A motorcycle accident can be a terrifying experience for anybody involved. These accidents become even more traumatic and devastating when a victim is pregnant. There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle such as improving muscle tone and keeping you mentally alert on the road. When a motorcycle accident occurs and you are pregnant, the results can be catastrophic. This is why it is important that you know your legal options moving forward.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of motorcycle accidents in California. We understand how overwhelming these collisions can be and the impact that they can have on your life. Speaking with a lawyer soon after your accident can ensure that your rights are being protected during these difficult times.
The Risks Associated with Riding While Pregnant
In the U.S., motor vehicle collisions and accidents involving vehicles are the leading cause of hospitalizations and death in pregnant women. Unfortunately, when riding on a motorcycle, there is always a significant risk or injury to a pregnant woman, especially when they are involved in a collision. In a motorcycle collision, a pregnant woman is more likely to be thrown onto the ground, which can cause extensive trauma to her or her unborn baby.
Though there are ways to protect yourself while riding during pregnancy, such as wearing motorcycle safety gear and avoiding long rides, an accident can still happen in the blink of an eye. Drivers are not always being watchful of motorcyclists who share our roads, which means that a driver could make a turn in front of a motorcycle or slam into the back of one when they do not realize that the motorcyclist has stopped due to traffic. This can lead to catastrophic and even life-threatening results.
Common Motorcycle Accidents in California
Though drivers are constantly urged to watch out for motorcyclists who share the roads, this does not mean that every accident will be prevented. There are many risks for pregnant motorcyclists due to the existence of the following types of motorcycle accidents:
Left-Turns: A driver might make a left turn in front of a motorcyclist, causing their vehicles to collide forcefully. These are some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents involving passenger vehicles.
Lane-Changing: When a motor vehicle driver is trying to switch to another lane, they might not see clearly in their blind spots or check before merging. This means that they could veer into a motorcyclist who is traveling alongside them.
Rear-Ends: Motorists sometimes follow too closely or misjudge the distance between themselves and a motorcyclist, leading to a rear-end accident when the motorcyclist has to stop.
Intersection Accidents: When a motorcyclist enters an intersection on a green light, they might not be prepared for a motorist blowing through a red light and putting them in danger.
Dooring: Dooring accidents occur when the driver or passenger of a vehicle opens their door into traffic, causing the motorcyclist to slam into it. These accidents can easily lead to catastrophe and trauma.
Costs Associated with California Motorcycle Accidents During Pregnancy
Motorcycle accidents involving pregnant women are typically much more severe than those involving non-pregnant individuals. This is due to the fact that there could be injuries or even death to either the mother or the unborn baby. On top of this, there are typically more costs associated with a motorcycle accident involving a pregnant woman. Here are some of these potential costs:
- Costs associated with hospitalizations, even just monitoring the fetus for complications
- Medical equipment associated with monitoring heart rate
- Lost income due to crash-related injuries during pregnancy
- In-home services when crash injuries make you unable to care for children or complete tasks around home
- Cost of surgery and long recovery times if the child must be born through a C-section due to the crash
- Emotional pain and suffering due to added anxiety during pregnancy
On top of these costs, there could be costs related to the care of your child if they are born with permanent injuries caused by the crash. These costs can last a lifetime, making it difficult for you to afford the bills that continue piling up. There are many considerations to make in your claim while pregnant, which is why you may need to speak with a legal advocate who has handled these claims in the past.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident During Pregnancy?
It is true that not every personal injury claim will require the assistance of a lawyer. However, it is important to note that motorcycle accidents that occur during pregnancy have extensive costs associated with them and you may need future care as well. This is why it is incredibly beneficial to have a lawyer on your side who understands the ins and outs of motorcycle accident claims and can help you maximize your damages.
You will likely need the help of a lawyer if the following elements are present in your accident claim:
- The accident was caused by another party’s negligence
- You were required to seek medical attention for your injuries
- You are unable to return to work
- You are forced to miss out on things you enjoy most in life due to the accident
- Your life has been otherwise impacted by your accident
It is important that you act quickly to retain your rights after a California motorcycle accident during pregnancy. The California statute of limitations states that you have two years from the point of your injury to bring a personal injury claim against one or more liable parties. You never want to delay and miss out on financial opportunities that could help you move forward during these challenging times.
Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
No matter what the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, a collision during pregnancy is always life-altering on a physical or emotional level. It is not uncommon for you to come out of one of these collisions with injuries to either you or your unborn child, further complicating things. Speaking with a compassionate California motorcycle accident lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected after an accident that was not your fault.
At Maison Law, we have a vast understanding of the California legal system in regards to motorcycle accidents. We will fight the insurance company and use experts in the field to further assist you with your claim when necessary. Contact us today for a confidential and completely free case consultation so that you can get started.
