San Mateo Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You

When a motorcycle crash leaves you injured and struggling to recover, you need a dedicated advocate who knows how to protect your rights. At Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, we have fought for injured motorcyclists throughout San Mateo County for over four decades. Our aggressive and knowledgeable San Mateo motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience and skills to secure the compensation you deserve after a life-altering collision.

As personal injury attorneys, we understand the appeal of the open road, as well as the devastating consequences when another driver’s negligence causes harm. Our extensive track record includes landmark multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, which have helped clients rebuild their lives while holding negligent parties accountable.

Contact CHM Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in San Mateo who will fight tirelessly for your rights.

Why You Should Hire a San Mateo Attorney for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Following a motorcycle collision, the road to recovery can be daunting. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by exploiting biases against motorcyclists or pressuring injured riders to accept unfair settlements. With a San Mateo motorcycle accident attorney by your side, you have an advocate to level the playing field by shielding you from insurance tactics designed to devalue or deny your claim.

CHM Law Firm strategically accepts only a select number of cases so that we can dedicate our full resources and attention to achieving exceptional results for each client. This focused approach has helped us recover hundreds of millions of dollars for victims of serious accidents throughout California.

How We Investigate San Mateo Motorcycle Accident Cases

A thorough investigation forms the foundation of any successful motorcycle accident case. At CHM Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned when documenting the circumstances of your motorcycle wreck. Our investigative process typically includes the following:

• Visiting and documenting the accident scene
• Locating and interviewing witnesses
• Obtaining police reports, traffic camera footage, and other official records
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
• Analyzing vehicle damage and roadway evidence
• Reviewing medical records to establish the connection between the crash and your injuries
• Identifying all potentially liable parties and insurance coverage

Our compassionate team will take the time to get to know you personally. This includes listening carefully to understand how the accident has affected every aspect of your life. When we know who we are fighting for and why, we are motivated to achieve the success that you deserve.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a San Mateo Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries that result in substantial financial and personal losses. Through a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you may recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses, including current and future costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments
• Lost income while recovering from your injuries
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous occupation
• Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium, for relationships affected by the injury
• The repair or replacement of your motorcycle and other damaged property

CHM Law Firm works closely with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to calculate the full value of your losses. By having this information, we can demand that the insurer pay comprehensive motorcycle accident compensation that truly addresses your needs.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The steps you take following a motorcycle accident can significantly affect your physical recovery and legal rights. We recommend that you do the following:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your injuries might initially seem minor, but some serious conditions may not show symptoms immediately. Attend all medical appointments and complete the treatments your doctor prescribes.
• Gather Evidence – If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses.
• Report the Accident to Law Enforcement – The responding officer will file a police report to create an official record of the incident.
• Avoid Discussing Fault – Do not make statements to insurance adjusters or accept any settlement offers. You should also stay clear of social media, as insurers often monitor accounts for statements you make and photos you post, as they may use such information to argue that injury victims aren’t as hurt as they claim to be.
• Contact a Motorcycle Accident Law Firm – Consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

The dedicated team at CHM Law Firm can guide you through each of these critical steps, helping you avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your case.

How Does a Motorcycle Accident Differ from a Car Accident?

Motorcycle accidents present unique challenges compared to typical car accidents. Because motorcyclists lack the protective shell of a vehicle, they have a higher likelihood of suffering catastrophic injuries. Furthermore, road hazards that might present minor challenges for cars can be deadly for motorcycles.

Injured riders also face particular difficulties when attempting to claim compensation. Biases against motorcyclists can cause insurers to argue that riders bear a greater degree of responsibility for the accident than is actually the case. Motorcyclists may also have questions about insurance coverage limits and exclusions that differ from those that apply to passenger vehicles.

Our San Mateo motorcycle accident lawyers understand these distinctions. With a track record of recovering money for motorcycle accident victims, we know how to develop tailored legal strategies that address the specific challenges riders face after a collision.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Wreck in San Mateo?

Determining liability in a motorcycle wreck often involves identifying multiple responsible parties. These may include the following:

• Negligent drivers who fail to yield, change lanes improperly, or drive distracted
• Vehicle manufacturers whose defective motorcycle or auto parts contribute to crashes
• Government entities that are responsible for poor road design or maintenance
• Commercial companies, when accidents involve delivery vehicles or commercial trucks
• Repair shops that have failed to maintain or repair motorcycle parts properly

CHM Law Firm will conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify all potentially liable parties so that you can pursue maximum compensation from every available source.

Could I Recover Compensation if I’m Partly to Blame for a Motorcycle Accident?

California follows comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re found 20 percent at fault and your losses total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.

Insurance companies often try to assign unwarranted blame to motorcyclists to reduce payouts. Our professional legal team at CHM Law Firm fights aggressively against unfair fault allegations, working to minimize your assigned responsibility and maximize your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in California?

California’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — including motorcycle accidents — gives you two years from the accident date to initiate legal action. However, if your claim involves a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months.

These deadlines are strict; missing them can permanently relinquish your right to compensation. Contact CHM Law Firm immediately after an accident to avoid such costly delays.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Mateo?

Understanding how motorcycle accidents happen can help establish liability and prevent future crashes. Common scenarios include the following:

These accidents commonly result from the following causes:

Our knowledgeable attorneys understand these patterns and know how to prove negligence in each scenario.

What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision?

Motorcycle collision injuries tend to be severe and life-altering, often including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Even with helmets, riders can suffer concussions or more serious brain trauma. These injuries can lead to lifelong cognitive and emotional impairment.
• Spinal Cord Damage – SCIs can potentially result in paralysis or chronic pain, requiring intensive treatment and assistance.
• Road Rash – Severe skin abrasions can require skin grafts and cause permanent scarring.
• Broken Bones – Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and can lead to a long-term inability to work or enjoy leisure activities.
• Internal Injuries – Damage to organs may not be immediately apparent, but it can be fatal if left untreated.
• Amputations – A loss of limbs can result from the impact of the crash or medical necessity in the days that follow.
• Psychological Trauma – The PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a traumatic accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

CHM Law Firm works with premier medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their long-term physical and financial impact on your life.