San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Offer Clear Guidance For Injured Victims After A Crash
Motorcycle riders are notoriously in more peril when they are on the roads, as they have less protection than the drivers and occupants of a motor vehicle. In 2019, there were 5,014 motorcycle fatalities, with motorcycle deaths comprising as many as 14 percent of all traffic deaths. There were approximately 84,000 injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident in the same year.
Some common injuries caused by a motorcycle accident include road rash, organ damage, spinal cord damage, amputations, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some motorcycle riders and occupants may be unable to work again after a traffic crash.
California ranks as having the most motorcycle riders in the nation, which makes accidents involving them a significant risk here. Schedule a free initial consultation with our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391 to learn if you have a viable claim.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys handle cases throughout San Bernardino County, including Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Needles, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Twentynine Palms, Upland, Victorville, Yucaipa, and Yucca Valley.
Our team can review your case to determine whether you have a valid claim. If so, we can work to advocate for your rights and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. If you are unable to come to our office due to your injuries, a San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney will come to you by appointment.
If you are searching for “motorcycle accident attorney near me” in San Bernardino, consider Arash Law. We are ready to assist you throughout the claims process.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– Arash Khorsandi
Why Are San Bernardino Motorcycle Accidents So Deadly?
There are more than 800,000 motorcycles registered in the state of California, the highest number in the nation. Among those, 15 thousand are owned by the state, and the remaining 785 thousand are private or commercial registrations.
We know that motorcycle riding potentially offers emotional and mental benefits. Through riding, wellness and health are promoted as you feel that boost of endorphins through the thrill of adventure. It’s also a healthy activity that may help build your core and improve your caloric load. This kind of driving is also unique and could improve your focus and attention.
Still, these can be deadly machines. Helmets save lives. The NHTSA reports that in 2017, helmets saved approximately 1,872 lives of motorcycle riders. It is estimated that for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in an accident, 37 could have been saved if every rider had been wearing a helmet.
The main reason that motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino can be so deadly is that motorcycles do not have the tons of metal surrounding them that vehicles do. With so much open space around them, motorcycle riders are more exposed and more likely to be seriously injured.
Motorcycle Accident Laws In San Bernardino
California’s motorcycle laws promote safety and responsibility on the road. Following these laws is crucial, and violations can lead to devastating accidents.
These are the most common California motorcycle laws to know:
- Universal Helmet Laws — California Vehicle Codes § 27802 and § 27803 stipulate that you must wear a helmet at all times.
- Lane Splitting — California Vehicle Code § 21658.1 stipulates that motorcyclists can drive in between two lanes that are going in the same direction. Lane splitting is defined as having two wheels in contact with the ground between the two rows of vehicles, “including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.”
- Mirrors — Motorcycles must have both left and right mirrors according to California Vehicle Code § 26709. The mirrors must reflect a view of the roads behind the driver for at least 200 feet.
- Comparative Fault Law — This law refers to civil claims when a victim is accused of contributing to their injuries during an accident.
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys understand these laws. If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, we can help explain how legislation surrounding motorcycle use may affect your potential right to pursue compensation.
San Bernardino Motorcycle Crash Statistics
It is estimated that approximately 15.1 percent of motor vehicle fatalities in California in 2016 were motorcycle fatalities, and there were 3,623 fatalities in all.
The National Safety Council reports that in 2019, motorcycle accidents most frequently occurred under these conditions:
- Urban roads (61 percent)
- Good weather (89 percent)
- Daylight (50 percent)
- Two-vehicle crashes (53 percent)
- Without helmets (41 percent)
Weather-related accidents are not always the norm for motorcycle riders. There are many common causes of motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino. Regardless of what the conditions were in an accident with you or a loved one, our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney can help you explore your legal options.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In San Bernardino
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in California. A lot of times, the bike rider is blamed for the accident. Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident injury attorneys can conduct an independent investigation to pinpoint the likely cause of the accident and help identify potentially liable parties.
What follows are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Lane splitting
- Car doors opening
- Rear-end collisions
- Inexperienced bike riders
- Left-turn intersection problems
- Road dangers, such as potholes
- Defective bikes
A motorcycle accident injury attorney will usually investigate the cause before any settlement talks or compensation discussions can begin.
If you are searching for a “motorcycle accident attorney near me” in San Bernardino, consider reaching out to Arash Law. Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys can help study what may have caused your accident. They may then evaluate the damages you’ve incurred due to the crash to understand what to seek from potentially liable parties.
Largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021; client suffered spinal and wrist injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
What Are The Most Common Types Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accident injuries are wide-ranging because they can impact every area of the body. Riders are not protected by doors and airbags, and even helmets might not prevent traumatic injury.
The most common motorcycle accident injuries are:
- TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns
- Road rash
- Whiplash
One study indicated that thoracic (spine) and head injuries were the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries. Accidents can happen, but there are ways to prevent some of them:
- Wear the right gear.
- Have a safe bike.
- Be alert.
- Ride at your skill level.
Identifying The Liable Party For A San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident
California is an at-fault state, which means that the party that causes an accident is responsible for the damages suffered by the victim. When another party causes the accident by acting negligently, they could be held responsible. It’s also important to note that you could also be partially responsible for the accident, which may influence the outcome of your claim.
In this case, joint liability or comparative fault law would rule. California Civil Code § 1431-1431.5 is the law that stipulates how much each party is responsible in the event of an accident. In a common example, a bike rider may make a left turn when they shouldn’t and get struck by a hit-and-run driver or a drunk driver. In this case, the percentage of fault for the bike rider would be calculated, as would the percentage of the other party.
The total amount of settlement would be calculated in favor of the party with the lowest percentage. The other party would pay, minus the biker’s percentage of fault. Other parties that are often held negligent in a motorcycle accident include car manufacturers, mechanics, and local governments.
You may have a problem with your bike that resulted in an accident. In other cases, a mechanic may have committed a bad repair job. Additionally, if the roads were bad because the municipality didn’t tend to them properly, the local government could also be sued. While there are established criteria for determining liability and compensation in many motorcycle accident cases, the outcome can vary based on the unique circumstances of an accident.
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys can help investigate the circumstances of the crash so you may seek compensation according to the law.
Do I Need A San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorney For A Motorcycle Injury?
The answer is likely yes, particularly if there is evidence that another person’s negligence caused your injuries. Consulting an attorney does not always mean you will file a lawsuit after your bike accident. You might simply need assistance dealing with the insurance company or negotiating with the other party to decide how the accident will be resolved.
A motorcycle accident attorney could act as an unbiased third party to help you weed through the details and understand the circumstances of your crash so that you can seek damages. If you believe that someone else may be responsible for your accident, it’s important to have evidence to support your claim. Without tangible proof, you may not be eligible to file a claim against the at-fault party.
Negotiating with insurance companies on your own might also be challenging, particularly if you’re not familiar with how to review or counter settlement offers. Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney can help you communicate with them and assist with pursuing compensation for your losses.
What Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys In San Bernardino Can Do
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys assist clients with the claims process and serve as their representative, helping them navigate legal matters and advocate for their rights.
Here’s what we can help you with if you have a valid claim:
- Negotiation with insurance companies.
- Collecting police reports.
- Negotiating with the other party.
- All communications needed on your behalf.
- Evidence collection, witness preparation, and trial preparation.
- All court documents and filings.
How Much Do San Bernardino Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Charge For Their Legal Services?
There are many ways that a San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney can charge or bill for their services. They may charge a flat fee if you need something simple, like a letter done on your behalf. You may be billed by the hour and be asked for a retainer. You may also be billed on a contingency basis, which is the case with our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys.
A contingency fee is a percentage that the attorney takes from a settlement to pay for their services. This means that clients don’t pay us attorneys’ fees unless they’re able to collect compensation. Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys can discuss our contingency arrangement, as well as other case-related costs that may be charged separately, during your free initial consultation and before you sign any agreement.
Speak With Our San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims against negligent parties. We represent clients in San Bernardino County and throughout the entire Golden State. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review. We’ll use this meeting to study whether and how we may advocate for your rights and seek accountability for your damages on your behalf.
