050
555 12th Street
Suite #1470
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (888) 800-7050
655 W. Broadway
Suite #940
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (800) 800-0000
Fax: +1 (888) 800-7050
