Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on San Francisco’s roads. When a collision occurs, riders face catastrophic injuries — often life-altering — while insurance companies work aggressively to minimize or deny claims. You need an experienced trial attorney in your corner.
The Law Office of John J. Roach represents injured motorcyclists throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Attorney John J. Roach has recovered over $25 million for injured clients and fights hard against insurance companies for maximum compensation. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Devastating
Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists have no protective shell around them. Even at moderate speeds, a collision can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, road rash, fractures, and internal injuries. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants per mile traveled.
San Francisco’s unique road conditions — steep hills, foggy intersections, heavy rideshare and delivery traffic, and dense pedestrian activity — make riding here particularly dangerous.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco
- Drivers failing to see motorcycles and making left turns into their path
- Lane change collisions — drivers merging without checking blind spots
- Rear-end collisions at stop lights on Market Street, Van Ness, and Geary
- Rideshare and delivery vehicles making sudden stops or illegal turns
- Dooring — a driver opens their car door into a motorcyclist’s path
- Speeding drivers on US-101 and I-280
- Dangerous road conditions including potholes, wet pavement, and debris
- Drunk or distracted driving
What Compensation Can You Recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for emergency medical care, surgery, and hospitalization, future medical costs including rehabilitation and long-term care, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and PTSD, permanent disability or disfigurement, and damage to your motorcycle and gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable in a San Francisco motorcycle accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties include the at-fault driver, their employer if the driver was working at the time, rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, the City of San Francisco if dangerous road conditions contributed, and vehicle or parts manufacturers if a defect caused the crash.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident in San Francisco?
Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention even if you feel fine — adrenaline masks injuries, document the scene thoroughly with photos and video, get the other driver’s insurance and contact information, collect witness names and contact details, preserve your damaged motorcycle and gear as evidence, and contact a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance company.
Does lane splitting affect my motorcycle accident claim in California?
California is the only state that explicitly permits lane splitting. However, insurance companies will often argue that lane splitting contributed to the accident to reduce your payout. An experienced attorney knows how to counter these arguments and protect your recovery.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities have a much shorter deadline of six months. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose John J. Roach?
John J. Roach has over 17 years of trial experience fighting for injury victims throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. He has recovered over $25 million for clients, is recognized as a Super Lawyer 2021–2026, is bilingual in English and Spanish, and handles every case personally. No fee unless we win.
Contact a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Call (415) 851-4557 for a free consultation. Available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Related Practice Areas
If you were injured in another type of accident, we can help. John J. Roach also represents clients in Bicycle Accidents, Car Accidents, and Trucking Accidents throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area.