Maison Law helps motorcycle accident victims throughout California. There’s a lot of different hazards on the road for motorcycle riders, and that can even extend to other motorcyclists. Still, being in a motorcycle on motorcycle accident gives you certain legal options that our team can help you with. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident Caused By Another Motorcycle?
A motorcycle-on-motorcycle accident isn’t uncommon in California, especially in high-traffic areas. When you’re riding on Interstate 5 or in busy downtown areas, the risk of coming into contact with other motorcyclists and getting into an accident increases.
In some cases, you might not need a lawyer, particularly if the accident or injuries are minor. However, in more serious situations, legal help becomes crucial. That’s where our firm steps in. With our experience, we’ll explain your rights, determine who’s responsible, handle insurance matters, and guide you through the claims process.
Who’s Responsible When a Motorcycle Accident is Caused by Another Motorcycle?
When you’re riding your motorcycle in California, you’re usually focused on watching out for drivers and other common hazards. You might not always consider the risks posed by other motorcyclists, but they can be just as dangerous, especially if they are:
- Not paying attention
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Riding recklessly
- Making sudden moves or cutting in front of you
- Riding a bike with faulty equipment
These actions are forms of negligence, making the other rider liable if they cause an accident and you get injured.
However, just like with any motorcycle accident, liability can vary based on the situation. Depending on the specifics, others might also be responsible, such as:
- Drivers in vehicles
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers
- Pedestrians or bicyclists
- Government agencies in charge of road maintenance
While you can’t control what others do, putting you at risk of a motorcycle accident, you do have legal options–namely the ability to recover damages.
What Damages Can You Get in a Motorcycle Versus Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle-versus-motorcycle accident in California isn’t much different from other types of motorcycle accidents when it comes to the legal side of things. If you’re injured because another rider was negligent, you have the right to file a personal injury claim so that you can recover “damages” from whoever is responsible.
Generally, you can either file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Both options are similar, but a lawsuit is more formal, happening in court under a judge’s supervision. The insurance process, on the other hand, is less formal and takes place outside of court.
No matter which route you choose, if your claim is successful, you could recover damages such as:
- Medical treatment expenses
- Costs for ongoing care
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property
- Financial support for your physical pain and mental suffering
- Financial support for any emotional distress
- Damages for loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses in the case of a fatal accident
It’s important to file your claim within California’s two-year statute of limitations to be eligible for these damages. But obviously, the circumstances of these accidents are going to be pretty important for how your claim plays out and what damages you can get.
What Injuries Happen on Motorcycle Versus Motorcycle Accidents in California?
Obviously, any motorcycle accident is going to leave you facing some type of injury. This doesn’t have as much to do with the nature of the accident itself than the fact that you simply aren’t protected on a motorcycle (even if you wear protective equipment.)
And while it might seem like a motorcycle versus motorcycle accident wouldn’t be as severe as a collision with a larger vehicle, that’s actually not the case. The unfortunate reality is that these types of motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that are just as serious as any other accident. So, if you’re in a motorcycle versus motorcycle accident, you can expect to have to deal with:
- Broken bones – When two motorcycles collide, it’s common for riders to break arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones.
- Road rash – Even with protective gear, sliding on the pavement can cause painful skin scrapes and infections.
- Head injuries – Helmets help, but riders can still get concussions, brain injuries, or skull fractures.
- Spinal injuries – A crash can seriously hurt the spine, sometimes leading to paralysis.
- Internal injuries – The impact can damage organs, causing dangerous internal bleeding.
- Neck injuries – A sudden jolt can strain the neck, causing whiplash and ongoing pain.
- Emotional damage – Accidents can also cause emotional pain, like anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
These injuries and their associated costs are going to make up a large portion of your damages in your claim. But, as a victim, it’s ultimately up to you to show how the accident impacts you. In order to do that, you need to take certain steps after the accident to form the very foundation of your claim.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Claim After a Motorcycle Versus Motorcycle Accident?
For as unique as a motorcycle versus motorcycle accidents are, they don’t change the fact that you have to put together a strong claim. You do that the same way you would in any other type of accident: you gather important information and evidence right after the accident happens. So, when you’re involved in one of these accidents, here’s what you can do to protect your claim:
- Get medical care – First, move to a safe area away from traffic and other bikes. Call 911 to get an ambulance if you’re injured. EMTs will provide immediate care and may take you to the hospital if your injuries are serious.
- Call the police – Call the local police or sheriff’s department. They will help clear the scene and gather information from the other rider involved.
- Exchange information – Get the other rider’s insurance and contact details. If they refuse or you feel uncomfortable, ask the police to help with this.
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage and injuries. This visual evidence is crucial for showing how serious the accident was.
- Be careful with statements – Don’t admit fault or make detailed statements to others, including police or insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts, and don’t post about the accident on social media, as it might impact your claim.
These steps are vital for building your injury claim. If you can’t complete them due to serious injuries, our team can help gather the necessary information and evidence.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation After a Motorcycle Versus Motorcycle Accident in California
Any type of accident can make riding your motorcycle in California stressful. But when it’s caused by another motorcycle, it’s all the more frustrating. This doesn’t change your legal rights, though. At Maison Law, our team of California motorcycle accident lawyers know how to approach these cases and what you need for a strong claim. If you or someone you care about has been in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
