Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
with over $750 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Are Dedicated To Advocating For Injured Victims
Fresno is a dream road trip destination for riders. However, any motorcycle ride can take a tragic turn. If you’re injured in such a crash, understanding your legal options is crucial. Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience handling cases of motorcycle crashes and are dedicated to helping injured victims. With our knowledge of personal injury law, we know how to navigate claims to help you pursue compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to learn more through a free initial consultation.
Every day, motorcyclists are vulnerable to accidents on Fresno’s streets and highways. We understand the risks you face and the consequences that could result when recklessness meets two wheels. We’re experienced advocates, working to help clients seek damages from negligent drivers and anyone else responsible for their losses. Through independent investigations, we can help identify the cause of your accident and pursue compensation from those who caused your injuries.
Our lawyers understand the motorcycle community and can assist them in standing up against unfair stereotypes they may face during the claims process. Our years of experience helping clients allow us to handle insurance claims, seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more, with the goal of letting you focus on recovering.
Morales v. Construction Group Staffing (settled on 7/23/2020) – settlement involving a client who was catastrophically injured when he fell from a height of 4 stories down a shaft. This is a record breaking California Workers’ Compensation settlement. Read more about this case on Yahoo! Finance News– TINA ESHGHIEH
Our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Pursue Compensation!
A serious motorcycle crash could leave you with lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Facing complex settlement negotiations with an insurance company on top of recovering from injuries should be the least of your worries.
Let one of our Fresno personal injury attorneys handle your motorcycle accident case and guide you through the claims process. To help you pursue compensation, our team can:
- Conduct an independent investigation to secure vital evidence.
- Provide personalized attention, explain legal options, and offer clear guidance throughout the process.
- Explore all potential avenues for compensation.
- Collaborate with specialists to build a well-supported negligence case.
- Assess the full extent of your damages.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a settlement that reflects your losses.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to court.
Schedule your free initial consultation by completing our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating for your interests and delivering comprehensive legal representation.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Fresno, CA
While the excitement of the open road is undeniably exhilarating, motorcyclists face inherent risks when riding with other vehicles. By understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents and implementing proactive safety strategies, you can reduce your risk of injury and contribute to a safer ride for everyone. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Fresno can investigate a crash to identify whether the following circumstances contributed to it:
- Distracted Driving — Texting, fiddling with the radio, or even reaching for a snack can pull your attention away from the road in an instant. Motorcyclists are often smaller and harder to see, so a brief glance away can be enough to cause a collision.
- Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way — Turning left in front of a motorcycle without checking your mirrors or blind spot could lead to an accident. Additionally, failing to yield at intersections or stop signs can put motorcyclists at risk, especially when they have the right of way.
- Speeding — Exceeding the speed limit or pushing the boundaries of your own riding ability on a winding road significantly reduces your reaction time. This can be the difference between avoiding a hazard and getting into a high-speed crash.
- Driving Under the Influence — Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Operating a motorcycle under the influence is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous for both you and everyone around you.
- Aggressive and Reckless Driving — Tailgating, weaving through traffic like a race course, and making reckless lane changes put everyone on the road at risk. However, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable due to their smaller size and lack of protection.
- Uneven Road Surfaces — Potholes, cracks, and uneven pavement can be more than just annoyances for motorcycles. They can cause loss of traction, sudden swerves, and even crashes. Be extra cautious on unfamiliar roads and watch out for these hidden dangers.
- Debris and Obstacles — Rocks, fallen branches, debris from accidents, and even spilled cargo can create sudden obstacles for motorcyclists. Always scan the road ahead and be prepared to react quickly to avoid these unexpected hazards.
- Poor Visibility — Fog, rain, snow, and darkness all reduce visibility for both drivers and motorcyclists. This makes it even more important to use your headlights properly, maintain a safe distance, and be extra vigilant in these conditions.
- Animal Interference — Collisions with deer, dogs, or other animals can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in wooded areas or near wildlife crossings. Slow down if you see animals near the road.
- Mechanical Failure — Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical problems can cause sudden loss of control and lead to serious accidents. Regularly inspect your motorcycle before every ride and get it serviced promptly to avoid any potential malfunctions.
- Improper Lane Splitting — While legal in some areas, lane splitting can be a dangerous maneuver if done improperly or in unsafe conditions. Always prioritize your safety and be aware of the increased risk of accidents when splitting lanes.
- Inexperienced Riders — New riders may make mistakes due to a lack of skill or knowledge about how to handle different situations on the road. Always practice in safe environments, take proper training courses, and start with smaller motorcycles before tackling high-powered machines or complex traffic situations.
- Weather Conditions — Rain, wind, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making riding a motorcycle even more challenging. Adjust your speed and riding style accordingly, and consider avoiding riding altogether in severe weather conditions.
- Dooring — Drivers and passengers opening car doors without checking for oncoming motorcycles can cause serious injuries or even death. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when riding near parked cars, and be prepared to take swift action if necessary.
- Motorcycle Defects — Motorcycle defects due to design flaws or manufacturing errors can lead to accidents. Regularly inspect your motorcycle for any potential issues, and be sure to get it repaired by qualified technicians if you suspect any problems.
Facing a motorcycle accident alone can be challenging. Arash Law’s motorcycle accident lawyers in Fresno are here to stand by you, offering legal guidance and support to help you understand your rights and options after an accident.
Common Injuries Sustained After Motorcycle Accidents In Fresno, CA
Motorcycle accidents can be severe, often resulting in serious injuries or even death. We explore the most common types of these injuries and how to seek compensation if someone else causes your accident.
Our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys assist clients in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages. We also help them seek other damages, such as pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front. We only charge attorney’s fees if a client’s case resolves with compensation, meaning they may only have to cover some other case-related costs, regardless of how their claim resolves. Initial consultations are free.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head Injuries, Including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Head injuries are some of the most serious and potentially life-altering consequences of motorcycle accidents. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries with long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical effects.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries — The delicate structure of the neck and spine is particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents. Whiplash is a common injury, but more serious spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent neurological damage. Partial or complete paralysis can impact mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. This is one of the more severe consequences of a motorcycle accident, typically requiring long-term care and significant adjustments to one’s life.
- Torn Muscles, Ligaments, and Tendons — These injuries can occur due to sudden impacts, twisting forces, or even just the violent deceleration of a motorcycle accident. Depending on the severity, they can cause excruciating pain, limited mobility, and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Internal Bleeding and Damaged Organs — The blunt force trauma of a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding in organs like the spleen, liver, or lungs. This can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- Scarring and Disfigurement — Many motorcycle accidents leave lasting scars, especially burns and road rash. These can be physically and emotionally challenging to deal with, potentially requiring specialized treatment and reconstructive surgeries.
- Broken Bones — Motorcycle accidents often result in multiple bone fractures, especially in the lower extremities like legs and feet, due to the initial impact on the ground. The severity of these fractures can range from minor cracks requiring a cast to complex fractures requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.
- Facial Fractures — The face is particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents, especially without proper helmet protection. Fractures can occur in the jaw, nose, cheekbones, and eye sockets, potentially leading to significant pain, disfigurement, and long-term dental issues.
- Amputations — In extreme cases, motorcycle accidents can lead to the loss of limbs due to severe crush injuries or medical complications from other injuries. Amputations require extensive rehabilitation and can have a profound impact on a person’s life.
- Burn Injuries — Road rash is a common type of burn injury in motorcycle accidents, occurring when the skin scrapes against rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete. More severe burns can be caused by engine exhaust, friction, or even explosions in rare cases.
- Wrongful Death — In the event of a fatality resulting from a motorcycle accident, the Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys at Arash Law can help the deceased’s family learn whether they’re eligible to pursue compensation for their loss through a wrongful death lawsuit.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Fresno, CA
The trauma of a motorcycle accident in California can leave you reeling and unsure of your next move. However, understanding the steps to take after the crash can safeguard your rights, secure vital evidence, and support your potential claim for damages.
Contact The Authorities
If you are conscious and able, contact the California Highway Patrol or the Fresno Police Department immediately after a crash. Their presence ensures an official record of the event, including statements from drivers, scene measurements, and photos. Request the report number for future reference. In many cases, the officer will also determine fault, which can be helpful for resolving any insurance claims or legal matters.
Document The Scene
Capture photos and videos of the crash site and all involved vehicles. Additionally, locate and record the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any potential witnesses.
Exchange Information
After the accident, be sure to exchange driver’s license details and insurance information with all parties involved. To expedite the process, you can snap photos of their licenses, insurance cards, and other essential documents with your phone.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after your motorcycle accident. Give them a complete and accurate account of what happened, regardless of who you think is at fault. This information is crucial for them to handle your claim effectively. However, avoid directly contacting the other driver’s insurance company unless your claim solely involves property damage. Statements you make to their company could potentially cause disputes later in the claims process.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Fresno
Don’t navigate the legal process of a motorcycle crash alone. Our lawyers can guide you through the claims process, advocate for your right to seek compensation, and help you get fair treatment from the insurance company.
Compensation For Motorcycle Accidents In Fresno, CA
The compensation you could pursue after a California motorcycle accident depends heavily on specific details, including the severity of injuries and other relevant factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all payout, and potential compensation can hinge on several key aspects:
- The Severity of the Injury — Though it’s not a hard and fast rule, more serious injuries could mean higher compensation due to increased medical costs, longer recovery times, potential future needs, and greater pain and suffering.
- Medical Expenses — Both past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and equipment, can be compensated.
- Lost Wages — If you missed work or can no longer work due to the accident, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Property Damage — Damage to your motorcycle and other personal belongings can be covered.
- Pain and Suffering — This non-economic compensation acknowledges the physical pain and emotional distress you endured.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — If your injuries limit the activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium — This compensation, typically sought by spouses or registered domestic partners, addresses the loss of companionship or intimacy due to the injuries.
- Punitive Damages — In rare cases, if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or harmful, the court might award punitive damages to punish them and deter similar actions in the future.
Figuring out the exact amount you can pursue after a motorcycle accident in Fresno is tricky. It involves a thorough look at the crash and its impact on your overall life. If you’ve been a victim of one, seeking help from one of our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers could help you understand what kind of compensation you might be eligible for.
Remember, California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you were partly to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but were 20% responsible, you’d end up with $80,000.
Proving Negligence In Motorcycle Accident Claims
When pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Fresno, it’s common to include a claim of negligence against the driver responsible for the collision. Negligence is defined as a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under similar circumstances.
To establish a valid negligence claim, your attorney can help you prove the following essential elements. These elements serve as the crucial building blocks of the claim.
- Duty of Care — Drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks have an absolute legal duty to exercise reasonable care toward motorcyclists on the road. This means they must act with caution and avoid actions that could put motorcyclists at risk. Should a motorcycle accident occur, this duty of care becomes crucial in determining responsibility.
- Breach of Duty — To establish negligence, it must be proven that the driver failed to uphold their obligation to exercise reasonable care. In California, if a driver violates a traffic law and subsequently collides with a motorcyclist, the court may invoke the legal principle of “negligence per se,” which automatically presumes a breach of the driver’s duty of care.
- Cause-in-Fact — To seek compensation, the injured motorcyclist must demonstrate that the driver’s actions directly led to their injuries and losses. This concept, known as “but-for causation,” requires proving that the accident and its consequences would not have happened if not for the driver’s conduct.
- Proximate Cause — In California motorcycle accident claims and lawsuits, if a driver’s negligence caused the accident and the motorcyclist’s injuries were a predictable outcome, the driver could be held legally and financially accountable for those injuries.
- Damages — To pursue compensation, the injured motorcyclist needs to prove they sustained legally recognized harm from the accident. This typically involves bodily injury, financial losses, or damage to their motorcycle and other belongings.
Following a motorcycle crash, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fresno can gather evidence, from police reports and medical records to outside expert analyses, to build a case that links the driver’s negligence to your injuries. Every step of the way, we can guide you through this challenging process.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Statute Of Limitations After A Motorcycle Accident In Fresno, California
In California, after a motorcycle accident, you typically have two years to bring legal action against the responsible party for injuries and damages. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” However, exceptions exist that can shorten or lengthen this timeframe. For instance, claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines: six months, to be exact. Conversely, if the injured person is a minor or discovers the injury’s link to the accident later, the deadline may be extended.
To understand your specific legal rights after a motorcycle collision, consult our California motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law. Laws can change, so verifying this information with an attorney or checking the latest California statutes is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Motorcycle Crash Occurred In A Construction Zone?
Riding through construction zones can be risky for motorcyclists. Lane shifts, distracted drivers, and slow-moving equipment create hazardous conditions. If you’re hurt in a work zone accident caused by a worker or another driver, our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys, as well as our lawyers who handle construction accidents, can guide you through your legal options for seeking compensation.
What If I Were Not Wearing A Helmet?
California law requires helmets for all motorcycle riders. If you’re in an accident without a helmet, it could be argued that your injuries were worsened by your negligence, potentially reducing the compensation you could pursue.
What Happens When The Driver Who Hit My Motorcycle Does Not Have Insurance?
While California doesn’t mandate uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for drivers and motorcyclists, it can come in handy if someone with no insurance or insufficient coverage hits you.
If you have UIM, your own policy can cover your damages. However, you can skip this optional coverage at your own risk. Without it, suing the uninsured driver might be your only option, and let’s face it, most uninsured drivers don’t have the means to compensate you.
Let Our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Review Your Case!
In a motorcycle vs. car collision, the odds are stacked against you. A negligent driver’s actions could leave you with severe or even life-changing injuries. If this happens, seeking guidance from our dedicated Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand your right to seek compensation and navigate the available paths to recovery.
Arash Law’s experienced and dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys in Fresno can seek compensation for your injuries. We serve clients throughout California, including in the greater Fresno area and its neighboring communities: Rolling Hills, Easton, Raisin City, Lone Star, Sanger, West Park, Rolinda, Kerman, Biola, La Vina, Madera, Riverbend, San Joaquin, Friant, Orange Cove, Del Rey, and Caruthers. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
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