California Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be wondering what to do next. You may be facing a long recovery process with significant medical bills, causing concern about making ends meet.
At The Zalkin Law Firm, P.C., our California attorneys can help. We know how to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies. When necessary, we can also take your case to trial.
For a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers, call (800) 477-2989 today.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In an accident, motorcyclists generally suffer more serious injuries than those in other vehicles. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcycle riders are 25 times more likely to be killed in a crash and four times more likely to be severely injured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- More than 1 in 5 motorcyclists die in an accident
- Almost half of all motorcyclists involved in accidents are injured
- The severity of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can vary widely
Common Motorcycle Injuries
A biking accident can result in a variety of serious injuries, such as:
- Burns
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
The Long-Term Effects of a Motorcycle Accident Injury
After a motorcycle wreck, the physical trauma can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and permanent scarring.
Beyond the physical injuries, people also suffer mental and emotional scars that can linger long after the accident. The victim may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such trauma can impact their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many factors can contribute to a biking crash, including:
- Swerving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failure to stop
- Failure to yield
- Drowsy driving
- Hit by a vehicle
- T-bone accidents
- Distracted driving
- Violating traffic laws
- Side-swipe accidents
- Defective parts or vehicle
- Vehicle rear-end accidents
- Collisions with other vehicles
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?
When determining liability in these cases, there are a variety of factors to consider. You must investigate the speed of all vehicles involved, the road conditions, and the behavior of other drivers on the road.
Generally, liability for a motorcycle accident falls on the party that is responsible for causing the accident. This may include another driver who was distracted, driving under the influence, or otherwise behaving recklessly.
Accidents can also be the result of poor road conditions or other external factors. In such circumstances, the blame lies on the party responsible for the road’s upkeep. Such parties include business owners with unkempt parking lots or even the city itself.
Our team can investigate the facts of your case. We will work tirelessly to find the responsible party and hold them accountable.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Collect all relevant documents, including
- Medical bills
- Police reports
- Evidence of missed work or missed income
- Preserve all evidence of the crash
- Seek legal advice
In California, you have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you must seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Injury
After a motorcycle accident, you probably want to know how much compensation you should expect for your injuries.
The answer isn't necessarily straightforward, as each case is unique. There are several factors to consider.
Personal injury compensation depends on:
- The cost of your medical bills
- The cost of property damage
- The extent and duration of your injuries
- Any impact the injury had on your work or income
- Whether the other party’s actions were willful, malicious,
- Any other financial damages you're experiencing because of your injuries
Our team can assess your case and determine the appropriate compensation you should receive. With our help, you can rest assured that we will work to get the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to help you cover your medical costs, lost wages, and suffering, helping you move forward after your accident.
We have decades of experience securing compensation for motorcycle accident victims in California. Our lawyers are just a click away, so contact us online today.