Have You Been in a Bay Area Motorcycle Accident?
Riding on a motorcycle is arguably one of the best ways to see the Bay Area, however, statistically, it is also one of the riskiest. Motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous, particularly for the motorcyclist, who has none of the protection inherent in a standard passenger vehicle. In fact, according to statistics, in approximately 80% of all accidents involving a motorcycle, the motorcyclist will be injured or killed. Those injured in motorcycle accidents may experience serious injuries, including broken and fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, road rash, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, which few people are ever prepared for. For victims of such accidents, a personal injury lawsuit is often the best way to recover the money that they need to move on with their lives without the financial burden that someone else’s negligence created.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Concussions
- Contusions and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disks
- Road rash
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Internal bleeding and hemorrhage
- Organ damage
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Driving drunk or under the influence
- Lane splitting
- Speeding
- Failure of a driver to check their blind spot
- Making a left-hand turn without checking blind spot
- Merging lanes without signaling or checking blind spot
- Reckless driving
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to call the police. If you are physically able, it is a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles as well as of the scene of the accident. You can then get the contact information, license, registration, and insurance information from the other driver involved, as well as contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. After talking to the police, be sure to go to the hospital. While you may not be sure that you are seriously injured, it is better safe than sorry. Many injuries, such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and organ damage are not immediately apparent but could cause life-threatening consequences if not detected and treated by a medical professional. The medical records will also be necessary if you later decide to bring a claim.
You will likely start to receive calls from an insurance claims adjuster very soon after the accident, but be sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer before you say anything to the claims adjuster. The claims adjuster is not on your side, and it is easy to make accidental missteps or to incriminate yourself or jeopardize your claim without realizing. Your lawyer can take over communications with the insurance claims adjuster as well as negotiations as you focus on resting and getting the care that you need to heal. If your lawyer is unable to come to a reasonable settlement offer with the liable party’s insurance company, they will bring a lawsuit against all liable parties on your behalf. This will allow you to get the settlement that you deserve.
Suing for a Motorcycle Accident
You may bring a personal injury lawsuit if you suffered physical and financial injuries as the result of another party’s negligence. If you are successful in bringing your claim, you will be able to recover damages for your injuries. You will be able to receive compensation for all expenses that you have incurred as a result of the injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced income or earning potential, and the cost of anticipated future care if your necessary medical care has not concluded at the time of the settlement. You can also be compensated for pain and suffering, which is calculated by considering the total amount of your economic damages as compared to how permanent and severe your injury is. The more severe and permanent your injury is, the higher the pain and suffering damages that you are entitled to are.
Because there are a lot of factors that can affect the amount of damages you are entitled to, it is always best to talk directly to an attorney if you want an accurate estimate of how much your claim is worth. It is important for you to know that there is essentially a time limit on how long you have to bring a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident, known as the statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims such as motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the accident or from the date on which the injury is discovered. You should never leave it to the last minute though if you think you may want to bring a claim. The sooner you file, the sooner your lawyer can start working for you, and the more easily accessible all necessary evidence and documentation will be (as opposed to if you wait nearly two years).
Contact Mary Alexander Law to Schedule a Consultation
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, you do not have to bear the burden of their recklessness alone. Mary Alexander Law will fight to hold the negligent party accountable and to get you the maximum settlement to which you are entitled. If you have been hurt in a Bay Area motorcycle accident, contact Mary Alexander Law today to schedule a consultation and get feedback on your claim.
