Motorcycle accidents in Hayward are common. There are many ways in which motorcycle accidents can occur, such as a traffic collision, poor road conditions, or a defect in the bike. A rider was killed several years ago along southbound I-80 after striking a vehicle and being hit by another car.

If you have been injured and negligence by another person was the cause, you can recover the compensation you deserve with the help of a Hayward motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcyclists may face disadvantages in personal injury claims resulting from motorcycle accidents because insurance companies often view them as high-risk drivers. As a result, the insurers may be less likely to offer fair settlements or may deny claims altogether.

In addition, motorcyclists may have difficulty proving their injuries because they do not have the same kind of protection as passengers in a car. This means they may have to rely on their own medical records and eyewitness accounts to prove the extent of their injuries. When you’ve suffered injuries in a collision, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hayward can fight for your compensation and protect your rights by educating insurance companies and juries on what riders are like. 

Our advantage of having successfully handled many motorcycle accident claims helps. We’ve written a free booklet titled California Motorcycle Accident Handbook, which answers questions injured riders commonly ask.

Motorcyclists often have more severe injuries than motor vehicle drivers when they are involved in a collision. Because motorcycles are less sturdy and lighter than larger vehicles, severe trauma often occurs. Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets or protective clothing, such as heavy pants and boots, and make themselves more visible, are more likely to suffer traumatic injuries if they become involved in an accident.

It is important to note that the kinds of injuries can depend on the type and severity of the accident and may include: 

• Road rash, which can lead to nerve damage and loss of the use of the limb
• Traumatic brain injuries that range from concussions to permanent cognitive changes
• Bone fractures of the arms, legs, or back
• Facial trauma, including broken bones in the face, dental injuries, and others
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Amputation can occur due to an accident or because of crush injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to permanent or temporary paralysis

Driver negligence is a major cause of collisions involving motorcycle riders. Examples of some of the ways these accidents occur include:

• Drivers who speed are less likely to be able to slow down in time to avoid a crash with a motorcycle rider, especially if they are coming up on it from behind. A rear-end collision can cause a motorcycle rider to be ejected, resulting in severe trauma.
• Driving distracted: Distraction is a leading cause of traffic collisions. Drivers changing a radio station, texting or checking their GPS can cause a serious accident because they are not paying attention to surrounding traffic, especially motorcyclists.
• Motorcycle defects: A motorcycle’s defect may include the tires, brakes, or other parts that fail, causing a rider to lose control and crash. If you wish to file a product liability claim due to the defect, it is essential to keep the motorcycle so it can be examined by engineers.
• Lane-splitting: It is legal for motorcycle riders to lane-split in California if the traffic is not traveling faster than 30 mph. However, motorists sharing the roadway often don’t realize a motorcyclist is beside them or do not check or signal before trying to change lanes. When this happens, the motorcyclist can be slammed on the side, resulting in traumatic injuries.
• Left turns: Motorcycle riders are often seriously injured when cars and trucks make left turns in front of them. A motorist who misjudges a motorcyclist’s speed or attempts to beat them when crossing the road can cause this type of accident. 
• Road defects: Defects such as potholes, upheavals, or debris in a roadway can cause the rider to become ejected. The government entity in charge of roadway maintenance may be liable for damages. The statute of limitations for filing a claim against a government entity is only six months, so hiring a Hayward motorcycle accident attorney may be prudent to ensure paperwork is completed and filed on time.

Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hayward if you were injured in a traffic collision that wasn’t your fault. It’s difficult enough to deal with accident injuries. Someone who suffered injuries because of a negligent driver or other entity shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden. A motorcycle accident attorney in Hayward can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover your medical costs and lost wages and to reimburse you for your pain and suffering. By recovering compensation, you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries without the added financial stress.

Knowing how to choose a lawyer to help you in recovering the damages you deserve after a collision caused by another’s fault is explained in the following video by motorcycle accident attorney Ed Smith:

Here are some related articles by Hayward motorcycle accident lawyer Ed Smith:

• California Motorcyclist Rights
• Don’t Let Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Be Undervalued
• FAQs About Motorcycle Collisions

A motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries as well as loss of income. If you were injured by someone else’s negligence, you might be able to recover compensation. To receive free, friendly advice about your case from one of our injury lawyers, please call us at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 if you live in Hayward or Alameda County. In addition, we offer an online form to contact us if you prefer.

To learn more about our law firm, we have included links to our Settlements and Verdicts page and to client reviews on Yelp, Avvo, and Google.

Photo attribution: Image by David Harper from Pixabay 

:cd [1011] cha