As a rider, you know there’s nothing more freeing than the sensation of two wheels on the open road. Unfortunately, other drivers are often distracted or simply not paying attention when driving near motorcycles—and that can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the California motorcycle accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help. We know you’re facing expensive medical bills and a long period of recovery where you can’t work, and that’s why we want to help you get compensation. Fill out a free consultation form to speak with our legal team.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
No matter how safe riders are on their motorcycles, there are still many factors that can lead to accidents, such as:
- Inattentive Drivers: The low profiles of motorcycles compared to cars and trucks makes them more difficult for many drivers to see—especially those who aren’t paying close attention to their surroundings. Each year, thousands of motorcycle accidents are caused in California by drivers turning in front of motorcycles because they don’t see them.
- Road Hazards: State and local governments are responsible for keeping roadways in good condition and free from hazards like potholes and loose asphalt or gravel, which can be dangerous for riders.
- Poor Communication: Riders often travel together in groups, but these groups must practice good communication to prevent riders from colliding or moving into other riders’ lanes of travel.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders compared to occupants in cars. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders are highly vulnerable to traumatic injuries that can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Here are some of the most common injuries that motorcyclists experience in accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Even with California’s universal helmet law, motorcycle riders remain at risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A severe blow to the head can cause lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments, affecting memory, mood, and motor skills. TBIs often require extensive rehabilitation, and in severe cases, they can lead to permanent disability. Compensation for these injuries is vital to cover ongoing medical care and specialized therapy.
Road Rash and Skin Abrasions
When riders are thrown from their motorcycles, their skin often scrapes against the pavement, resulting in road rash. This painful condition can lead to skin damage, infections, and deep tissue injuries. Severe road rash may require skin grafts and leave lasting scars. Compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment, cosmetic procedures, and other necessary care.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Fractures and broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. The impact with the ground or other vehicles can cause complex fractures that require surgeries, physical therapy, and months of recovery time. Riders who suffer multiple fractures may face long-term pain and restricted mobility, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for treatment and recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most life-altering outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the injury’s location and severity. Victims may need wheelchairs, in-home care, and costly home modifications. For those facing a lifetime of disability, compensation is essential to cover extensive care and maintain a decent quality of life.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
The force of a motorcycle accident can cause severe internal injuries to organs like the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. Internal bleeding and organ damage often require emergency surgery and extensive follow-up care. These injuries can have lasting health impacts and complications, making adequate compensation crucial to manage ongoing medical needs.
Why Compensation Is Crucial for Recovery
The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often severe, and the costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of income can be overwhelming. Compensation helps victims afford necessary medical treatments, support their families, and focus on recovery without added financial stress.
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, injured motorcyclists may be eligible for compensation to help them recover both financially and emotionally. Here are the main types of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to cover financial losses associated with the accident. These include:
- Medical Bills: Immediate costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and any follow-up appointments
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services to help victims regain function and adapt to any physical limitations
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work during recovery as well as loss of future earning capacity in cases of permanent disability
- Damage to the Motorcycle: Repair or replacement costs for the motorcycle and any damaged gear, such as helmets or protective clothing
Economic damages provide a clear way to quantify financial losses, helping victims manage the significant expenses associated with their recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the emotional and physical suffering victims endure. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort resulting from injuries, including both short-term and chronic pain
- Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of the accident, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges
- Reduced Quality of Life: For victims who can no longer engage in activities they once enjoyed or who experience reduced mobility and independence
Non-economic damages recognize the significant toll a motorcycle accident can take on a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. This compensation is essential for helping victims recover from the personal impacts of their injuries.
By pursuing both economic and non-economic damages, motorcycle accident victims can receive a fair settlement that addresses the full scope of their losses.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the Bay Area
Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health, strengthen your potential claim, and help secure the compensation you need. Here’s what to do if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in California:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it’s important to get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen if untreated. Medical records from this initial evaluation will also be valuable evidence in your claim, documenting the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Here are some steps you can take to document the accident effectively:
- Take Photos: Capture clear images of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Try to take photos from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view of the scene.
- Collect Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Their statements could be valuable in establishing fault.
- Record Your Injuries: Keep a detailed record of all injuries you experience, both immediately and in the days following the accident. Pain and symptoms can evolve, so it’s essential to document them thoroughly for your claim.
Report the Accident
In California, you’re required to report accidents that result in injury or property damage. Call law enforcement to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police officer will create an official report documenting the accident, which can play an essential role in your personal injury claim.
This report often includes important details about the scene, witnesses, and the officer’s initial observations, helping to establish who was at fault.
Contact a Lawyer
After seeking medical care and documenting the accident, consulting with an attorney should be a top priority. Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your payout.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the claim process. By consulting a lawyer early, you’re more likely to secure the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps after a motorcycle accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights, setting the foundation for a strong claim. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through each stage of the process, so you can focus on recovering while we handle the details.
What are the helmet laws in California?
California has a universal helmet law, which means all motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets at all times. Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hundreds of people are killed on motorcycles in California each year, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Although motorcycle riders have helmets and protective riding gear, without the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and the steel frame of a car, riders are at greater risk of suffering serious injuries.
You Can Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses focused on protecting their bottom lines, not your best interests. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, having a lawyer on your side can mean the difference between getting the money you need to cover your accident-related costs and leaving money on the table.
Finding the right lawyer isn’t always easy, but we want to help. Don’t take on the insurance companies alone. With our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. Contact us today and get the experienced legal advocate you deserve.
