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Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Potholes in Tulare

Maison Law represents victims of motorcycle accidents caused by potholes in Tulare. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to an unrepaired pothole, the attorneys at Maison Law can get you the financial compensation you need. Motorcycle riders are amongst the most vulnerable on the road, and a pothole accident can result in catastrophic injuries. So, don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action and you and your family’s financial future. Contact Maison Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Pothole?

Riding a motorcycle in Tulare is ideal if you’re looking to cruise on flat, open roads or explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. But when an unrepaired pothole is allowed to remain along any of Tulare’s motorcycle routes, serious injuries can occur, resulting in permanent disability or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, uneven terrain makes up 10% of all fatal motorcycle accidents.

For that reason, it is recommended to consult with an experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Maison Law if your motorcycle accident was caused by a pothole. Receiving compensation for this type of accident can be more difficult than if you were in an accident with another driver.  Our law firm will help you take the necessary legal steps to receive full compensation for the following damages:

  • Economic damages: The financial damages you incurred due to the accident.
    • Medical bills
    • Lost Wages
    • Loss of future potential earnings
    • Loss of property
    • Cost of property repair or replacement
  • Non-economic damages: These are subjective, non-compensatory damages.
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages: These are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party.
    • Intentionally reckless behavior
    • Actions performed out of spite

Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. During an initial consultation, you are under no obligation to hire the attorney or pay them a fee for their services. In the same breath, an attorney is under no obligation to represent you in your personal injury case. Before your first meeting with a potential lawyer, you should be prepared. You can present your case to a lawyer in a professional manner by:

  • Jotting down the key points in your case to share with them, or give them a written copy
  • Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case
  • Bring all papers related to the case as they might be helpful for the lawyer to review
  • Prepare questions for the lawyer such as:
    • Have they handled similar cases to yours?
    • Did they settle or go to trial?
    • How many clients have they represented in court?
    • How many trial cases have they won?

The more prepared you are, the better your initial consultation will be. Be aware, that if a lawyer is unprepared to answer your questions or makes bold promises about the outcome of your case, then you may want to consider speaking with a Personal Injury Attorney at Maison Law.

Who is Liable for Injuries Caused by a Pothole?

Determining liability for injuries caused by a pothole can be difficult, but ultimately, the party responsible will be discovered through the details of the accident. For example, a road or sidewalk could be maintained by the following parties:

  • Government entity: city or state agencies in California are typically responsible for the maintenance of the roadways, so if a pothole is left unattended, the government could be held liable.
  • Construction companies: if a construction zone is poorly marked or maintained, resulting in a hazardous pothole, they can be held responsible for their careless actions.
  • Private property owners: if a road hazard is on private property, such as a parking lot or driveway, the owner may be at fault if they fail to maintain the area.

Potholes left in the road are considered a premises liability because someone has allowed public or private property to be unsafe. So, once it is determined who is at fault, they can be served with a premises liability lawsuit. If you believe that a premises liability caused your pothole accident, then please don’t hesitate to contact Maison Law for a free consultation.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Pothole Accident Injury?

If you are injured due to a hazardous condition like a pothole while riding your motorcycle, seek medical attention immediately. Nothing is more important than your health. After you get medical care, it is recommended to:

  • Report the injury to the police or property owner (if applicable). Premises liabilities require a prompt investigation, especially if they occur on property owned by a corporation. Reporting the injury will also help your case if you decide to file a premises liability claim against the property owner.
  • Take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements. Hazardous conditions can be removed or remedied very quickly to prevent more accidents, so it is important for you to capture the dangerous environment while it is still there.
  • Follow up on your injuries with a doctor. Any injuries you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case, and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries.
  • Contact Maison Law to protect your rights to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed by the incident and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery.

How to Report a Pothole in Tulare

For the most part, potholes will fall under the jurisdiction of the city of Tulare. The city of Tulare provides a straightforward way to report a pothole through their Public Works Department. This department is in charge of fixing potholes, road hazards, missing signs, or other street issues. Steps for reporting a pothole through the Public Works Department are as follows:

Understanding How Motorcycle Accident Law Protects Injured Riders in Tulare

The City of Tulare is responsible for maintaining safe roadways for riders. This is referred to as a “duty of care” toward everyone using the city’s roadways. Duty of care isn’t just a suggestion; it is a law that must be followed; otherwise, they can be held responsible for the injuries caused by their lack of duty of care. According to Civil Code 1714, people are responsible for their actions and for preventing their property from harming others. The statute states:

“Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself. The design, distribution, or marketing of firearms and ammunition is not exempt from the duty to use ordinary care and skill that is required by this section. The extent of liability in these cases is defined by the Title on Compensatory Relief.”

Contact Maison Law | Tulare Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

At Maison Law, we understand that injured victims only have one chance at securing financial relief after a serious motorcycle accident. That’s why we focus on getting your case resolved and getting you paid as quickly as possible. Our firm has proudly managed numerous motorcycle accident cases, successfully protecting riders from liability and reaching fair settlements quickly and efficiently on their behalf. So, don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action for your pothole motorcycle accident injury. Contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a cent until your case is won.