Motorcyclists across the state of California know that a motorcycle offers an incomparable, thrilling travel experience and is a remarkable way to view the beautiful scenery and sights of the Golden State.
However, despite the extraordinary experience a motorcycle provides, these vehicles require skilled, responsible handling and defensive driving in order to avoid a serious accident.
Risks of Riding a Motorcycle
Motorcycle accidents throughout the North Bay occur for a variety of reasons. These causes can be due to an at-fault driver, the motorcyclist himself, or factors only in the control of the government entity who manages the road or the manufacturer of the motorcycle.
These factors include:
Road design that falls below safety standards or design that has grown obsolete and outmoded due to current highway usage statistics,
Poor road conditions or negligent maintenance of the road,
Mechanical failures on the motorcycle,
A driver of another car or motor vehicle being negligent or careless,
High speed motorcycle accidents due to wheel wobble,
Negligent motorcycle design creating a defective vehicle,
Shoddy or poor repair work done by a mechanic on your motorcycle
Recent statistics show that the vast majority of multiple-vehicle traffic accidents involving motorcycles—over 80% in fact—are not the motorcyclist’s fault. Most often, the motorcycle accident is caused by a negligent or inattentive driver who either does not notice or see the motorcyclist until it is too late, or a car driver who turns either directly in front of the motorcycle in a left hand turn or who follows the biker on his hog too closely and then runs into the rear of the bike.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at the mercy of these careless drivers due to the speed at which the motorcycle travels and the minimal protection riders have if there is a crash. Due to the lack of physical and safety protections, most motorcycle accidents are catastrophic and can result in brain injury, paralyzing spinal injuries, or death.
The biggest mistake injured motorcyclists make is thinking that a motorcycle accident claim is just like an auto accident claim and any lawyer can handle their case.
Benefits of Pursuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Due to the lack of protection a motorcycle offers, the likelihood of a motorcyclist enduring critical injuries, which may perhaps be life-threatening, is extremely high. Common injuries in a California motorcycle accident include: brain injury, spinal cord injuries, abrasions, disfigurement, fractures, and neck and back injuries.
Such severe injuries will likely require an extensive recovery time, which can mean the injured rider is unable to work and will be losing wages. The medical care and treatment needed for the rider to heal can also be costly, as well as the costs of repairing property damage.
With the expensive financial costs that can arise following a motorcycle accident, a rider would be well-advised to speak with a qualified motorcycle crash attorney to possibly pursue a motorcycle accident claim.
Compensation from the at-fault party can help with the unexpected accident-related costs and will help alleviate financial stresses so you can focus on the healing process.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
The post-accident related expenses a rider can incur can be quite costly, but a motorcyclist can receive several different types of compensation to lessen the financial burden. The purpose of this compensation is to aid the motorcyclist in rebuilding their life and moving towards the life the rider had before the collision.
The first type of compensation that can be awarded is economic damages, which are easily calculated from documents and records. This can include compensation for lost wages (past and future), medical bills and expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages are compensation for the injured party’s pain and suffering, such as mental suffering as a result of the accident or emotional distress.
The financial strain of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, but an accident attorney can get the money you need to recover.
Rebuilding Your Life after a Collision
The impact a motorcycle accident can have on a person’s life can be very serious, and getting back to the life he or she loves can take a great deal of time and patience.
The Law Offices Of Michael A. Fiumara recognize the tremendous obstacles a rider may face following an accident and are dedicated to obtaining the compensation needed to get them back on their feet and back on the road.
Our legal team has years of experience helping injured Californians, which has earned us a successful track record of successful results. A motorcycle accident is difficult enough, but with our professional assistance, recovery does not have to be.
Contact us today at 707-571-8600 OR 760-832-6118 today for your free case evaluation.
“The Right Attorney Makes All The Difference”
Motorcycle Accidents In The North Bay
