Ceres motorcyclists bitten or attacked by dogs can file injury claims against dog owners. They should demand help with all medical bills and with replacing their paychecks while they can’t work.
Maison Law of Ceres represents dog bite victims and seeks the most from dog owners and their insurers on behalf of our clients. We offer a free consultation for all victims in Stanislaus County. It’s a no-risk, no obligation way to see what your injury should be worth and how to hold an insurer fully responsible.
Dog Bite Dangers for Motorcyclists in Ceres
Local motorcyclists have plenty to worry about as they travel around distracted drivers in Ceres. But another threat may be roaming and unleashed. Dogs ready to give chase to passing motorcyclists can represent a bite threat and the risk of a dangerous accident.
A pet that hasn’t been properly restrained may come racing out of a neighborhood along a busy street like Morgan Road or from a park, like Ceres-Whitmore Park. A motorcyclist’s legs will be vulnerable and within reach, leading to bite wounds on the thigh, the lower leg, the ankle, and the foot. Bones caught in the jaw of a large dog can also break bones.
A bite may not be involved, but a dog could chase someone, and the fear caused might lead to a rider tipping over or veering into the path of traffic. The rider might smash into a tree while trying to escape a pursuing dog.
A bite incident or a frightening crash might cause these and other injuries for a vulnerable rider:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Infection
- Crushed bones
- Broken arm and leg bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Broken/Displaced Ribs
- Broke Collarbones
- Chest Compressions
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Severe Road Rash
- Disfigurement
A skilled Ceres Motorcycle Accident Lawyer would be working with doctors to determine how long the rider might have to be in recovery and off a motorcycle. This is critical because our attorneys want to make sure our clients have support that lasts as long as necessary. A settlement check should cover the possibility that victims could need surgery and physical therapy months down the road if they have an injury relapse.
Is a Dog Owner Financially Responsible After a Dog Attack on a Motorcyclist?
Yes, under most circumstances. California is a “strict liability” dog bite state. It means that in most cases, dog owners are held responsible when their pets bite. That’s true even if the dog has no history of biting incidents.
In some states, dog owners get a free pass for the first time their dogs bite someone. They aren’t responsible for the victim’s recovery. But in California, dog owners are usually held accountable.
Dog owners may allow a pet to get close to a rider by extending the leash too long. They may be responsible for not putting a dog in a proper enclosure that they can’t escape from. Even if a dog somehow escapes out the front door, the dog owner is liable for what happens.
Strict liability dog bite laws make it easier to hold dog owners responsible, but three things about a case must be true to file a case:
- Motorcyclists must not have been trespassing.
- Motorcyclists must not have provoked the dog.
- Motorcyclists must have suffered an actual bite, but a bite that doesn’t break the skin still counts as a bite.
Unfortunately, dogs can harm riders, even if they don’t get close enough to bite. They may chase a motorcyclist into the path of a car or truck, or cause them to lose control and crash.
Victims can file claims against dog owners, but they can’t use strict liability if no bite is involved. However, riders could still seek accident compensation under other personal injury laws.
The burden of proof would be higher for the bicyclist in this situation. The rider would have to prove that the actions of a dog and a dog owner caused a crash. A skilled attorney would be a major help in collecting the necessary evidence to hold the insurance company for the dog owner fully responsible.
What Type of Things Can Be Compensated If I’m Bitten While Riding a Motorcycle?
Your Ceres Dog Bite Lawyer lists and documents every hardship you’ve had that can be traced back to the accident. The financial burdens should be included, such as emergency response fees and physical therapy bills.
The emotional trauma must also be submitted with a claim. This can include the anxiety and depression that can follow a frightening accident. The loss of enjoyment of life for riders who can’t get back on a motorcycle as soon as they’d like to can add to a settlement check.
Your Maison Law attorney would demand these benefits and more for the victim and the victim’s family:
- Hospital and rehabilitation costs PAID
- Estimates on lifelong support for a long-term disability or a disfigurement PAID
- Totals of travel costs to and from doctor visits PAID
- Support for physical pain experienced PAID
- Support for emotional distress endured PAID
- Totals on lost paychecks and benefits while you miss work shifts REPLACED
- Money for motorcycle repairs or a replacement PAID
Your dog bite lawyer would be collecting evidence and investigating the dog owner to make sure you had the proof necessary to seek compensation through an injury claim. Your lawyer would usually file the injury claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance provider or renter’s insurance provider. Then the negotiation begins to get you much more for your claim than you probably anticipated. This is often much more than you could likely win from a giant insurance company yourself.
Contact a Lawyer Serving Ceres Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury after a dog attack while riding a motorcycle, discuss your case with a skilled Ceres Motorcycle Accident Attorney as soon as possible. Dog bite victims should never be left to face the costs of recovery alone.
Reach out to Maison Law to make sure you are clear on the rights you have as a victim and the benefits that are available to you and your family.
There’s no obligation for this meeting. If you do feel we can help you earn more for your injury, you won’t need any upfront money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurance company must provide.
