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Do I have a case for my motorcycle accident injury?

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Do I have a case for my motorcycle accident injury?

Free Case Evaluation - Our full time staff is ready to evaluate your case submission and will respond in a timely manner.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Our California Motorcycle Aaccident Lawyers are ready to answer your questions and speak with you immediately Free of Charge. Being hit on a motorcycle is a terrifying experience and we can help you get yourself and your bike on the road to recovery.

At Bisnar Chase, we have over 39 years of experience helping seriously injured motorcyclists and other California personal injury clients get the maximum recovery for their damages. We know you have a lot of questions, we are here to answer them.

For your Free Case Evaluation and Consultation Call 949-203-3814.

The thrill of a ride on a motorcycle is often unparalleled. Those who ride with a passion know that there are few things as exhilarating as being out on California's scun-kissed roadways.

However, motorcycling can become dangerous particularly because when a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, it is often the motorcyclist who suffers catastrophic or fatal injuries. This is because motorcyclists have little protection and are absolutely vulnerable as they are exposed to the elements.

When a motorcycle accident is caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another, the injured victim can seek compensation for his or her injuries damages and losses.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS):

  • 348 people were killed.
  • 9,625 were injured in California motorcycle accidents in the year 2010.
  • The CHP also reports that 40 fatally injured victims and 1,345 injured motorcyclists were not wearing proper safety gear, specifically helmets, at the time of the crash.
  • The number of motorcyclists killed in 2010 statewide decreased by 9.1 percent from 2009 and the number of injured victims decreased by 4.9 percent.

The California Highway Patrol estimates that:

  • 65.4 percent of all fatally injured motorcyclists were at fault for the crash.
  • About 31.9 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes were single-vehicle crashes where no other party was involved.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

  • Head-on collisions: Crashes involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents. Nearly 75 percent of the time, the vehicle strikes the motorcycle head-on. These types of crashes often prove fatal for the rider and/or passenger.
  • Left-turn collisions: About 42 percent of all accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle involves a vehicle (other than the motorcycle) making a left turn. This type of collision occurs when the other vehicle is turning left at an intersection or into a driveway or parking lot.
  • Speeding: Speed can be deadly for motorcyclists, regardless of who is speeding.
  • Driving under the influence: Driving a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be extremely dangerous. The same applies to other drivers who are under the influence.
  • Distracted driving: A distracted driver could, for example, drift into a bike lane or the shoulder where a bicyclist is riding.
  • Roadway debris and hazards: Debris on the roadway such as mattresses or items dropped from other vehicles can prove fatal for motorcyclists. In addition, defective roadways with potholes or uneven pavement can also cause serious injury motorcycle crashes.

How Can Motorcyclists Prevent Accidents?

Here are a few safety measures that can help motorcyclists avoid serious injury accidents:

  • Maintain your vehicle properly. Make sure you test your lights, turn signals and brakes before each ride. You should also make sure your bike's oil and fuel levels are good and that your mirrors are positioned correctly.
  • Buy good quality gear. You need a helmet that fits well and does not affect your visibility. You should also wear bright clothing that increases your visibility.
  • Practice safe riding habits. Stick to the speed limit and do not tailgate. Use your signals and only split lanes when it is safe to do so. Never enter an intersection until you are sure that nearby drivers see you.

Steps to Take after a Motorcycle Crash

If you are ever involved in a motorcycle crash, there are a number of steps that you can take to protect your rights. First and foremost, the law requires anyone involved in an accident to stop and remain at the scene.

If you have been injured, do not move, and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. If, however, you can move around or have a friend at the scene to help you, here are a few useful steps that could be taken:

  • Take photos: Photographic evidence of the crash site, the damage to your motorcycle and of your injuries can prove useful.
  • Gather information: You will need the contact phone numbers and addresses of all parties involved as well as for anyone who witnessed the crash.
  • Get specific: It is easy to forget important details if they are not written down. You are probably not thinking clearly in the aftermath of the crash. So, it will be useful to write down the specifics such as the date, time, location and position of the vehicles at the time of the incident.
  • Filing a police report: It is important to get your account of the incident into the police report. Make sure you get a copy of the police report.
  • Preserve your vehicle: It may be tempting to repair your motorcycle as soon as possible, but it is crucial to preserve your vehicle for a thorough examination by an expert.

Seeking Plaintiff Compensation

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault driver.

Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

It is important to remember that the insurance company is not your ally. They have teams of well-trained adjusters who make sure that you get no money or as little compensation as possible.

Do not rush into a settlement with the insurance company or any other party until you have spoken to an injury lawyer who will work to protect your best interests.

Passionate California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered from a motorcycle accident, contact the accomplished personal injury lawyers specializing in motorcycle accidents for a free consultation. We will use our experience, knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family.

Please contact us today at 949-203-3814 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

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