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Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Cases

Riding a motorcycle is a fun yet risky mode of transportation; unfortunately, motorcyclists' proclivity for accidents is also a drawback. Due to their relative lack of protection, motorcyclists are more prone than car passengers to sustain severe injuries in collisions. Motorcyclists are more likely to sustain severe and potentially life-altering injuries, even when wearing the recommended safety gear. Get legal counsel immediately if you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident. Work with Dash & Port, LLP Injury Attorneys to ensure the insurance provider doesn't violate your rights.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

The victim of a motorcycle accident may experience significant life changes. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, from bone fractures to traumatic brain damage. In addition to lost wages, extreme bodily and psychological suffering, and thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs and medical expenses, a severe accident might be costly for the rider.

In California, one of the first stages toward obtaining financial compensation is determining the cause of your motorcycle accident. Because California is a fault-based car insurance state, the person or entity legally responsible for your losses will be the one who caused them. The person who caused your accident may be liable for medical expenses, missed wages, motorcycle repair or replacement, and other costs. Your injuries may be partially the responsibility of one or more parties.

The negligence of other drivers on the road, typically truck or car drivers, is a common cause of motorcycle accidents.

We represent riders hurt in collisions with other drivers who:

Were tailgating
Ran a red light or stop sign
Were speeding
Failed to check their blind spots
Hastily changed lanes without checking for motorcyclists
Drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Common Motorcycle Collision Injuries

A motorcycle collision frequently results in catastrophic injuries. A collision with a car or the road can result in various injuries with little to no safety for the biker. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2020, 1116 individuals alone perished behind the wheel. Moreover, motorcycle riders are far more prone to get significant wounds. Despite a protective helmet and padding, serious personal injuries can happen. Dash & Port, LLP Injury Attorneys accept all kinds of motorcycle personal injury cases.

Typical injuries suffered in motorcycle collisions include:

Broken bones
Skull fractures
Road rash
Lacerations
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Lower extremity injuries
Internal injuries
Scarring and disfigurement

Helmet Law In California

The chance of suffering a catastrophic head injury or brain injury in a motorcycle accident can be significantly decreased by wearing a helmet. California has a universal helmet regulation. Every motorcyclist and motorcycle passenger is required by law to wear a helmet when riding. Federal safety regulations stipulate that the helmet must be snugly fitted to the wearer's head. You risk receiving a traffic ticket and a fine in California if you don't wear a motorcycle helmet. In an accident case, the defendant may use your failure to wear a helmet as evidence against you.

Because it would be against the law in California to not wear a helmet, the defendant may hold some of the blame for your motorcycle injuries. The failure to wear a helmet must be related to your injuries for this defense to be effective. Generally speaking, for an injury to qualify, it must affect the head, brain, face, or neck. Usually, a defendant won't have a defense based on your illegal failure to wear a helmet if there is a bodily injury. The defendant must provide adequate evidence, such as the testimony of a medical or safety expert, to support their claim that your injuries were caused in part by your failure to wear a helmet.

If you were not wearing a helmet when your motorcycle accident occurred, do not assume that you do not have a case for reimbursement as an injured biker. Throughout your motorcycle accident claim, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney from Dash & Port LLP, Injury Attorneys can assist you in overcoming the helmet defense.

What To Do After You've Been In A Motorcycle Accident

Your motorcycle accident injury claim may succeed or fail depending on the actions you take or don't take in Los Angeles after a motorcycle accident. To safeguard your entitlement to compensation, it is crucial to take specific measures. The personal injury attorneys at Dash & Port LLP, Injury Attorneys will help gather proof, determine who was to blame and submit your injury claim by the state of California's deadline. Work with a lawyer immediately for the best chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Get somewhere secure. Stay at the accident scene or as near to it as feasible if it is safe. Look for injuries on both you and other accident participants.
Move your broken-down motorcycle. To avoid more collisions, if you can, pull your damaged motorcycle off the road.
Call 911. Any California motorcycle crash that results in injuries, more than $1,000 in property damage, or motorcycle fatalities should be reported to the police. If required, call for an ambulance.
Exchange information Get the name of the other driver's insurance provider as well as their contact information.
Take pictures. Use your camera or your cellphone to take pictures of the wrecked motorcycle, the surrounding area, and other significant features.
Go to a hospital. Go right away to a doctor or hospital after the cops give you the all-clear to go. Insurance companies favor prompt injury care. Even if you believe you have no injuries, see a doctor.
Inform an insurance provider about the collision. Make contact with the driver whose insurance company you think is responsible for the motorcycle crash. In the first 24 hours following the collision, you should file a report.
Speak to an attorney. Consult with Dash & Port Injury Attorneys about your situation before speaking to a claims adjuster.