Need Help from a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Stressed About Making Your San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Let Us Handle Your Claim So You Can Get Back in the Saddle!

Riding a motorcycle in San Francisco is awesome! You can get places more quickly and with the ease and convenience your friends envy. And parking... it's a dream compared to that of your car-dependent compadres. 

But the convenience can be dangerous! San Francisco is rated by the Office of Traffic Safety as the #1 large city in California for motorcycle accident related injuries and deaths. 

There are almost 25,000 motorcycles registered in San Francisco County alone. Ridership has increased steadily for years as motorcycles have become more socially acceptable and fuel-efficient alternative transportation. However, motorcycles can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Every year there are nearly 4,000 fatal motorcycle accidents nationwide, with almost 500 of those in California. That number has continued to climb steadily even as the number of overall traffic accidents in the U.S. has decreased. In fact, while motorcycles comprise 2% of all registered vehicles, riders (drivers and passengers) are 37 times more likely to die than those in automobiles.

​What You Can Do to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco

If you’re a rider, ride safely and ride smart. If you’re a driver, watch out for motorcycles and you could save a life. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of accident and potentially reduce the severity of any injuries you may suffer.

• Take a safety course—rider education and experience is the #1 factor in decreasing motorcycle accidents not caused by reckless behavior.
• Get a motorcycle license. Riding without one is not only illegal, it’s unsafe.
• Ride Sober—drunk or buzzed driving is deadly.
• Avoid riding at night until you’re comfortable on your bike.
• Wear a helmet—they save lives.

What You Can Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco that wasn’t your fault, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. However, there are a number of other things you should do to protect yourself and safeguard your financial security.

Get the Other Driver’s Information Yourself

This includes name, address, registration number (license plate), insurance info, etc.. The police may collect some or all of this information but doing so yourself ensures you have it when you (and your motorcycle accident attorney) need it.

Don’t Waive Treatment

Many people with relatively minor injuries are tempted to waive treatment and ambulance rides because of the expense but you may not even know how badly you’re injured until you see a doctor.

Don’t Take Money from the Driver

Many times at fault drivers will offer money to victims in order to avoid the “hassle” of dealing with insurance, personal injury lawyers, and courtrooms. Don’t take it. It is most always less than you’re legally entitled to and can damage your chances of receiving compensation.

Is Sally Morin Law the Right San Francisco Motorcycle Lawyer for You?

• Have you suffered serious injury in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco? Serious meaning it involves broken bones, hospitalization, surgery or Traumatic Brain Injury? Or, has a loved one been killed in an SF motorcycle accident?
• Are you worried about how the motorcycle accident will impact your family and your ability to work?
• Are you looking for a substantial and fair settlement, instead of milking the the at fault party for every single penny?
• Do you need an expert San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer who can handle the complex motorcycle accident claim process so you can focus on getting better?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, Sally Morin Law - with over 2 decades of experience and a 5-star rating as a San Francisco personal injury law firm - is a great fit for you.

Why You Need a San Francisco Motorcycle Injury Attorney

San Francisco can be an exciting and convenient city in which to ride a motorcycle. However, it's quite different from the open roads of rural California. Our overcrowded and often narrow streets are prime real estate for motorcycle accidents and injury. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco the first thing you should do after receiving necessary emergency medical attention is to contact a San Francisco motorcycle injury lawyer.

Why call someone dedicated to the field of motorcycle accidents? Why not call any general personal injury attorney? You need to call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in San Francisco because investigating motorcycle accidents and determining liability are unique processes different from automotive or other types of injury accidents. You need a motorcycle injury attorney with experience in these cases to insure your case is handled efficiently and that you receive a fair and full settlement. You need an attorney like Sally Morin, a former San Francisco motorcyclist herself, who has extensive experience in handling motorcycle injury claims. She has handled several dozens of motorcycle accident cases in the San Francisco Bay Area, including very serious motorcycle injury cases involving her friends and colleagues.

Sally and her team understand the concerns and issues of California motorcycle accident victims. They understand that these concerns can range from the inconvenience of not having your bike back quickly to the life-changing financial, physical and mental challenges that come with a serious motorcycle injury. Sally Morin Law's down to earth, straight forward approach to lawyering is designed to minimize client stress while addressing their very real concerns at the same time.

Top 5 Reasons You Need Sally Morin Law as Your San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

1. The number one reason you need Sally and her team as your SF motorcycle attorney is that their representation instantly levels the playing field when it comes to processing your claim. Without representation it’s just you against the insurance company. Insurance claims people know how the system works and their objective is to settle for as little as possible. Putting Sally Morin Law on your team evens up the game and greatly increases your chances for a full and fair settlement.
2. Motorcycle accidents can be tricky to investigate. For example skid marks can play an important role in determining what happened in an auto accident but in motorcycle events there are rarely skid marks as the cycle typically ends up on its side and slides. Understanding how to interpret police reports and how to question witnesses is an important skill set when recreating what happened and what part each party played. Sally Morin Law hires only the best motorcycle accident reconstructionist experts to help support and win your case. Sally’s years of hands-on experience with San Francisco motorcycle injury cases puts her in a unique position to determine what really happened and where the liability lies. 
3. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident there is almost always some form of injury - often major - involved. Victims will already be faced with dealing with insurance adjusters and lawyers but will also be challenged by medical providers demanding payment. The Sally Morin Law team manages the insurance and medical billing issues so you can focus on healing. 
4. As a former San Francisco motorcyclist Sally understands the motorcycling community. She also understands that there are sometimes negative perceptions of motorcycle riders held by insurance companies, law enforcement and even judges that can impact a claim if not challenged. The most common comment by drivers involved in accidents with motorcycles in San Francisco is “I didn’t see them,” which then immediately gets interpreted by the SFPD as the motorcyclist was either speeding or weaving in and out of traffic. Sally and her team keep the case focused on facts - not perceptions. Each case is pursued on its merits and Sally Morin Law insures that prejudices play no part in the process.
5. While most cases are negotiated and never see a court room, Sally Morin Law knows how to go there if that’s what it takes to get a full and fair settlement for their client. Some San Francisco motorcycle injury attorneys will shy away from trials and have never even handled a trial, as they can be extremely lengthy and delay any settlement. Sally cut her teeth as a trial attorney when she served as an Assistant District Attorney for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, so she has the experience to go the extra mile for her clients -- when necessary.

#1 You May Ride Alone, but You Don't Need to Handle Your Case Alone

Serious injury motorcycle accidents in San Francisco are more commonplace than any other large city in California. With so many motorcycle accidents in the City, you can expect that there is a good selection of highly qualified San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers to choose from.

A very important thing to look for when hiring an attorney for your motorcycle accident case is a lawyer who will treat you like an individual, not just a number. Quality customer service is not just something that restaurants and hotels need to strive for. Whichever SF motorcycle accident firm you hire, they should provide you with a high level of attention and service throughout your motorcycle accident claim process. You need an attorney who will be by your side through the entire case, not just when they sign you up and collect their fee.

Most clients who come to us at Sally Morin Law never thought they would need to hire a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer, but once they did, the stress was lifted. They were no longer alone!

#2. If You Have Car Insurance, It Won't Cover You for Your San Francisco Motorcycle Accident

Although standard California auto insurance can sometimes cover pedestrians and cyclists, it won't cover you when you're riding your motorcycle. There are specific exclusions, because you are required to carry separate motorcycle insurance coverage. Unless you have this coverage, you may not be able to cover your medical expenses (or any of the damages you may cause or suffer) in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco. Any San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you that without this coverage you most definitely won't be able to get any compensation for the pain and suffering from your motorcycle crash. Even if you only ride on occasion or on long weekends, or even just once… you need specific motorcycle insurance.

All this talk about having your own motorcycle insurance doesn't mean you’ll be using your insurance coverage if someone else caused your motorcycle accident. In those cases you will get paid from the at-fault party's insurance company for property damages, lost earnings, your medical expenses and pain and suffering.

#3. Even if You Are Partially at Fault, You May Be Entitled to Compensation 

California is what is called a comparative negligence state. That means when we determine liability for an accident between two vehicles, each party in the accident is attributed with a percentage of the fault (or liability) for the crash. That percentage of liability is crucial in determining how much money you might be entitled to for your San Francisco motorcycle accident.

Your financial recovery might be reduced by the percentage of fault that you contributed to the accident, but it likely be eliminated altogether - unless you are found 100% at fault. In dozens of instances, our experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer team has successfully reversed liability findings that were initially against our clients. Motorcyclists often get a raw deal from the cops, eyewitnesses and drivers. Getting the best San Francisco motorcycle crash lawyer can give you the leverage you need to tip the scales in your favor.

#4. Your Case Probably Doesn't Even Have to Go to Court

As explained above, Sally began her career as a San Francisco District Attorney trying cases in court. However, the majority of San Francisco motorcycle accident claims are settled outside the court system. 

Not dragging their motorcycle accident case through the process of filing a lawsuit, contentious litigation and a trial is often welcomed by motorcycle accident victims who could use the money from a fair settlement now rather than much later. But, it's a fine line. Getting the best possible motorcycle settlement isn’t always about just getting the quickest possible settlement. 

You should always get a consultation from a top-rated San Francisco motorcycle attorney before you accept any payout or settlement. Why? Because the amount you’re offered without a lawyer may not be as much as you’re entitled to.

#5. Things You Do Before You Hire a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorney May Negatively Affect Your Claim

The things you say at the scene of the accident - either to the motorist who hit you or to witnesses or the police can be twisted and used against you. The same goes for any conversations you have with the insurance companies involved in the case.

At Sally Morin Law, we are very familiar with the tricks used by the insurance industry to shift fault for accidents onto motorcyclists. That’s why we strongly recommend you only volunteer the essential information such as your name, contact details, and insurance information to anyone other than your San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer.

If the San Francisco PD asks you for more information, you'll probably want to cooperate with them, but be careful not to admit fault or say anything about your speed, unless you are 100% certain of how fast you were going. Also, if the driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t give them any statements - especially recorded. The best thing to do is just refer them to your SF motorcycle attorney.

#6. You Are Entitled to More than They Will Offer

Several of the leading insurance companies use complex computer software applications to determine what they are willing to pay motorcycle accident victims. The human element is lost in this process. The insurance adjusters input a few pieces of data and their computer tells them what you and your case are worth.

Although it would be nice if these billion dollar insurance companies used a more personal approach to case valuation, they are not going to. You have to give them as much of the right information as possible so that their mega-computer spits out the biggest number feasible for your case. If you don't, you will just get a bottom-line offer that doesn't take into account all the damages suffered in a motorcycle accident such as:

You need to ask for all damages allowed by California law for your motorcycle claim. However, getting a bigger payout isn’t easy. That’s why hiring a good San Francisco motorcycle crash lawyer is crucial.

#7. Not All San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Will Litigate Your Case When They Should

Even though most San Francisco motorcycle accident cases do not have to go to court to be resolved, you want to be sure you hire a motorcycle lawyer who has plenty of litigation experience in San Francisco AND is willing to take your case to court if that's what is required to get you a fair result. 

While many Bay Area lawyers may be perfectly capable of making an insurance claim to get a quick low-end settlement, those same lawyers may not be willing take your case to court if that what it takes to get you a solid result. Many motorcycle lawyers will just drop your case or send you to another Bay Area motorcycle injury law firm that will litigate the case. That’s why when you’re looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in San Francisco it’s important to find one up front who is no stranger to courtroom litigation.

Sally Morin has been defending motorcyclists for over 20 years, and has successfully litigated many cases in San Francisco Superior Court. While Sally and her Team understand that it’s in the best interest of most motorcycle accident victims to settle out of court, if taking your case to the next level via litigation is the best option for you then Sally Morin Law is ready, willing, and able to do so.

#8. You Can Try to Negotiate with the Insurance Companies by Yourself, but Why Would You?

Hiring a top San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer to negotiate a good settlement with the motorist's insurance carrier will save you a lot of time and stress. Since your accident, you probably already have way too much stress and not nearly enough time.

When you are recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, you need to focus on rehabbing from your injuries and getting back to your pre-accident life. You certainly don’t need the additional stress of:

• Tracking down witnesses and gathering evidence
• Researching applicable law to prove fault for the accident
• Determining what information to share or not with insurance adjusters to properly negotiate with them
• Talking with attorneys who represent the at-fault party
• Learning how to file legal paperwork

You are better off hiring a top-rated San Francisco motorcycle crash lawyer to do all of that for you, so you can focus on healing, getting back to work and trying to live your normal life. 

#9. You Have a Limited Amount of time to File Your San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Claim

The California statute of limitations for personal injury cases dictates how long you have to file your SF motorcycle injury claim with the courts.

Victims of California motorcycle accidents only have 2 years to file bodily injury claims and three years for property damage claims. Note that these time limits are even stricter (6 months only) if you are making a claim against a governmental entity - like a City of San Francisco agency - or one of its employees. Even though this may seem like plenty of time, it's not!

The time it takes to recover from even the most basic injuries like bone fractures can take many weeks to months. Then, if the injuries are more serious and require surgery, it could be months of treatment - surgery, rehab and maybe future hardware removal surgery - before you can stabilize your injuries and begin to get back to how you were before the accident.

And as these days, weeks and months pass you have to deal with everything that comes with being in a serious motorcycle accident: financial pressure, bill collectors, insurance companies calling and getting to and from your medical appointments without being able to ride your motorcycle. All of this on top of your normal daily responsibilities.

Before you know it, time is up and it’s too late to make your claim for the compensation you deserve.

#10. You Should Also Be Compensated for Future Losses

Of course you will ask for your past damages related to your SF motorcycle crash like your medical expenses, lost earnings and cost to fix your bike. However, California law also entitles you to compensation for all provable future losses.

If your injuries were serious, you most likely will suffer some future damages. Any good San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to prove these damages such as future medical treatment or future pain and suffering. They can even go as far as showing how your permanent or long-term injuries from your motorcycle crash could negatively affect your future earnings at your job.

These future damages are an important element to your overall financial recovery in your motorcycle accident case, so you want to be sure you get the best motorcycle accident lawyer in San Francisco to help you prove up your case.

Sally Morin Law - The Best SF Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for You!

You are a reasonable person. You aren't someone who seeks revenge or tries to get something you don't deserve. But getting in a motorcycle accident sucks! You definitely want to get the compensation you deserve and need someone by your side who can help guide you to a fair outcome.

Sally Morin Law is the team you need to put the pain and worry behind you, so you can get back to life as usual as soon as possible. As a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney for over 20 years and an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Sally Morin and her team of motorcycle injury experts can guide you through the complex motorcycle accident claim process and maximize your financial outcome.

If You Live Life on Two Wheels, We’re the Lawyers for You

The San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer team at Sally Morin Law is not like those showy old-school personal injury attorneys you see advertising on MUNI buses, SF Gate newstands and billboards downtown. We are much more focused on our clients than an elaborate ego-boosting advertising campaign!

Check out Sally Morin Law's San Francisco Client Reviews and Testimonials

The motorcycle accident team at Sally Morin Law San Francisco provides each client with unsurpassed customer-service. You can read in our reviews that:

• We don't make unrealistic promises just to get your case.
• We keep in touch by returning your calls and emails promptly.
• We collaborate with you on all major decisions in your case.
• We are experts at dealing with aggressive insurance companies, so we get you the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
• We work to reduce your medical bills by negotiating with your medical service providers to keep more money for you in the end.
• We work diligently and efficiently to get you full and fair financial recovery as quickly as possible

Still not sure? Read more here to find out whether Sally Morin Law is the the right team of attorneys to handle your San Francisco motorcycle accident case.

You can also learn more about how the process works if you choose to work with Sally Morin Law as your guide through the San Francisco motorcycle accident process.

Whatever You Do -- Contact a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Even if you don't choose us, you really should contact a good San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer. Don’t let the financial impact of a motorcycle accident add to your misery. A lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area can help you navigate the complicated legal maze involved with recovering all of the financial support you may be entitled to. They can concentrate on getting you what you deserve while you concentrate on getting back on your feet.

As a long-time rider of two-wheeled vehicles, I understand the risks and challenges of riding a motorcycle in San Francisco. In fact, the permanent and serious injury of my best friend (she was hit on her motorcycle by a motorist who ran a red light) was what lead me to become a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer. If you've been in a serious motorcycle accident... get help now!