Have You Suffered Injuries From a Motorcycle Accident?

A California motorcycle accident occurred in Riverside.

An unfortunate circumstance of motorcycle riding is the potential for a motorcycle crash so severe it can cause serious, even fatal, injuries. A Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you suffer a serious injury.

Motorcyclists are more susceptible to catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries on the road with less protection to safeguard them from serious physical injuries. Besides the potential injuries many motorcycle accidents tend to cause, motorcycle accident victims may need to recover from significant financial losses and physical and emotional pain.

If you or your loved ones were involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for damages and medical expenses through the pursuit of a personal injury claim. Our team of skilled and award-winning Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers at Sycamore Accident Lawyers will assist you in obtaining the fair compensation you deserve for your accident.

Schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers to review your motorcycle accident claim.

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Recognized as some of the best motorcycle accident lawyers in Riverside, our personal injury law firm excels in assisting motorcycle accident victims.
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Is Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer My Best Option?

California motorcycle accident attorneys

Whether you have suffered injuries or property damage, our Riverside motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience helping motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We understand that for our clients, bills need to be paid. These losses can add up in the form of medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.

It's a difficult situation for a motorcycle accident victim to be in, having to tend to their physical and emotional recovery from a serious injury while missing work and seeing their medical expenses piling up. When it comes to personal injury claims, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you through a tough time.

If you or a family member were injured in a Riverside motorcycle crash that a negligent driver caused, you have the right to seek compensation. But getting what you deserve from your settlement is different and will depend on how you decide to handle your claim. Because at some point, you'll have to deal with the other party's insurance company, and you'll soon find that what they initially offered you to settle is lower than the amount you had in mind.

A skilled Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure you receive a full and fair settlement you'll need to get back on your feet after a serious accident. As a personal injury law firm known for our expert trial abilities and aggressive advocacy for motorcycle riders, you will get the best legal representation from our professional legal team.

The Benefits of Hiring a Riverside Motorcycle Accident Attorney

California motorcycle accident attorney - Michael Iannolo, esq.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating and can occur at any time. They can also be costly for motorcycle accident victims. You should not be held accountable for the reckless actions of the at-fault parties. Get the justice you deserve by hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

The following are some of the main advantages of choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyer:

  • Get Compensation: Going about the process on your own may not pay off, as a motorcycle accident attorney can assist you significantly due to their expertise and knowledge of the legal process.
  • Collect the Right Evidence: A motorcycle accident attorney will look for videos, photos, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to offer in court.
  • Seek Advice: Whenever you have a query, an attorney can provide a straightforward solution to help you grasp everything. Knowing legal terms and procedures will provide insight into what to expect throughout the case.
  • Get Legal Representation: A motorcycle accident lawyer can also represent you in court. Without an attorney, you will have to speak for yourself in court. In addition, your lawyer can advise you to refrain from saying anything incorrectly when asked to talk.
  • File the Right Paperwork: A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the proper documentation and file on your behalf to ensure you meet deadlines, like the statute of limitations. Having all of the necessary papers expedites the procedure.

Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be complex. Motorcycle riders are exposed to more dangers because motorcycles are lighter, smaller, and provide less protection than cars, which means motorcycle crashes can potentially cause severe, life-threatening injuries.

There is also the problem of the general bias against motorcycle riders as risk-takers on the road. Injured motorcyclists usually receive less compensation due to this. And with the injured motorcyclist usually having the burden of proof, motorcycle accident claims can be complex.

Many motorcycle accident cases occur due to negligence. To qualify behavior as "negligent," it must be shown how the defendant acted irresponsibly or caused injuries to the plaintiff.

The following qualifications must be addressed in a motorcycle accident lawsuit:

  • The defendant had an obligation: Every motorist must operate their motor vehicles carefully.
  • The defendant did not exercise caution: In evaluating this, California law will assess if the defendant breached their obligation to be careful on the road.
  • The defendant's actions led to the plaintiff's injuries: There needs to be a correlation between how the injuries were suffered due to the defendant's actions.
  • The plaintiff got injured: Evidence of damages incurred due to the motorcycle accident must be provided. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, repair shop invoices, and physical wounds.

Motorcycle Accidents in Riverside: Common Causes

According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents are widespread in Southern California. In 2013, 453 individuals died in motorcycle accidents in the state. After Los Angeles County and San Diego, Riverside has the third-highest instances. Additionally, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune article, motorcycle fatalities in California have more than doubled since 1997. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in the motorcyclist's injury or death.

According to NHTSA, over 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in the motorcyclist's injury or death.

The following are some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents:

car accident involving a motorcycle rider
  • Alcohol: When operating a vehicle, reflexes cannot be compromised. Alcohol, on the other hand, affects judgment and lowers reaction times. In 2018, alcohol was involved in over 40% of all single-vehicle motorbike deaths.
  • Distracted Driving: Motorcycle accidents are caused by distracted driving from both passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Distractions include anything that does not focus on driving a vehicle, like texting, eating, or changing the radio station while driving.
  • Speeding: Motorcycle accidents are caused in large part by speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed was a factor in  32% of motorcycle fatalities.
  • Inexperience: This is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Before beginning to ride a motorcycle, it is advised that the rider enrolls in hours of training to understand how to operate the motorcycle properly, follow traffic regulations, and use the road responsibly.
  • Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavements are road hazards that could result in a motorcycle accident. Remember that even minor road defects can make the motorcycle slip or crash.
  • Opening of Car Doors: Before opening their car door, some people exiting a car fail to check for oncoming motorcycles and quickly swing the door open, resulting in dooring. Skaters and cyclists may also be at risk.
  • Unsafe Lane Changing: Lane changing and lane splitting are dangerous for motorcycle riders because they are often caught in drivers' blind spots. Motorcyclists should only force their way into a line if there is sufficient room.
  • Rear-end Collisions: An inattentive driver who does not see a motorcycle rider in time during an immediate stop can hit their motorcycle from behind. Tailgating also results from driving too close to another vehicle in front of them.

What Should You Do If You Get into a Motorcycle Accident in Riverside?

Following are the procedures to take if you get involved in a motorcycle accident:

  • Take pictures of the accident scene: Record what caused the motorcycle collision. Then, record videos of the damage to your bike and the other vehicle(s) with your smartphone.
  • Call 911: Notify the police (or California Highway Patrol) and get a police report from the responding officer. Make sure also to include the badge number and name of the police officer if you need more information in the future.
  • See a Doctor: Only leave the accident scene once it has been reported unless you are seriously hurt. Unless it's an emergency, stay at the scene and see a doctor for an examination once cleared. You need an official medical exam to treat injuries, and it needs to be documented.
  • Visit an Attorney: Meet with our Riverside personal injury attorneys for a free consultation, and we will help guide you in your motorcycle accident case.

What Are Common Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to the lack of protection around the motorcycle rider.

Injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:

  1. Head Injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), even with helmet use. Without a helmet, the risk and severity of a traumatic brain injury increase significantly.
  2. Road Rash: When skin slides across the pavement, it can cause severe abrasions that can be painful and susceptible to infection, sometimes requiring skin grafts.
  3. Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact on vehicles or the road can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. Riders often break wrists and collarbones during attempts to break their fall.
  4. Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from herniated discs to complete spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in catastrophic injuries like paralysis.
  5. Lower Extremity Injuries: Legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle crashes, leading to complex fractures, dislocations, and sometimes amputations.
  6. Neck Injuries: These can be as mild as whiplash or as severe as cervical vertebrae damage.

Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of serious injury in an accident due to their exposure and vulnerability on the road. Wearing protective gear, especially a proper helmet, is critical for safety against fatal accidents.

paramedics helping a motorcycle accident victim

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

The settlement amounts for motorcycle accidents can vary widely, depending on the severity of the injuries, the circumstances of the motorcycle accident, and the insurance policies involved. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, which can lead to more significant settlement amounts due to the increased medical expenses, longer recovery times, and more substantial impact on the victim's quality of life.

Factors that affect motorcycle accident settlements include:

  • Medical Expenses: The cost of immediate medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, or future medical care.
  • Lost Income: Compensation for any lost wages from time off work and potential loss of future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim.
  • Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace the motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Liability: The clarity of who is at fault and the laws in the state regarding comparative negligence.
  • Insurance Coverage: The limits of the at-fault party's insurance policy and the victim's coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
  • Legal Representation: The skill and experience of the attorney in negotiating settlements or winning cases at trial.

Because of these factors, motorcycle accident settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to several hundred thousand dollars or even millions for cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death.

To accurately assess your motorcycle accident case, consult a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the unique circumstances around your motorcycle crash.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or your family member were involved in a motorcycle accident, the results could be devastating. But with the help of our motorcycle accident lawyers, you don't have to go through that alone. We are here to assist you. At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest compensation possible for your motorcycle accident case. We have the experience that matters when you're up against an aggressive insurance company or its defense attorneys.

Contact us today to get started if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver.

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