Though Tulare motorcycle accidents are not as common as those involving passenger vehicles, they still occur every year even when precautions are put in place to protect riders. In fact, in all of 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) in California reported that 7 total motorcycle accidents took place in Tulare, with 1 life being taken and 7 people sustaining injuries as a result.
At Maison Law, we are dedicated to representing individuals who have been seriously injured in or have lost a loved one due to Tulare motorcycle accidents. Following the stress of a sideswipe accident or any other type of motorcycle accident, you should be able to face your recovery without worrying about the bills that keep piling up. Contact us for the representation you need during these challenging times.
Understanding Dangerous Motorcycle Sideswipe Accidents
No matter what circumstances lead up to a motorcycle accident, serious injuries, fatalities, and damages can result. However, some accidents involving motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers are more severe than others. A sideswipe accident could cause a motorcyclist to crash their bike or drive into oncoming lanes of traffic, leading to an even more severe collision.
A sideswipe accident occurs when a vehicle comes into contact with the side of a motorcycle. Especially when these collisions happen at high speeds, they are capable of causing extensive damage. There are many common causes of sideswipe accidents involving motorcycles, such as the following:
- Drivers making abrupt lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drivers not checking their blind spots before merging
Though some sideswipe accidents are just two vehicles grazing one another, some happen at high speeds and involve immense force. When the sideswipe accident is severe, it can lead to life-altering injuries or even take the life of a motorcyclist.
Injuries Present in Motorcycle Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipe accidents are capable of causing extensive and devastating injuries to motorcyclists. In many of these cases, a motorcyclist could also be left with permanent harm and disability. Some of the most common injuries present in these cases include the following:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries, especially when a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet
- Spinal cord trauma
- Road rash from being thrown onto the ground
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Severe lacerations and bruises
No matter the injuries that stem from one of these accidents, a motorcyclist is likely to spend a long time recovering from their injuries. On top of hospital time, surgeries, and rehabilitation, some victims never fully recover or need extensive medical care in the future. This can be financially daunting for a victim or their family.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Sideswipe Accident
Most sideswipe motorcycle accidents occur due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver. If a motorist does not abide by the rules of the road and an accident results, they could be held liable for the harm that they caused a motorcyclist. However, before you recover damages in your claim, you will have to show that the following aspects came into play:
- A driver owed you a duty of care on our roads.
- The defendant breached that duty of care through their negligent actions.
- The breach of duty led to your accident and injuries.
- You sustained damages as a result.
It is not always easy to prove that a driver was liable for your accident, especially if the driver and their insurance company are trying to pin the blame on you. Having a lawyer on your side can help you show that another party is at fault based on the evidence in your case. Even if you are partially responsible for your motorcycle accident, you can still gain support through California comparative negligence rules. Your damages will be decreased by your percentage of fault but you will still be able to recover.
How Your Injuries Can Affect Your Settlement
It is true that it is not possible for a lawyer to determine the exact amount of compensation that you receive in your claim. However, there are some factors that can help determine the outcome of your future settlement.
Type of Injuries: The injuries that you sustain in your sideswipe accident can impact how much you receive in your settlement. For instance, somebody with severe injuries is likely to suffer more than somebody who only sustained minor bruising.
Severity of Injuries: Depending on the severity of your injuries, it could impact what you do on a daily basis. You might not be able to participate in your favorite activities or go to work in a timely manner, affecting you financially. This is why the severity of your injuries is an important thing to determine when it comes to receiving compensation.
Permanency of Injuries: If your injuries are permanent in nature and not expected to heal in a few weeks or months, you could be set to obtain more extensive financial support. When injuries are going to have a lifelong impact, you might find that it is more difficult to read, speak, or even process emotions on a daily basis. The long-term care you require can pile up, which is why your financial support may increase from a claim.
Contact a Tulare Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You may be left in a vulnerable position as a motorcyclist, which is why it is crucial that you understand your options moving forward with a claim. At Maison Law, we believe that speaking with a Tulare motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gain the resources that you need to successfully move forward with a claim. You do not want to be taken advantage of by the insurance company, which is why it is crucial that you act quickly. Please do not hesitate to contact our trusted legal representatives today for more information on your case.
