Common Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents in the Bay Area

1. DECADES OF EXPERIENCE HELPING THE INJURED AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE Our track record of favorable results earned for clients is one reason to turn to Choulos & Wyle, but it cannot tell the whole story. The caring, focused personal attention our senior attorneys, George V.Choulos and Claude Wyle, provide clients through every phase of their cases is equally important.

2. THE FIRM Northern California Accident & Injury Attorneys Our San Francisco accident lawyers, George V. Choulos and Claude Wyle, apply more than 50 years of combined experience helping traumatic times with personal, caring attention and passionate, skilled legal advocacy. We are here to help you in every way we can after a car accident, motorcycle crash, bicycle or pedestrian accident, or another type of injury-causing event impacts your life. people through Providing Personal Attention to Your Needs and Your Case It’s an incredibly stressful time when someone is possibly severely injured, has experienced a life-changing event, and is possibly no longer able to work (at least for some time). Growing up with George’s father, we witnessed his dedication to representing and fighting for the little guy. That same drive is instilled in both of us as we continue George’s father’s work and lead the firm today. We are experienced injury and accident attorneys who still have as much horsepower, energy, enthusiasm, dedication and devotion as when we were younger—maybe even more so now. We take cases we believe in and aim to serve client needs first and foremost. Advantages of Being a Small Firm Since we’re a small team, we consider ourselves a boutique-style firm, where we can be picky about the cases we take on. We like to help those who have the greatest needs and require the most help, even if the case is difficult. Both partners used the word boutique to describe the firm.

3. The size and experience of our firm also allows us to give each client the personal attention and service he or she deserves. Our clients aren’t sent to lower-level associates; instead, the partners spend a lot of time working directly with clients. Our size enables us to focus on the quality, not quantity, of cases. This allows us to develop personal relationships with each client and put a lot of resources towards each case. We’re compassionate and personal on a client level, aggressive with opponents on a litigation level. Our Culture and Mindset We’re not afraid to take on difficult cases; we won’t shy away from a challenge if we’re equipped and have the resources to help. We’re dedicated and have a high level of enthusiasm when reaching the ultimate goal to make a difference in our clients’ lives. Staff is equally invested in getting the best possible results for each individual client. We believe in accountability and that accountability makes people safer. This is part of what drives us to do the work we love. Living up to our reputation is important; we’ll turn over every stone possible in every case and invest the resources needed to serving our clients’ needs. We lay offer a free initial consultation. We are often able to offer direction on cases we don’t accept and help the person in need get on the right track. The personal and direct service we provide clients is an integral part of our firm because we value strong relationships with every client we represent. This approach allows us to better understand our clients’ needs and get the best results suited to their situations. We believe our relationships with other lawyers, judges, and legal professionals are just as important. We maintain these relationships through networking, working together on cases, mentoring younger lawyers and upholding a high level of professionalism in everything we do. Change and Growth We strongly believe in continuing our education to stay current and on the cutting edge— being up to date on the latest trends. This mindset helps us grow professionally and ultimately benefits clients because of the skills we develop and refine. We have values and work ethics that appeal to more traditional clients, but staying current and adapting well to changes allows us to appeal to younger clients as well.

4. Attorneys GEORGE V. CHOULOS, Partner George started the firm with his late father, Vasilios Choulos childhood best friend, Claude Wyle, in 1982. Seeing the impact his father made as a trial lawyer, George wanted to follow in his footsteps to be able to help those in need; being a lawyer offered the opportunity to improve the lives of people going through difficult situations and often when dealing with tragedy. (1927-2003), and Describing George Driven. Safety-oriented. Doesn’t shy away from difficult cases. Sees opportunities for justice and fights for the underdog. The determination, understanding and sincerity George shows when working with his clients and giving advice to those in need is impossible to miss. All relationships are important to George, whether he’s working with a client, potential client, someone in need of advice or a fellow lawyer. He works directly with his clients, giving them the personal service and attention they deserve. “The most satisfying thing about being a lawyer is making a difference in my clients’ lives.” Strong values and a true passion for being a trial lawyer drive George to continue to better himself in order to best serve those who depend on him. His reputation for being a good and successful attorney is reinforced through his actions and attention to detail for every client he represents and when working with others. George is fluent in French as well as English.

5. Bettering Lives One of the things that motivates George is being able to give a voice to those who, without his help, wouldn’t be heard or get the best results in a settlement. Giving people a chance at a better life is extremely rewarding and humbling, and pushes him to keep doing what he does. Advocating Change George also has a passion for creating change, shown through his and the firm’s dedication to fighting for the safety of people who choose alternative forms of transportation, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. His beliefs, the environmental benefits of these alternatives, and being an avid cyclist and motorcyclist, give him an edge and enthusiasm for this area of law; he understands the situation on a personal level, as well as the regulations and rights when representing those injured while taking one of these other forms of transportation. Professionally Recognized, Continual Improvement As a lecturer for various legal associations, George’s professional accomplishments and recognition allow him to share his knowledge and experience with others in his field. Lecturing and being a member of several professional associations offers the opportunity to build and strengthen his relationships with others in the field and who he may work with or face in court in the future. He also regularly attends educational seminars to continue to improve himself and refine his skills, then applying it to the work he loves. George is determined to always provide the best service he can, which is why it’s important to him to stay current and continue his education. Bar Admissions oCalifornia, 1983 oS. District Court Northern District of California, 1983 Education University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California, J.D. – 1982 University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, California Oxford University Faculty of Law, Oxford, England – 1981 Universityof California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, A.B – 1979 Classes/Seminars oLecturer, American Trial Lawyers Association oLecturer, Consumer Attorneys of California oLecturer, Western Trial Lawyers oLecturer, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association

6. Honors and Awards oFinalist, 2011 Trial Lawyer of the Year, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association oFinalist, 2010 Trial Lawyer of the Year, Consumer Attorneys of California oFinalist 2002 Trial Lawyer of the Year, Consumer Attorneys of California oAV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell oNational Registry of Who’s Who in American Law oSelected as “Super Lawyer” by Northern California Super Lawyers and San Francisco Magazine Professional Associations and Memberships oState Bar of California, Member oCalifornia Young Lawyers Association, Former Director oAmerican Association for Justice, New Lawyers Section, Chair, 1990 – 1991 oConsumer Attorneys of California, Member oSan Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Member oAmerican Bar Association, Tort & Insurance Practice Section, Vice-Chair, Government Liability Committee, 1989 oBar Association of San Francisco, Managing Editor, San Francisco Barrister Law Journal, 1990 – 1991 oHellenic Law Society, Member & Chairman oUniversity of San Francisco Inns of Court

7. CLAUDE WYLE, Partner Claude is a partner of CCW, a firm he started in 1982 with George Chuolos and George's father, Vasilios Chuolos (1927- 2003). Vasilios was very influential in helping both men decide to be lawyers, as they grew up seeing the value and tremendous difference trial lawyers make for people who are greatly in need of help and guidance. Describing Claude Aggressive and equally energetic. Creative. Determined. Believes in accountability. Will turn over every stone possible for every client. Being a lawyer brings out Claude’s enthusiasm, dedication and energy, all traits that benefit his clients and what he fights for. As an integral part of a small team, Claude believes in the value of providing personal service to best meet the needs of his clients; working directly with the people he’s helping allows him to better understand the struggles, challenges and fears his clients face, in order to fight for what they need and deserve. “I don’t have cases, I have clients.” If anything, Claude’s drive and love for what he does has only continued to grow over the years. Big Picture and Community-Focused Community is important to Claude, which is evidenced by his dedication to bettering the community through his and the firm’s involvement in local causes and advocacy. Claude also volunteers by lecturing and advising less privileged individuals and groups on their legal rights.

8. Well-Respected Professional Claude is an author who has published numerous articles that cover most aspects of trial practice and litigation. He’s also a frequent lecturer at trial lawyer’s programs, and has spoken and taught at seminars, law schools, universities, colleges and attorneys’ conferences in many states. With his personality and good reputation leading the way, it’s not uncommon for Claude to help mentor younger lawyers while also working with other more established lawyers on their cases Dedicated to Growth Recognizing that change is constant, Claude sees the value of addressing and overcoming the barriers that change can produce through continuing his education. Attending several training and educational seminars and courses each year, he applies what he learns and adapts his work and approach as needed. Claude believes in the importance of staying current in order to get the best results. Professional Associations and Memberships oAmerican Association for Justice (AAJ) oSan Francisco Trial Lawyers Association oConsumer Attorneys of California oTrial Lawyers for Public Justice oThe Academy of Catastrophic Injury Attorneys oWestern Trial Lawyers Association Practice Areas San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Every day, distracted, careless car and truck drivers engage in dangerous driving behavior that injures and kills bikers - motorcyclists, bicyclists and scooter drivers - who share the road with them. And after they've caused accidents and injuries, we hear the same story-"I didn't see him"-or some other variation that puts the blame on the biker. At the law office of Choulos Choulos & Wyle, our personal injury attorney is committed to holding negligent motorists accountable for the motorcycle accidents they cause. We know. We ride. We care. Because both partners are avid cyclists and motorcyclists, we attract clients who have the same hobbies and interests. We find people are much more comfortable consulting with

9. someone who understands where they’re coming from and who has a passion for it. Our interest in these areas offers an advantage in going up against the other side due to our knowledge and personal experience. We Are Here to Protect Your Interests (Insurers Are NOT) Our attorneys often hear the same story —”I didn’t see him” — or some other excuse that puts the blame squarely on the biker, not on the motorist’s dangerous driving. Frequent causes of serious motorcycle accidents include: oRacing to beat the light oSudden lane changes oUnexpected left hand turns oSudden stops oTailgating Dangerous road conditions, or a defective car or motorcycle part could have played a significant role in your accident. Perhaps a manufacturing defect in your bike helmet made the injuries worse. We won’t know unless we carefully investigate the dynamics of your motorcycle accident. Our firm has extensive experience handling all kinds of motorcycle accident investigations and knows how to preserve valuable evidence. In fact, we frequently retain the services of accident reconstructionist to aid in our investigations. Saying the wrong thing after a motorcycle accident can limit the amount of money you can receive for your losses. Before you provide a statement to an insurance claims adjuster or accept a settlement offer, we strongly urge you to speak with a lawyer. Your consultation with us is always free. We’re Bikers Ourselves We’ve run the roadway gauntlet of drivers on cell phones, trucks accelerating through intersections and vehicles swerving into our lane. California highway driving requires constant vigilance, but not even experienced bikers can always avoid injury. If your loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident involving a car or truck, contact our San Francisco law office to speak with an attorney who really understands. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we’ll meet you at home or in the hospital to discuss your case.

10. How Choulos Choulos & Wyle Helps Injured Bikers At Choulos Choulos & Wyle, our motorcycle accident lawyers will: oProtect your interests by handling all paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company oThoroughly investigate the scene of the accident, preserving the evidence and gathering eyewitness testimony oHelp you get an accurate diagnosis from a medical expert who understands your injuries oEnsure you receive medical care and rehabilitation services you need to achieve maximum physical recovery Contact Choulos Choulos & Wyle Our job isn’t to simply win your case; our job is to help reestablish your financial security and health. Contact the San Francisco law office of Choulos Choulos & Wyle to talk with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. Call 415-432-7292 or 877-702-7800 toll- free. San Francisco Bicycle Accident Lawyers Our personal injury law firm is more than simply a valuable resource for victims of bike accidents. Our attorneys are avid cyclists and proud sponsors of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC). We are proud supporters and sponsors of Safe Routes to School and trips for Kids. We are also members of the Santa Clara San Mateo Bicycle Coalition. We know, understand, and will fight for the rights of bicyclists. We represent many people injured while taking alternative methods of transportation, including cyclists, pedestrians and MUNI passengers. We believe in the use of these alternative methods because of the benefits to the environment. We’re involved in advocating changes to regulations to make the roads safer for everyone. Because both partners are avid cyclists, we attract clients who have the same hobbies and interests. We find people are much more comfortable consulting with someone who understands where thye’re coming from and who has a passion for it. The partners’ interest in these areas provides an advantage in going up against the other side due to our knowledge and personal experience. Our California bicycle accident attorneys know cycling. We also know how to handle any claim for a bike accident injury to the benefit of the cyclist who has suffered: oHead injuries oBone fractures oSpinal cord injuries oOther serious injuries

11. Preserving Evidence after a Bicycle Accident After you contact the police and file an official report, contact the San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers at Choulos Choulos & Wyle. Often times, it can be the driver of the motor vehicle who is at fault, and it’s crucial take the following steps immediately after the accident to retain important pieces of information: oPhotograph the accident scene, environment, and your injuries oScan the area carefully and make note of any special or unusual road conditions oWrite down the damages to your bicycle, accessories and yourself By remaining calm and following these steps, we will have the evidence needed to help ensure you receive the fullest compensation available. Zealous & Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys We have witnessed the tragic result, including cyclist fatality, when automobile drivers have not respected bicyclists’ right to Share the Road. We are prepared to advocate vigorously through bicycle accident lawsuits for the right to compensation for bicyclists. Many of our clients have recovered ample settlements and verdicts after they had suffered catastrophic injury such brain damage and spinal cord injury. We also represent families of riders of mountain bikes who have been killed in hit and run cyclist / car collisions due to driver negligence or dangerous roadways. Uncovering the Causes of a Bicycle Accident There are actually many factors that can cause a bicycle accident and police reports often times oversimplify situations into black and white answers. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to get to the ultimate cause of the accident by looking beyond the police report. Our investigations include looking at other drivers who may have triggered the incident, dangerous road conditions and defective hardware. In our years of experience, we’ve seen inadequate signs and warnings along roadsides, ineffective guardrails and even defective traffic lights create a trap for even the most careful of drivers. Making a Difference for Bicyclists and the Biking Community We take pride in our track record as attorney who expose driver negligence and dangerous road conditions that endanger bikers. Our efforts in insurance negotiations and courtrooms have enforced accountability for reckless driving behavior and led to roadway improvements

12. as well as enabling injured cyclists to recover badly needed compensation for medical care, lost wages and other damages. San Francisco Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Anyone who drives, rides or walks in the Bay Area is exposed to some level of injury risk. Most of us are involved in at least one motor vehicle accident sometime throughout the course of our lives — and when the results are serious or tragic, having experienced legal counsel on your side is essential. If you have been seriously hurt or a loved one has been killed on the road, please contact us and put our decades of experience to work for you right away. Each potential client receives personal attention from a caring, accomplished senior attorney at our firm, and many who become our clients remain our lifelong friends. Focused Representation for Injured Drivers, Passengers, Bikers and Pedestrians At Choulos Choulos & Wyle in San Francisco, we aggressively defend the rights of survivors of East Bay motor vehicle accidents and serious crashes throughout Northern California. Over several decades, we have built a reputation for diligent case-building and professionalism by earning positive results for thousands of clients — including many multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Bay Area Car Accident Attorney Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys’ case experience and network of expert resources equips us well to handle claims arising from: oSerious car accidents of all types, including those caused by distracted or drunk drivers, underinsured or uninsured and negligent public or commercial transportation operators oTruck accidents involving 18-wheelers, commercial delivery trucks and vans, construction equipment and other massive vehicles oPassenger injuries — in situations calling for in-depth accident investigation and thorough analysis of all applicable insurance coverage oMotorcycle accidents oBicycle and pedestrian accidents oTaxi cab accidents oMUNI and private bus accidents oMotor vehicle accidents caused or worsened by factors beyond any driver’s control, such as dangerous roadways or auto defects ranging from defective tires and brake failures to gas tank explosions and susceptibility to vehicle rollover

13. Get Caring, Determined Lawyers Involved Now: 877-702-7800 After an accident, trusting the police to investigate and get it right, another driver to tell the truth and insurance companies to uphold their obligations all involve serious risk. However, you can trust our legal team to take every available step to prove your case and maximize a settlement or verdict in your favor. San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney Serious personal injury and wrongful death cases have been the focus of our law firm since its founding in 1983. Our founding partner Vasilios B. Choulos (1927-2003) established this legacy and commitment to justice beginning in the 1950s, and his example continues to inspire and guide our team of dedicated lawyers today. Every working day, we stand up for the rights of the injured against negligent individuals, insurance companies, manufacturers and government entities. When our San Francisco personal injury lawyers take on a case, we are in it to win, as our track record of sizable verdicts shows. We also believe that each individual and family we counsel deserves personal attention from a senior attorney throughout the quest for justice and compensation, so we consciously maintain a manageable case load. Proven Advocates for You After a Car, Trucking or Other Vehicle Accident Motor vehicle accidents are the most prolific cause of serious accidents and injuries leading to litigation, and they have always been a primary focus for our law firm. We are prepared to evaluate and pursue your claim arising from: oDriver or passenger injuries from a car accident resulting from any type of negligence, including dangerous roadways or auto manufacturing and design defects oA motorcycle wreck oA bicycle or pedestrian accident — including accidents involving MUNI buses, taxi cabs, commercial trucks and other vehicles If Someone’s Reckless Actions Caused Your Injuries, You Can Turn to Our Firm with Confidence Our experience also encompasses sizable recoveries after a range of other injury-causing events and those that have caused a tragic wrongful death, such as: oAccidents on dangerous and defective property, including serious falls, fires and construction site accidents oHarm caused by defective products including automobile components, medical devices and products intended for children — whether as part of a mass tort claim or a single lawsuit

14. oDog bites and attacks that produce life-changing injuries to children or adults San Jose Accident Victim Attorney Call 877-702-7800 For the Legal Help You Need Now Please contact us today if you need honest, informed legal counsel after an accident. We provide a free consultation and want to do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. You will pay no attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Contact Us Choulos Choulos & Wyle 275 Battery Street, Suite 1300 San Francisco, California, 94111 Phone: 415-432-7292 Toll Free: 877-702-7800 Fax: 415-474-0734 For more Information, visit our site http://www.ccwlawyers.com/