California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Tenacious Representation for Injured Motorcyclists in San Francisco
While motorcycles offer riders a sense of freedom and excitement, they also pose significant risks for serious injuries. At Peterson Injury Law, we recognize the pain, uncertainty, and financial strain that can follow a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a motorcycle accident in California, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you pursue justice and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
With decades of trial experience and a reputation for securing record-breaking verdicts in San Francisco and beyond, our highly qualified attorney is well-prepared to represent your interests both in negotiations and in court. Our firm has recovered millions in settlements and continues to be recognized by Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100®, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, reflecting our consistent results and dedication to high-quality legal representation.
Many motorcycle accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area happen on heavily traveled corridors like the Bay Bridge and Interstate 280, where traffic congestion and variable weather heighten risks. Our background in San Francisco's neighborhoods, complex intersections, and accident patterns allows us to approach every claim with a clear understanding of local challenges. Drawing on this insight, we can identify contributing factors, preserve critical evidence, and pursue accountability with diligence.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in California
Every year, thousands of Californians are injured in motorcycle accidents. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there was a total of 7,639 motorcycle-involved crashes between 2021 and 2022, which represents an 8% increase from the previous year. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported a 3.8% increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2021 to 2022, underscoring the need to understand your rights after a crash.
San Francisco’s dense neighborhoods and unpredictable weather contribute to higher accident rates than in many parts of California. Sharp curves, wet roads from coastal fog, and frequent traffic on streets like Market Street or Geary Boulevard raise the risk of collisions. Knowing how these conditions affect riders helps victims understand how serious accidents happen and why local legal insight matters.
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”- Jennifer B.
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“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”- Quia K.
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“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”- Adrian B.
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”- Margaret C.
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often cause life-changing injuries because riders lack the structural protection found in other vehicles. Common injuries resulting from motorcycle collisions include:
- Amputations. Amputation and limb loss can occur when the impact severs or severely damages arms or legs, sometimes resulting in permanent changes to mobility and daily life.
- Burn injuries. Riders sometimes sustain burns from direct contact with hot engine parts, exhaust pipes, or flames caused by collisions or fuel leaks, leading to pain and scarring.
- Spinal cord injuries. The intense force of a crash can damage the spinal cord, sometimes leading to partial or complete paralysis and impaired motor skills.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Any violent impact to a rider's head—especially if not wearing a helmet—can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may cause cognitive issues or lasting disabilities.
- Broken bones and fractures. High-speed impacts and being thrown from a bike frequently cause broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis in motorcyclists.
- Internal injuries. Blunt-force trauma can injure internal organs like the liver or lungs, often leading to internal bleeding and life-threatening complications that require swift care.
Emergency rooms in San Francisco regularly treat riders with multiple injuries from accidents in high-traffic areas, especially when visibility is poor from fog or congestion. Fast medical response and access to trauma centers support recovery, but many local riders face long-term therapy or rehabilitation as part of their healing journey. Personalized attention to each case helps you navigate this challenging process.
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Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need is added stress. Retaining a motorcycle accident attorney can make the difference between receiving full compensation and settling for less. Some important reasons to work with a motorcycle accident lawyer include:
- Case investigation. Your attorney can look into all the details of your accident, identify at-fault parties, and create a strong claim.
- Proving liability. A lawyer can gather evidence to hold negligent parties accountable and meet the requirements for a successful claim.
- Maximizing compensation. Trusted legal counsel can evaluate every route for financial recovery and advocate for the highest award available.
- Trial representation. If it becomes necessary, a motorcycle accident lawyer can represent your interests at trial to ensure you are not pressured into taking a low settlement.
San Francisco accident victims who try to handle claims alone often face challenges with local legal rules, insurance demands, and time limits. Motorcycle cases may require unique evidence from local police, accident reconstructions, or medical records from specific hospitals in the city. By having legal guidance, you can focus on treatment while your claim moves forward with care and efficiency.
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