Riding a motorcycle isn’t just a way of getting around — it’s a way of life for many people. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are some of the most vulnerable road users, and it’s all too easy to be involved in an accident. If you or someone close to you has had an accident while riding a motorbike in Beverly Hills, working with a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the resulting injuries.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can generally be divided into two categories: loss of control and collisions. Because motorcyclists are so exposed (compared to car drivers) and operate heavy vehicles at high speeds, they’re at risk of severe injuries if they’re hit by a car or fall off their bike.
Some common injuries include:
- Burns and road rash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Contusions and bruises
- Scarring
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains to muscles, tendons, or ligaments
- Crushed limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Internal organ damage
- Negative psychological effects
Often, the injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are severe and can require costly medical treatment. It can take a long time to go through physical therapy and regain full strength and range of motion after a crash.
Some riders experience PTSD and find it difficult to get back on a motorcycle or even drive a car after an accident. These costly and stressful long-term impacts are something a motorcycle accident lawyer can help accident victims seek compensation for.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can take many forms, including collisions involving a car or truck. Some motorcycle accidents don’t involve a third party. For example, a rider may lose control of their vehicle on a bend or after hitting a pothole. Alternatively, the bike itself might develop a fault, causing the rider to be unable to steer or control their speed.
Even a seemingly simple accident could have multiple at-fault parties. Consider this example: If you hit a vehicle when you’re pulling out from a stop light, the driver of that car may be at fault for running a red light on their side. You could also be partly at fault for not seeing them or for speeding. The garage that did a bad job of replacing your brake pads, leaving them slack, might also be held liable. If the brakes had worked, you would have stopped sooner.
Tracing the chain of events that led to the accident and allocating fault is a time-consuming job and a major part of assessing personal injury claims after an accident.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover as a Motorcyclist?
As a motorcyclist, you may be able to make a claim for damages such as:
- The cost of damage to the motorbike and other property damaged in the incident
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Long-term expenses such as therapy/mobility aids
- Lessened quality of life
- Lost consortium/companionship
- Pain and suffering
If someone was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident, it may be possible to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. The exact award depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the relative levels of fault.
California uses a comparative negligence system, so the amount of compensation a person can recover is based on their level of fault. If a person was 10% at fault for an accident that involved $5,000 of damages, they can recover $4,500 of damages from the other party, for instance. Having a skilled lawyer who can demonstrate the other party’s fault is invaluable when it comes to maximizing the level of damages you can claim after an accident.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to keep a clear head in the aftermath. Your first concern should be ensuring you and others at the scene are safe from further danger. For example, if you’ve crashed on a busy road and you’re able to move to safety, do so. If someone is severely injured and it’s unsafe to move them, take safe steps to alert other road users to the hazard nearby.
Call emergency services and make sure any immediate first-aid needs are dealt with. Once you’re confident everyone is safe, you can think about documenting the scene. Some steps to take include:
- Taking photos of the accident site
- Taking photos of your injuries and your bike
- Exchanging contact details with the other parties involved
- Getting the contact details of any witnesses, if possible
Make notes about what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind. Motorcycle accident cases can take time, and having a record of what happened can be helpful if you need to recall details later.
Even if you feel fine, it’s best to seek medical advice to make sure there aren’t any delayed effects from the accident. Keep a diary of your symptoms and any medical expenses you incur. In addition, keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, whether that’s replacing your helmet or booking a taxi instead of taking the bike to work.
Inform your insurance company of the accident and let them deal with the other parties involved. Never apologize, admit fault, or get involved in conversations with the other insurance company. Let your motorcycle attorney do the talking for you.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, hiring a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the legal system and maximize your claim could be a good idea. In California, you can seek compensation for a variety of losses, but there are tight deadlines to meet with claims and you need documentation to make a strong case.
Working with a Beverly Hills motorcycle accident attorney helps ensure your case is filed correctly and that you maximize any award that’s made to you. The experienced lawyers at BD&J have worked on numerous motorcycle accident cases and can help you get the best possible outcome. Contact BD&J today to discuss your case in detail.
