What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in California?
California is known for its intensive traffic, but not all of the traffic jams in the state involve cars or trucks. Motorcycle riders have a significant presence on the roads in California, and as such, they also make up a large portion of the accidents that can happen. Motorcycle riders should have safety in mind every time they ride a bike, and a skilled California personal injury attorney ready to help them if ever they find themselves injured in an accident.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Despite any perceived dangers associated with riding motorcycles, they remain a popular mode of transportation for thousands of California residents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities increased by 3% between 2020 and 2021, and deaths due to not wearing a helmet increased by 9% between 2020 and 2021. Motorcycle drivers were also involved in twice as many accidents as car drivers, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcycles lack much of the protective shell of a regular car or truck, motorcyclists often endure severe injuries during accidents. Depending on the circumstances of the motorcycle accident, the rider may experience injuries ranging from road rash to death. The most common injuries experienced during a motorcycle accident in California are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
If you or a loved one experience any of these severe injuries, you may be eligible to claim compensation with the help of an experienced motorcycle accident personal injury attorney in California.
Benefits of Retaining a California Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Attorney
California experiences the most car, truck, and motorcycle accidents of any state in the country. While this may seem like it should simplify the process of bringing a motorcycle injury lawsuit, navigating the legal system and negotiating with insurance companies remains complex and stressful for many victims of motorcycle accidents. For this reason, California motorcycle riders who are injured in accidents often enlist the help of a skilled, local personal injury attorney with a track record of success to negotiate with insurance companies on their behalf.
Personal injury attorneys can help you build a case against the other party to prove fault and are not easily intimidated by the large legal teams and aggressive adjusters from insurance companies. By working with contingency fee personal injury attorneys like those at BD&J, motorcycle accident victims can also secure significant compensation at no upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in California?
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in California, you have up to two years from the accident to connect with a personal injury attorney and file a lawsuit for compensation.
Can a personal injury attorney get me more compensation for my motorcycle injuries?
Usually, yes. Personal injury attorneys are trained in investigating accidents, building cases, and negotiating aggressively against large insurance company teams. Though insurance companies often rely on intimidation to get clients to settle quickly, a personal injury attorney can help clients push for more.
Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?
In many ways, motorcycles are more dangerous for their riders than cars are for their drivers. Motorcycles are small and fast which can make them difficult to see on roads, especially in the dark. They also lack many of the protection and safety features car and trucks are built with, such as airbags or collapsible bodies.
How do motorcycle accidents happen?
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons. They may occur because of high speeds, inclement weather, or negligence. Motorcycle riders should take great care to drive safely, especially around cars and trucks.
Who is at fault in motorcycle accidents in California?
The party that is at fault in a motorcycle accident in California may vary based on the circumstances in which the accident occurred. Additionally, California utilizes a partial fault system for traffic accident lawsuits. If both the motorcyclist and driver make mistakes that resulted in an accident, the judge will determine how much responsibility lies on the motorcyclist. For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding and a car merged into them because they failed to check their blind spot, the motorcyclist may be deemed 30% responsible for the accident. Because of this, their possible maximum compensation may be cut by 30%. A motorcycle accident personal injury attorney can help guide you through the process of understanding fault.
How to Find a Successful Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Attorney in California
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in California due to another’s negligence, you may be eligible to collect compensation for any injuries, pain, suffering, and lost wages. Follow these steps to contact a personal injury attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your car accident. Keeping photos, journal entries, and insurance claims to present to your attorney at BD&J can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team here. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
More Than $2 Billion* Recovered for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents, Truck Accidents, Car Accidents and More
Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe or even life-altering. The compassionate personal injury attorneys at BD&J understand the fear and pain you may be going through and will fight tirelessly for your full recovery. Many of our own attorneys are motorcyclists and have seen firsthand the negligence that can occur on California roads. Let our team pursue justice for you and your loved ones after your motorcycle accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
