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When choosing the right motorcycle accident law firm for your case, the process can be overwhelming and daunting as you go through web page after web page of California personal injury law firms.
The State Bar of California licenses approximately 266,000 attorneys in the state, and approximately 190,000 are actively practicing. In 2017, roughly 18 percent of them were noted as personal injury lawyers, which brings your number down to about 34,200 attorneys to choose from.
As a motorcycle accident victim, you may be able to seek damages for your injuries and losses. At Arash Law, we strive to support our clients throughout the process of pursuing compensation and advocating for their rights, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
The Severity Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are considered among the most severe crashes in California because motorcycles lack the protection found in cars. While it is a misconception that motorcycle accidents are usually fatal, they tend to result in serious injuries and can sometimes be deadly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle accidents make up a considerable portion of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in California each year.
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and property damage, often affecting many aspects of your life. At Arash Law, we understand the challenges you may face and are prepared to assist you throughout the process.
If you are injured in such an accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 to see whether you have grounds to file a case.
The Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Without airbags, door beams, roofs, and cushioning, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of severe injury in accidents compared to car occupants. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the same factors as other vehicular accidents, such as:
- Speeding.
- Driver or biker inexperience.
- Unsafe conditions.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Improper turns.
- Distracted or reckless driving.
- Malfunctioning or defective motorcycles.
- Impaired visibility.
- Failing to avoid colliding with an object.
- Lane-splitting.
When processing damage claims, each cause of an accident is evaluated based on specific factors. For example, a driver in a car can be found at fault for failing to avoid a collision with a motorcycle. California uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that each party’s degree of fault is determined, and any compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to pursue damages, but they may be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
For motorcycle accidents, the injuries are likely to be more severe, and the costs can be higher. Compensation may include coverage for physical and emotional pain, medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. It may also include income that the victim will no longer be able to make if they sustain life-altering injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at Arash Law can examine your case and discuss each of these points with you. We will review the specifics of your claim and explore possible options for seeking compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Lane-Splitting In Motorcycle Accidents — We Can Help
California is the only state in the nation where lane-splitting is explicitly legal and regulated. This practice allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic, particularly during traffic jams. Some say that this practice causes more deaths, but that isn’t often the case.
Lane-splitting was originally outlawed in California, as it has been in every other state. But in 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 51. AB-51 didn’t necessarily make lane-splitting legal, but it does remove the ban on lane-splitting. However, they are free to do so as long as they do so safely. In some situations, lane-splitting may help motorcyclists navigate traffic more safely, particularly in heavy congestion or poor visibility. However, safety still depends on how and when lane-splitting is performed.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and lane-splitting is involved, our team at Arash Law can assist you. Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Arash Law can handle these types of cases and help clients navigate the legal process. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to understand whether you can file a claim.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle injuries can be fatal, though many are not. However, these injuries are often more severe than those seen in other types of collisions, which is why motorcycle accidents are viewed as especially serious.
Below are the common injuries sustained after a motorcycle accident:
- Head injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or concussion.
- Bone fractures, such as to the shoulder and pelvis.
- Muscle damage.
- Soft tissue skin damage, such as road rash (which can include first-, second-, or third-degree burns).
- Biker’s arm, such as nerve damage in the upper arm, could lead to permanent paralysis.
If you are suffering from any of these injuries due to an accident, call our California motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391, and we will walk you through the claims process.
Helmet Laws And Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, but so can other types of claims. California law, CVC §27803, requires the wearing of a motorcycle helmet in California, and it must be a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet.
Helmets are required, while face and eye protection are recommended. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still be able to pursue damages. California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that compensation may be reduced if not wearing a helmet contributed to the injuries. The party most at fault pays for the largest share of damages, but each party’s responsibility is taken into account.
Comparative negligence means that a jury or the lawyers will determine each party’s percentage of fault. For example, if you did not sustain head injuries, the lack of a helmet may not affect your claim. The helmet issue only becomes relevant if it contributed to your injuries. Not wearing a helmet typically results in fines or warnings from the California Highway Patrol if no other violations occurred. While it’s important to wear a helmet for safety, its absence may not significantly impact your case if it’s unrelated to your injuries.
If you’re facing issues related to helmet use in your motorcycle accident case, let us know. Our team can help address these concerns for you. Call our motorcycle accident law firm at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case.
Damages After A Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can be severe and costly. California law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses after a crash.
Below are some common types of damages that may be available after a motorcycle accident:
- Medical Costs — This may include costs incurred in the past, present, and future, as well as travel expenses for visiting medical professionals and rehabilitation services.
- Property Damage — Property damage may include the cost to repair your vehicle or the replacement value if your car is deemed a total loss.
- Lost Wages — If you lose work because of the injuries you suffered, you may be able to pursue compensation for lost income, including wages for lost future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering — This refers to the physical and emotional distress you experience, and you may be eligible to seek compensation for this trauma.
- Punitive Damages — In rare cases where another party engaged in serious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to other compensation.
Book a free initial consultation at Arash Law, and we’ll review your case and discuss the types of compensation that you may pursue.
Consult With Our California Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
Motorcycle accidents can be especially traumatic due to the severity and lasting impact of the injuries involved. If you or someone you know has been in one, we are ready to help. We’ve been assisting California-based clients in pursuing damages from motorcycle accidents against potentially negligent parties.
Aside from handling motorcycle accidents, our lawyers are also experienced in cases involving car accidents, hit-and-run incidents, truck crashes, and even slip-and-fall incidents and dog bites.
Our motorcycle accident law firm can review your case at no cost and evaluate the potential value of your claim. Call our motorcycle accident team at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free case assessment.
