If you’re hurt on a bike, a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Francisco can help you make sense of what comes next. At Omega Law Group, our San Francisco personal injury lawyers focus on people, not paperwork. Founded in 2016, we bring decades of experience, and we’re ready to fight for you.
You may also face unfair blame in a police report. That doesn’t end your case. We regularly challenge fault when the facts tell a different story. Injuries matter too. Head trauma, broken bones, and road rash can change your health and your future, which affects case value.
Insurance companies know this and still try to pay less, but we know their tactics, and we know how to fight them. If you need help, reach out to us now. You don’t have to worry about upfront payments because you don’t pay unless we win. Putting our clients first. Always.
How Do I Know If I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
After a motorcycle crash, it’s normal to question whether hiring a personal injury attorney is really necessary. Many riders consider handling things on their own, especially if the accident didn’t seem severe at first.
But if you’re injured, missing work, or already hearing from an insurance company, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in San Francisco can make a meaningful difference.
You’re Dealing With Injuries or Time Off Work
Even injuries that seem minor can become serious over time. Medical visits add up, and time away from work can create financial stress. A lawyer helps make sure those losses are fully considered, not brushed aside.
The Insurance Company Is Involved
Insurance companies are not neutral. Their job is to protect profits, not people. If you’re handling a claim alone, you may be pressured to give a recorded statement or settle quickly, often before you understand the full impact of your injuries.
Why Handling a Claim on Your Own Can Cost You
Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back for more money later. If new medical issues appear, you’re often stuck covering those costs yourself. Without guidance, it’s easy to accept less than what your claim is truly worth.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Helps
After a motorcycle accident, it can feel like everything starts happening at once. Phone calls from insurance companies. Medical bills showing up before you’ve even had time to heal.
A San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer helps by stepping in and slowing that process down. We deal with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pushed into a quick decision.
We also take time to look at the full picture of what the crash has done to your life. That includes medical care you may need down the road and how your injuries affect everyday tasks. The goal is simple: make sure your story is understood and that you’re not left covering costs that shouldn’t be yours.
After a Motorcycle Accident: What to Do
Walking away from a motorcycle accident can feel like a relief, but it doesn’t always mean you’re okay. As a motorcycle rider in the Bay Area, it’s important to take a few smart steps right away to protect your health and your rights.
Crashes caused by distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, or impaired driving can lead to injuries that show up hours or days later.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away – Don’t Rely On How You Feel At The Scene
Shock and adrenaline can mask pain after a crash. Many injured motorcyclists feel fine at first, then develop soreness or other symptoms later on. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible helps catch injuries early and protects your long‑term health.
Medical treatment creates medical records that connect your injuries to the crash. These records are key when seeking economic damages like medical bills or lost income, as well as non‑economic damages for pain and daily life changes.
Gather What You Can Safely
If you’re able, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and nearby surveillance cameras. Get contact information from witnesses and insurance details from the other driver. If someone flees, don’t chase them. Take photos or notes if you can, and let the police handle it later.
Be Careful With Insurance Claims
Insurance companies often show bias against motorcycle riders. They try to blame you for taking risks you may not have. They may question fault or downplay your injuries so they can pay less on your claim. A San Francisco motorcycle crash lawyer can push back. We know how to deal with insurance companies to protect your claim and your rights.
Should You Pursue a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Pursuing a motorcycle accident lawsuit allows you to recover damages you might not receive from an insurance claims adjuster. It also allows you to exercise more control over your recovery, as you get to choose whether you negotiate for the support you deserve or you go to trial.
The majority of motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, meaning that you can receive the settlement you need to start paying your bills without ever seeing a judge. We recommend that you meet with an attorney to discuss what kind of settlement you want to negotiate for so you can accurately request compensation for all of your accident-related losses.
Damages you can get after a motorcycle accident can include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emergency medical care
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and/or income
- Property restoration and rentals
When to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
You have two years, according to California’s statute of limitations, to bring information about your motorcycle accident forward in civil court. Most courts consider evidence that is more than two years old to no longer accurately reflect the nature of the accident it describes.
As such, the courts can waive your rights to accident compensation if you try to file a case after your deadline expires. If you’re worried about staying on top of your filing deadline, consider connecting with a motorcycle accident lawyer in San Francisco and delegating responsibility for your investigation to the professionals.
Common Motorcycle Injuries and How They Affect a Case
Motorcycle injuries are often serious and long‑lasting. We commonly see head and brain injuries, even when a helmet is worn.
Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries because riders have little protection from impact. The type and severity of your injuries play a major role in how a case is evaluated and how much compensation may be available.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries can occur even when a rider is wearing a helmet. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may affect memory, concentration, balance, mood, and sleep. Some symptoms appear right away, while others develop over time. These injuries often require long‑term treatment and can limit a person’s ability to work or live independently.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most life‑changing outcomes of a motorcycle crash. Damage to the spine can cause limited movement or paralysis. Some riders face permanent mobility loss and need ongoing care, home modifications, or assistive devices. Because these injuries affect nearly every part of daily life, they play a major role in determining long‑term compensation.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis are very common. Many require surgery, metal plates or screws, and months of physical therapy. Recovery can be painful and slow, often forcing riders to miss work or change jobs altogether.
Amputations
Severe motorcycle crashes can result in the loss of a limb. Amputations bring lifelong physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Ongoing medical care is expensive, and the impact on independence and employment is significant.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. Organ damage or internal bleeding can become life‑threatening if not treated quickly. These injuries often require emergency care and extended hospital stays.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments may sound minor, but they can cause lasting pain and limit movement. Soft tissue injuries are often underestimated by insurance companies, even when they interfere with work and daily activities.
These injuries don’t just affect your health. They affect your ability to work, care for your family, and live your normal life. That impact plays a major role in the value of a case, and it’s something insurance companies often try to downplay.
What If the Police Report Blames You?
A lot of riders feel stuck when they see a police report that puts the blame on them. It can feel like the door just closed before you even had a chance to explain what really happened. The good news is that a police report is not the last word on fault.
These reports are usually written fast, sometimes in chaotic conditions, and based on whatever information is available at the moment. Officers may not hear from every witness, review video footage, or fully understand how a motorcycle handles compared to a car. Details get missed. Assumptions get made.
We take a closer look. That means reviewing traffic cameras, photos, vehicle damage, and witness statements. When the evidence tells a different story, we work to make sure your side is fully heard and fairly considered.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Increasing—and They’re More Severe
Motorcycle accidents are becoming more common on California roads, especially in busy cities like San Francisco. More traffic. More distracted drivers. Less room for error. When a crash happens, riders are far more exposed than people in cars. That’s why motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries.
Insurance companies are aware of these risks, but instead of offering fair compensation, they often look for ways to shift blame or minimize payouts. Knowing this early can make a big difference in how you approach your case.
California Motorcycle Laws and Why They Matter
California motorcycle laws can directly affect fault, insurance claims, and how much compensation is available after a crash. Insurance companies often point to these rules to shift blame. Knowing what actually applies to you—and what doesn’t—can make a real difference.
Helmet Law
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT‑approved helmet. (CA Vehicle Code §27803) If you weren’t wearing one, insurers may argue your injuries are your fault, especially with brain injuries.
That doesn’t automatically end a case, but it can affect how damages are calculated. If you were wearing a helmet, that fact often helps push back against unfair blame.
Lane Splitting Is Legal in California
Lane splitting—riding between lanes of traffic—is legal in California. Many drivers don’t know this, and insurers often claim riders were “reckless” simply for lane splitting. That’s not accurate. What matters is whether it was done safely under the conditions at the time.
California Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Motorcyclists must carry the same minimum liability insurance as drivers. If the at‑fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, this can complicate recovery and make legal guidance even more important.
The required minimums are:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for damage to property.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
California riders must have a motorcycle endorsement (M1 or M2). Lack of proper licensing doesn’t automatically bar recovery, but insurers may try to use it against you.
Understanding these laws helps protect you from unfair assumptions. We explain them in plain English, so you know what actually affects your case—and what doesn’t.
Omega Law Group Can Protect Your Future
Insurance companies focus on saving money, not making sure you’re taken care of. After a motorcycle accident, they may rush you toward a quick settlement or downplay how serious your injuries really are.
At Omega Law Group, we want to help California motorcyclists move forward after a crash. If medical bills or time off work are creating stress, our San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys can step in and help you pursue fair compensation.
We offer free case evaluations and make it easy to get clear, honest answers about your options. If you’re wondering if you have a personal injury case, reach out to us. We’re here to help.