It can feel extraordinary and liberating to get on a motorcycle and feel the wide, open space around you as you are riding in Tulare. Even though it can be exhilarating recreational fun to ride a motorcycle, it can also come with many dangers. In just 2022, in fact, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) discovered that 122 motorcycle accidents happened in Tulare County alone. Out of these accidents, 14 people lost their lives and 130 people were injured. Motorcycle accidents take on many forms, from rear-ends to dooring incidents.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to all motorcyclists who have been injured in serious accidents in Tulare and beyond. It is not always easy to face one of these accidents alone, especially as you face painful injuries and a long recovery while the bills keep piling up. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your Tulare motorcycle accident claim.
What is a Dooring Accident Involving a Motorcyclist?
Open door accidents, also known as dooring, take place when the driver of a motor vehicle opens their door into a motorcyclist. Typically, these accidents occur when a driver is stopped at a sidewalk or in another area where a motorcyclist is passing by and is unable to stop in time. Though drivers are urged to always make sure that they are in a safe place when opening a door, especially when traffic is on the other side, this does not always happen and these catastrophic accidents still occur each year.
These accidents happen due to some of the following common reasons:
- A driver or passenger fails to notice a motorcyclist driving near the vehicle until it is too late
- A driver parks illegally and they attempt to make a dash by opening their door into traffic
- A driver or passenger is distracted when they open the door into traffic
Due to the speed that a motorcyclist could be traveling at when the accident occurs, a dooring accident could lead to catastrophic harm or even take a life. This is why drivers must always stay aware of what is happening around them so that dooring accidents can be prevented.
Injuries Present in Motorcycle Dooring Accidents
When a dooring accident involving a motorcyclist occurs, they will typically be thrown with force off of their motorcycle and onto the ground. On top of this, some motorcyclists are even struck by a second vehicle after hitting the ground, making the accident even more traumatic and capable of taking a life. The injuries that sometimes result from these accidents include the following:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries, from broken vertebrae to paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Scarring
- PTSD and other psychological trauma
Severe injuries can signal a long road to recovery, affecting everything you do in your daily life. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial that you speak with a legal advocate who has handled these types of claims in the past.
Damages Available in a Tulare Motorcycle Accident Claim
After you have been injured in an open door motorcycle accident in Tulare, you may be left with serious and painful injuries and medical bills that continue to pile up. These bills can affect your daily life and leave you feeling helpless and alone, especially if you are unable to return to work right off the bat. You may be able to bring a successful personal injury claim for some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses that you have incurred
- Future medical expenses you may incur
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if a life has been lost due to a dooring accident
These damages can help you or your family feel whole again after you have been involved in a motorcycle collision. It is important that you act quickly to retain your rights, as there is a two-year statute of limitations in California. You do not want to be barred from bringing a claim, which is why you want to retain your rights at this time.
Contact a Tulare Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tulare, you may be feeling distressed and confused about your next steps. A motorcycle accident claim can be a complex matter that you are not prepared to face on your own, which is why speaking with a Tulare motorcycle accident lawyer is vital.
At Maison Law, we will aggressively fight to protect your rights and provide you with resources that you need after a motorcycle accident. We offer you a confidential and completely free case consultation during these difficult times. Contact us today for more information.
