Motorcycles are an efficient means of transportation in San Bernardino, California. They also serve as a relaxing hobby for motorcycle enthusiasts. Although there are many benefits that come with owning motorcycles, riders on California roads are more likely to have accidents. This is because motorcycles are less visible to other vehicles, less stable, and offer less protection. If you or your loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident and you believe the other party is to blame for your accident, contact a San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. An attorney can help you recover damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage, after a motorcycle collision. The Crockett Law Group handles motorcycle accident claims throughout California. We are ready to passionately hear your side of the story and answer any questions that you may have. Call us today at (800) 900-9393 to find out if you have a valid personal injury claim. Our auto accident attorneys will help discuss your legal options and advise you accordingly.
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How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Insurance companies only care about their bottom line. In fact, they’ll do anything in their power to limit or deny your motorcycle accident claim. This is why you need the help of an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer throughout the claims process. At the Crockett Law Group, our attorneys will protect your legal rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve. Here’s why you should hire a San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney after your crash.Conduct Conclusive Investigations
Crockett Law Group is prepared to go through the facts of your case to unearth exactly what happened. Our lawyers will analyze dashcam footage, eyewitness statements, employment records, medical records, and police reports to build a strong personal injury claim. We will also scrutinize photos and videos taken from the scene of the accident to establish liability.File a Claim
Once we’ve established who is liable for your accident, our lawyers will determine the value of your case and then file a motorcycle accident claim. We will push for the best compensation for your injuries and damages, which may cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and lost earning capacity.Handle Settlement Negotiations
Crockett Law Group has experience dealing with insurance adjusters. We know how they operate and all the tactics they use to find loopholes to deny victims of motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino their rightful compensation. Our legal team is prepared to aggressively fight for the settlement you are entitled to. We will handle these negotiations on your behalf, allowing you to recover from your injuries.Represent You in Court
Not all settlement negotiations work out. If we hit a dead end, our trial lawyers are well-versed in personal injury litigation. We will build a strong case and make compelling arguments in court to ensure you get maximum compensation for your claim.What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Most motorbike wrecks that occur in San Bernardino, CA, are avoidable and preventable. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:Distracted Driving
Many road users easily get distracted while on the road. Talking to passengers, replying to an email, and adjusting the GPS are some of the actions that can result in a motorcycle accident. Distracted pedestrians also risk causing accidents.Failure to Pay Attention to Motorcycles
Drivers of passenger cars, trucks, and buses may simply ignore motorcycle riders. This ends up putting the lives of motorcyclists and other road users at risk. Such drivers should remember motorcycle riders have the same rights while on the road as all other road users.Drunk Driving or Drugged Driving
A drunk driver may not notice a motorcycle rider and has impaired motor skills, coordination, and senses. This makes an accident more likely. Heavy drinking also affects a rider’s motor skills, including hand and foot coordination. Muscle coordination may become poor after drinking alcohol and affect one’s balance, reaction time, hearing, vision, and speech. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 1,383 motorcyclists killed in 2019 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher.Faulty Mirrors, Brakes, or Lighting
Poorly manufactured motorcycle parts can cause accidents. For example, it is easier for a rider to lose control of their motorbike if it has faulty brakes.Unexpected Pedestrians in the Road
Pedestrians who don’t observe traffic rules risk causing accidents. For example, a pedestrian who crosses the road when vehicles have the right of way risks forcing a motorcycle rider out of the road, leading to an accident.Motorcycle Accident Statistics in California
According to NHTSA, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in 2019, compared to 5,038 fatalities in 2018. An estimated 84,000 motorcyclists also sustained injuries in 2019. In California, there were 523 and 474 motorcyclist fatalities in 2018 and 2019, respectively. San Bernardino County reported 39 motorcyclist fatalities in 2019.What Are the Motorcycle-Specific Laws in California?
All road users — including motorcycle riders — are required to observe federal and state traffic rules while driving. In California, there are motorcycle-specific laws that govern how riders operate their bikes. These laws help keep all road users on San Bernardino roads safe. They include:Lane Splitting
This is the practice of riding in between two traffic lanes. Lane splitting can be extremely dangerous for an inexperienced motorcycle rider. The state of California allows riders to engage in lane splitting as long as it is done in a safe and prudent manner.Helmet Requirements
When riding motorbikes on California roads, all riders and passengers must wear helmets. The Department of Transportation is responsible for setting the standards required for helmets that riders use.Insurance Coverage
Motorcycle riders in San Bernardino must carry liability insurance when operating in California. This includes $15,000 for bodily injury, $30,000 for bodily injuries of any victims, and $5,000 for property damage.What Are the Most Common Injuries Seen in Motorcycle Accidents?
Most riders often end up being ejected from their bikes during collisions. They may suffer catastrophic injuries or even instant deaths during accidents, especially if they collide with speeding cars or large trucks. Semis can easily crash motorcycle riders to their death. To avoid motorcycle accidents, you should:- Gear up
- Avoid bad weather
- Be alert
- Be visible
- Never drink and drive
- Regularly maintain your motorcycle
- Be extra cautious at intersections
- Avoid riding close to semis
Broken Bones
You may fracture your hands or legs during a motorcycle crash. Depending on how severe the injury is, you may require immediate arm amputation. Some of the signs that you should be on the lookout for include extreme pain and numbness.Road Rash
During a motorcycle accident, you may be ejected from your bike and suffer severe burn injuries. Your body’s skin may rub against the surface of the road, causing a road rash.Head and Brain Injuries
You may end up hitting a pavement or the windshield of another vehicle during a motorcycle wreck, causing severe head injuries. You may also suffer severe internal bleeding or a traumatic brain injury after a collision.Spinal Cord Injuries
Physical damage to your spinal cord may interfere with your normal sensory and motor function. A high-impact collision may fracture, dislocate, crush, or compress your vertebrae. Some of the symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:- Loss of movement
- Difficulty breathing
- Back pain
- Unconsciousness
- Pain in the neck
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
How Is Fault Determined in a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident?
California applies pure comparative fault rules when determining fault in personal injury claims. Under this doctrine, you — the plaintiff — may recover compensation even if you share 90% of the blame for a crash. To establish liability, your San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney must prove these four elements:- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty through their actions or omissions
- Their recklessness led to your injuries
- You suffered actual damages such as treatment costs due to their negligence
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
If someone else’s is liable for your motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. This compensation is referred to as “damages.” At the Crockett Law Group, our attorneys will assess the value of your claim and push for the compensation you deserve. Here are various damages that you may receive after a successful San Bernardino motorcycle accident claim.Economic Damages
These types of damages cover financial losses that victims of motorcycle accidents suffer. They can be calculated using receipts and bills. They include:- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Motorcycle repair expenses
- Lost earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
These damages aren’t contained in receipts. They are harder to calculate since they are mainly subjective. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of reputation, disfigurement, and emotional trauma.Punitive Damages
Courts award punitive damages in instances where the actions or omissions of the defendant are considered grossly negligent. These awards are meant to punish wrongdoers and deter them from committing similar actions in the future. For example, a judge or jury may award punitive damages if a drunk truck driver ends up hitting and killing a motorcycle rider.Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
Don’t let insurance adjusters fool you that they care about your wellbeing. All they’re interested in is saving money for their insurance companies. For this reason, they’ll look for any reason to limit or deny your payout. If you realize that an insurance company has denied your motorcycle accident claim in San Bernardino, it may be due to the following reasons:- The policy lapsed or was canceled.
- The driver was not insured under the policy.
- They believe you are to blame for the motorcycle accident.
- They don’t believe you sustained any injuries after your crash.
- They don’t think the motorcycle crash led to your injuries — pre-existing injuries.
