In California, when motorcycle accidents happen, they can lead to different problems, but the most important one is the serious injuries riders often experience. Since there is not much protection for motorcyclists during accidents, the injuries can be quite severe.
Not only that, but these accidents happen for a variety of different reasons, and they always have serious consequences for the people involved. If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to know that there is legal help available to help you recover. However, the amount of help you can get will depend on the specific details of the accident–and how well you present your claim to the insurance company.
Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
If you are in need of help following a motorcycle accident in California, look no further than Maison Law. Our skilled and devoted California personal injury lawyers are here to support you throughout the recovery process. They will assist you in obtaining the compensation necessary to address your injuries. We are proud to offer free consultations for anyone in California who has experienced a motorcycle accident. Contact us today to schedule yours.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in California
With nearly 953,000 registered motorcycles in the state according to a study from TitleMax, California is one of the nation’s most popular destinations for riders and enthusiasts. Add in California’s beautiful weather, numerous routes, and breathtaking scenery you have ideal conditions for motorcycle riding–and unfortunately, that means more accidents.
No matter how experienced of a rider you are, being aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents is crucial because they can occur anywhere, at any time. Some of these causes frequently relate to the actions of other drivers on the road, such as:
- Not checking blind spots
- Unsafe lane changes or lane splitting
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Failing to yield to motorcyclists
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Running a stop sign or red light
What makes motorcycle accidents somewhat unique is that they can also happen without any direct contact with other drivers. These are called “no-contact” accidents. Even if another driver is not directly involved, these accidents can have their own causes, such as poorly maintained roads or negligence by pedestrians or other drivers. Regardless of the cause, motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries and other damage.
Frequent Injuries in California Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in California almost always lead to injuries, primarily because motorcycles lack the protective features found in other vehicles, and the speed and circumstances of the crash exacerbate the risks. Commonly, California motorcycle accidents result in the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries or concussions
- Neck and back injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Muscle strains
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is just the beginning of challenges for the injured rider. Serious injuries are highly likely, especially if they collided with a vehicle or were moving at high speeds. This leads to ongoing medical care, possibly for the rest of the rider’s life. Additionally, emotional and psychological damage can accompany these accidents, adding to the overall impact on you and your family.
How Will An Insurance Company Blame You For a Motorcycle Accident in California?
As a motorcycle rider in California, you are expected to follow the same rules as any other driver on the road. This means that if an accident occurs, you might be held partially responsible, just like the other driver. However, California laws still allow you to seek compensation if there’s another party involved in the accident.
In California, even when there is another person responsible for your accident, “comparative negligence” comes into play. This means that the amount of compensation you can get might be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Insurance companies may attempt to blame you for a motorcycle accident by using various tactics to reduce their liability and limit the amount of compensation they have to pay. Here are some ways they might try to shift blame onto you:
- Riding at high speeds
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Being distracted while riding
- Not wearing proper protective gear or helmets
- Riding aggressively
Reducing Your Liability
Of course, being involved in a motorcycle accident is far from ideal. Nevertheless, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, it’s very important to minimize your percentage of fault as much as you can. While this can be difficult, you can do this by:
- Gathering evidence – Collecting proof to support your side of the story. This means taking pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your motorcycle, getting statements from witnesses, and keeping important documents.
- Seeking medical help – Getting immediate medical treatment for your injuries. This is really important for your health and also helps connect the accident to your injuries.
- Following traffic rules – Making sure you were following all traffic laws during the accident. This includes driving at the right speed, using turn signals, and obeying traffic signs to make your case stronger.
- Keeping records – Saving copies of important documents like medical records, bills, and repair estimates. These records show how much damage was done.
- Being careful with insurance statements – Talking to our lawyers before giving detailed statements to insurance companies, especially the other party’s insurer, to avoid saying anything that could be used against you.
- Cooperating with the investigation – Working fully with the police and insurance company’s investigation. Providing accurate information based on the facts.
Remember, the specific details of your case and the evidence available are very important in deciding who is at fault. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can give you personalized advice based on the laws and regulations in California.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a California Motorcycle Accident?
In California, there’s no specific law that mandates hiring a lawyer to file a motorcycle accident claim. However, attempting to handle it on your own can significantly reduce your chances of obtaining maximum compensation from the insurance company. Additionally, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you likely face significant medical and financial challenges, making it in your best interest to work with our team at Maison Law.
Our team of skilled California personal injury lawyers has a proven track record of success in these cases. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your claim, identifying all potentially responsible parties and sources of compensation.
- Gather and analyze evidence to support your claim effectively.
- Manage all legal communication to prevent any statements that could jeopardize your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum possible settlement.
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement offer is not received.
- Assist in finding the right doctors and specialists to aid in your recovery.
Motorcycle accidents can be extremely traumatic, not only physically but also mentally. Maison Law can help alleviate the burden by handling all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
What Can You Recover in a California Motorcycle Accident Claim?
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, filing an injury claim is essential to secure the support you need for recovery. While each motorcycle accident is unique, most injury claims allow you to recover compensation, known as “damages.”
By working with our team of experienced lawyers, you can ensure that every available avenue for support is pursued. In a California motorcycle accident injury claim, you may potentially recover compensation for the following:
- Medical treatment costs
- Physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages due to the inability to work
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Loss of enjoyment in life due to the injuries
Calculating the value of your damages in a motorcycle accident can be difficult, especially if the injuries are severe and long-lasting. Thus, having our team of experienced California personal injury lawyers on your side can be very helpful is crucial. While not legally required, our team can greatly impact the outcome of your claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Support You Need From California Personal Injury Lawyers
When you have a motorcycle accident, you may face significant difficulties, both physically and financially. No matter why the accident happened, Maison Law will be there to assist you in your recovery journey. Our team of skilled and experienced California personal injury lawyers will offer legal advice and support throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more.
