There are obvious and not-so-obvious reasons why motorcycle riders are especially at risk compared to drivers of other vehicles. The first reason is the size and weight difference of the vehicles in question. Motorcycles travel as fast as cars and trucks but are a mere fraction of the size and weight. In any crash between a motorcycle and a larger vehicle, there is no question about which vehicle will suffer the most damage.
The second reason is how motorcycles are constructed. They offer no external protection to the rider in the event of a crash, which means that impact forces go directly into the body of the rider in most cases.
Finally, motorcyclists are at high risk for injury and death because other drivers fail to notice them, fail to give them the space and deference they deserve, or both. When drivers see motorcyclists (which they often don’t), they commonly misjudge their proximity and their speed. This leads to dangerous maneuvers like passing a motorcyclist without leaving enough of a buffer or stopping too quickly when a motorcyclist is behind the car/truck.
Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
Here are some of the most common and dangerous accident scenarios involving motorcyclists:
- Rear-end collisions – where motorcyclists crash into the bumper of another vehicle
- Run-off accidents – where motorcyclists are forced off the road, often because they need to swerve to avoid a crash
- Left-turn accidents – where cars turn left across oncoming traffic directly in the path of a motorcyclist who doesn’t have time to stop
- Road-debris accidents – where motorcyclists slip/skid on debris or liquids that come off of other vehicles
- Lane-splitting accidents – where motorcyclists are injured by unexpected moves of other drivers while lane splitting (which is perfectly legal in California)
Preparing for a Personal Injury Case After a Motorcycle Accident
With a personal injury case, it will be up to you, or your lawyer, to prove negligence caused you harm. This is not always easy, especially when a motorcycle accident is involved, and often requires the need to utilize the opinions’ of expert witnesses, as well as private investigators. If a company is responsible, the challenge may intensify as there may be large legal teams to defend them.
The Morales Law Firm understands what is needed to build a sound legal defense that supports your allegations and overall claim. Rest assured we have the necessary resources to argue against blatant accusations made by the other side. We are not intimidated by large firms, insurance companies, or corporations. Our firm will be ready to gather as much evidence as possible, including that which might have been missed by others. When necessary, we’ll visit the scene of the accident, ask witnesses for a sworn testimony, and obtain any recordings, footage, or images of the incident. It will be our goal to reach a fair and just settlement; however, when this is not possible, you can count on The Morales Law Firm to take your case to court.
Valuable Evidence That May Be Used for Your Case
- Physical evidence that indicates how, when, where, and why, the accident happened
- Surveillance footage from the surrounding scene of the accident
- Dash cam footage or other footage that documents the accident
- Photographs of the scene and injuries
- Police reports that detail the opinion or view of law enforcement officials
- Medical records or other documents that prove the injury and the extent of it
- The opinion of doctors, and other experts
Do You Have a Case
Whether or not you have a valid case largely depends on the unique factors related to your claim. These factors would need to be reviewed by a lawyer before you would know for certain that moving forward is possible. Some factors that must be considered, include:
- The extent of your injuries
- Who was involved
- What happened before and at the moment of the accident
- The medical care you have received
- Your diagnosis and expected treatment
- The amount of time you have lost from work
- + More
By knowing these answers, and more, The Morales Law Firm can evaluate your motorcycle accident case and help you to understand the next steps to take. If you decide to proceed and believe we are suited to your legal needs, we will discuss our fee structure, the process, and other important details so you know what to expect. The Morales Law Firm accepts 99.9 percent of all personal injury cases on contingency. This means there are no upfront fees. Only if you win do we take a portion of the settlement (discussed beforehand).
You Have Legal Options After an Accident
As a motorcyclist, you have the same rights as other travelers on the road. If you were seriously injured by the negligence of a car or truck driver, you can pursue appropriate compensation through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of a San Francisco, California personal injury claims lawyer. Insurance claims are important, but they may not be enough to cover the astronomical expenses posed by medical bills, lost wages, disability, property damage and other consequences related to the crash.
Talk To a Lawyer to Learn More
After a serious and injurious accident, you may be worried and confused about what to do next. To better understand your rights and legal options, contact our firm to discuss your case with an experienced San Francisco, California personal injury claims lawyer. Once you understand your options, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that makes sense for your unique situation. We look forward to speaking with you.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, and negligence was a factor, please call a personal injury claims lawyer San Francisco, California cyclists have trusted for years.
California has seemingly endless miles of roads and highways, beautiful weather all year round and scenic views throughout the state. It’s no wonder that motorcycling is so popular among the state’s residents. Records show that there are over 823,000 motorcycles registered statewide.
Riding a motorcycle often feels freeing and exciting in ways that traveling via any other vehicle does not. Unfortunately, ridership also comes with a far greater risk of serious injury and death. Know that if you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath of your collision alone. By working with a San Francisco, California personal injury claims lawyer from the Morales Law Firm, you’ll better ensure that you receive any compensation you’re entitled to. While financial considerations may not be at the forefront of your mind during the early stages of your recovery, this will likely change when medical bills start rolling in and you start feeling the pain of lost earnings incurred as a result of your recovery needs. Connecting with a personal injury lawyer San Francisco, CA and Bay Area residents trust can help to ensure that you don’t have to assume the financial burden associated with your accident and that those responsible for the harm you have suffered are held accountable.
