The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan helps motorcycle accident victims in San Francisco. Turning vehicles are one of the biggest threats to any person riding a motorcycle, but this is even more dangerous when a driver tries to make a U-turn and collides with you. If you or someone you know has been in a U-turn motorcycle accident, it’s important to know your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

If you’ve been in a U-turn motorcycle accident in San Francisco, you might wonder if you should get a lawyer. You can file a claim on your own, but it can be tough to handle everything while you’re healing. There’s paperwork, insurance talks, and many details to manage. That’s where we can help. Here’s what we offer:

• Explaining your rights and legal options
• Helping you collect evidence and important information
• Figuring out who has to pay for your damages from the accident
• Negotiating with insurance companies for you
• Filing a lawsuit if needed
  
  

Our goal is to reduce your stress so you can focus on getting better. U-turn motorcycle accidents, like others, usually mean significant medical care and disrupt your life, and we’re here to take care of the legal side so you can concentrate on your health.

What Should You Do After the Accident Happens?

A U-turn motorcycle accident is indeed pretty common in San Francisco, with its busy streets, hills, fog, and other unique things that come with living in the city. But at the same time, whenever one of these accidents happens to you, it’s important that you take general steps to protect a potential claim. This means doing the following:

• Call 911 – First, check for injuries and call 911 right away. Getting medical assistance at the scene is crucial for your health and connects your injuries to the accident.
  
  
• Report the accident to the SFPD – Ask 911 to notify the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). Even though a police report may not be used in court, it’s important for your insurance claim.
  
  
• Exchange contact and insurance information – If possible, get the other driver’s contact and insurance details. If they leave the scene, let the police know so they can search for the driver.
  
  
• Collect evidence at the scene – If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Write down any details that may have led to the accident, like the road conditions or the driver making an illegal U-turn.
  
  

While you should always try to avoid an accident, these steps can help protect your rights if one happens. U-turn accidents can happen quickly and when you least expect it, but being prepared can make a big difference in your claim.

Who is Responsible for Your Damages After a U-Turn Motorcycle Accident?

An illegal U-turn clearly shows that a driver is acting negligently. While each accident and claim is different, negligence is still the key factor in figuring who is legally responsible for paying for your damages. In most U-turn motorcycle accidents, the driver who struck you is going to primarily be at-fault. But like any accident situation, others might share some liability:

• Other drivers
• Parts makers
• The City of San Francisco or state government
• Passengers or pedestrians

To protect yourself while riding, always wear a helmet and safety gear. Stay alert and cautious, but if an accident happens, you need to start thinking about your legal options.

What Are Your Legal Options After a U-Turn Motorcycle Accident?

In terms of your legal options, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in a U-turn motorcycle accident or any other kind, you still get to file an injury claim to recover damages. However, your options are going to depend on your needs. Generally, though, you can either:

• File an insurance claim – This is an informal request for financial support from the at-fault party’s insurance company for your losses.
  
  
• File a lawsuit – This is a formal legal action where you take the at-fault party to court to make a claim for financial support (“damages”) that will be decided by a judge or jury.
  
  

The stronger your claim is, the more you can recover in damages, which is the overall point of the claims process. Your damages are going to be unique to your case, but usually includes things like:

• Medical bills and ongoing care
• Lost wages from missing work or a reduced ability to earn money
• Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle or damaged belongings
• Payment for physical pain and emotional suffering
• Financial considerations for a lower quality of life or loss of companionship
• Expenses related to wrongful death if injuries are fatal

Remember that in California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to file a claim or recover damages, which you’re going to need to get better.

What Usually Comes With U-Turn Motorcycle Accidents?

Like any motorcycle accident, you’re extremely vulnerable to injuries and other damage when you’re hit by a driver making a U-turn. What’s worse, this can cause all different types of collisions, but especially result in head-on collisions. Still, it’s hard to say what injuries you might be facing in a U-turn motorcycle accident. Generally, though, they usually result in the following:

• Neck injuries due to whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Chest injuries, including bruises, broken ribs, or internal injuries
• Spinal injuries that may lead to paralysis or mobility challenges
• Limb injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or cuts
• Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Emotional issues like distress, anxiety, and PTSD
• Facial injuries, including broken bones or dental damage
  
  

With these potential injuries, you are going to have to deal with extensive medical care and expenses, along with missed work and other losses. This is why filing an injury claim is so important to your recovery. The law takes this into account, but you still have to put together a strong claim with the right legal guidance. MJQ Law can give this to you.

MJQ Law Will Help You After a U-Turn Motorcycle Accident in San Francisco

If you’re in a U-turn motorcycle accident, you might feel overwhelmed and alone. Not only do you have to cope with injuries, but you also have to manage the claims process. Talking to insurance companies and other parties can be stressful, but MJQ Law will be there to support you. We’ll explain your options and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.