Any motorcycle accident carries the potential for serious injury thanks to a variety of different factors. Moreover, these motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common on the crowded streets and roads of San Francisco. San Francisco, like many urban areas, has a high volume of traffic, which can increase the likelihood of rear-end motorcycle accidents. In addition, the city’s steep hills and narrow streets can make it difficult for drivers to see motorcyclists, particularly when they are traveling at high speeds or weaving through traffic.

Rear-end motorcycle accidents in San Francisco can have serious consequences for the riders involved. These types of accidents occur when a motorcyclist is struck from behind by another vehicle. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained in a rear-end accident can be far more serious than in a typical fender-bender. If you have been unfortunate enough to be involved in a rear-end motorcycle accident in San Francisco, you need to know what your rights are and how to act in such a situation.

Work With MJQ Law After a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident

At The Law Office of Matthew J. Quinlan, we understand how serious any motorcycle accident can be. That’s where our team of dedicated San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers can help. We not only provide outstanding legal services to our clients but can help support and guide you through what is often an extremely difficult recovery process. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free, initial consultation.

How Do Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents Happen in San Francisco?

While motorcycle accidents are a danger virtually anywhere, San Francisco has several qualities that exacerbate the issue of rear-end motorcycle accidents. For one, there are over 815,000 people that live and work in the city, according to the latest U.S. Census. This means that the city’s various streets and roads are crowded with both drivers and pedestrians.

Additionally, the city’s layout and weather also contribute to conditions that can lead to motorcycle accidents. With its placement in the heart of the Bay Area, the city frequently experiences periods of rain and fog, which can make it extremely difficult to ride a motorcycle and be seen by other drivers.

Ultimately though, a rear-end motorcycle accident occurs for reasons that have to do mostly with another driver’s negligence. In looking at the common causes of rear-end motorcycle accidents, you’ll likely find the following:

• Distracted driving – When a driver is using their phone, eating, or otherwise distracted, they may not notice a motorcyclist in front of them until it is too late to stop.
• Following too closely – When a driver is tailgating a motorcyclist, they may not have enough time to stop if the motorcyclist suddenly slows down or stops.
• Speeding – If a driver is traveling too fast, they may not have enough time to stop if a motorcyclist suddenly appears in front of them.
• Impaired driving – When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their reaction time may be slowed, making it difficult to avoid a rear-end collision.
• Poor visibility – San Francisco’s steep hills and narrow streets can make it difficult for drivers to see motorcyclists, particularly when they are traveling at high speeds or weaving through traffic.

These are just a few examples of how rear-end motorcycle accidents can happen in San Francisco. It is important for both motorcyclists and drivers to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents from occurring. Still, these accidents frequently result in serious injuries for the person on the motorcycle.

Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents in San Francisco

Not surprisingly, rear-end motorcycle accidents often result in similar injuries. If you’ve been in one of these unfortunate accidents, you can expect the following injuries:

• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial injuries
• Broken bones
• Concussions

After the accident, there are a few steps you’ll need to take–assuming you’re able to and not seriously injured.  First and foremost, you’ll want to move off to the side of the road or street and get to safety.  From there, you should do the following:

• Seek medical attention – If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, it is still a good idea to see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Call the police – Even if there are no injuries, you should still call the police so that they can create an accident report. This will be important for insurance purposes and any potential legal action.
• Exchange information – Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
• Document the scene – Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, and any injuries.
• Notify your insurance company – Contact your insurance company to report the accident and provide them with the information you gathered at the scene.
• Follow up with medical care – Follow up with any medical care recommended by your doctor, and keep detailed records of all medical expenses and missed work.

It is important to take these steps after a rear-end motorcycle accident in San Francisco to protect your health and your legal rights. To that end, you should consider contacting one of our experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers. We can assist you in getting the claims process started.

What Damages Are Available After a San Francisco Rear-End Motorcycle Accident?

After your rear-end motorcycle accident, getting medical care should be your first priority. This will also guide you in the claims process with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Having an official diagnosis of injuries and a treatment plan is an excellent starting point for your recovery, but it also lets the insurance company know the extent of your injuries. Still, dealing with the insurance company is a tricky and difficult prospect. That’s why it’s extremely helpful to work with our experienced lawyers.

Once you decide to work with us, our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers can help you pursue damages to cover the following expenses:

• Medical bills and related expenses
• Motorcycle repairs or total replacement
• Lost wages from work and other lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent physical disability or disfigurement
• Emotional damages stemming from the above costs

An important aspect of any claim is the statute of limitations or deadline by which you can file a claim for damages. California, like other states, has such a statute of limitations for filing a claim.  The statute of limitations for a rear-end motorcycle accident personal injury case is two years from the date of the accident.

This means that no matter how injured you are and even if you had no fault in the accident, you will not be able to pursue a case for damages if you fail to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident.

Experience and Support From San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Being in a rear-end motorcycle accident is difficult enough on its own, but when you factor in the process of recovering physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially, you can quickly feel overwhelmed. That’s where our team of experienced and dedicated San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers can help.

At the end of the day, our goal at The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan is to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and any other damages suffered. We will work hard to seek a just outcome and will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. But more than that, we’ll be there to guide and support you through this difficult process and allow you to focus on your health and recovery. To get started with a free consultation, contact us today.