Arcata, California, nestled in the stunning Humboldt County, is not only known for its picturesque landscapes and redwood forests but also for its vibrant community of avid motorcyclists. With its oceanic climate and proximity to breathtaking routes, Arcata offers enjoyable and exciting rides. 

Arcata is more than just a college town home to Humboldt State University; it’s a haven for young motorcyclists who choose bikes as their primary mode of transportation. The city’s beautiful surroundings and the enthusiasm of its young population create an atmosphere that fosters a motorcycle-riding culture.

Arcata offers motorcycle enthusiasts numerous opportunities to explore its scenic surroundings. Pro Cycle Service, located on South G Street, is an excellent resource for all motorbike and ATV needs. Pro Cycle Service ensures riders are well-equipped for their journeys, from repairs and maintenance to tires, parts, and accessories.

For an unforgettable ride, consider embarking on the Trinity Scenic Byway. Stretching 140 miles from Arcata to Redding, this route offers diverse scenery, interesting botanical habitats, and a blend of warm valleys and vital coastal areas. Take your time, savor the sights, and embrace the beauty of Northern California on two wheels. However, along with the benefits of riding come significant safety risks that riders must consider. 

Since 1982, Edward A. Smith has been an advocate for injured Northern Californians, including those on the North Coast. By expertly handling all the legal complexities associated with a personal injury claim, our clients can focus on their physical recoveries and return to wellness. Our goal for you as a client is, whenever possible, for you to be able to return to the activities you loved before the accident. For many of our clients, that means heading back out with two wheels on the open road.

With 20+ years of experience, the City of Arcata has a great motorcycle resource in Pro Cycle Service, located on South G Street. The business has numerous five-star Google reviews and can handle all your motorbike or ATV needs. They do repairs and maintenance as well as sell tires, parts, and accessories. 

After tuning up your bike at Pro Cycle, embark on the 140-mile Trinity Scenic Byway, which will take you from Arcata to Redding in about four hours, but it is recommended that you stretch out the ride to take in all that there is to see. There is diverse scenery along the way, as well as a variety of interesting botanical habitats. There are also different climate zones – the route includes regions of the dry, warm Sacramento River Valley and the often foggy, cooler Redwood Coast, so layer carefully.

Most experienced riders employ several strategies to stay safe on the roads. These include riding defensively and wearing proper safety gear. Newer motorcycles are equipped with high-tech safety features that aim to make motorcycle travel safer. Even so, riders continue to be more vulnerable to injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles.

As Arcata motorcycle accident lawyers, our firm has helped riders who have sustained a wide variety of traumatic injuries. Some common injuries seen in motorcycle collisions include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Spinal cord injury 
• Full or partial paralysis
• Deep tissue abrasions, or “road rash”
• Concussion and traumatic brain injury
• Internal injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Traumatic amputations

Below is a clip highlighting five of the best defensive riding tips.

Anyone who has experienced severe traumatic injuries knows that the recovery process can be complicated, long, and painful. Returning to good health after a motorcycle crash requires not only physical rehabilitation but mental stamina. To add to the difficulties, severe injuries usually take the injured person out of the workforce for a period of time, if not permanently, leading to significant financial problems.

On the topic of financial losses following a serious motorcycle crash, the associated medical expenses can be astronomical. Hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and home health care can add up quickly. It is not unusual for medical bills after a motorcycle crash to total seven figures. 

The aftermath of a serious motorcycle crash can leave the injured rider, and his or her family feeling overwhelmed. A skilled personal injury attorney with experience in such accidents can help.

In most cases, when a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence of another motorist, the rider will be able to make a claim for damages against the insurance policy held by the negligent driver. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the complex and often frustrating insurance and legal processes, ensure that your rights are protected, and work to optimize your financial compensation. While in many cases, the negligent party is a driver of a private vehicle, in some instances, the “other side” may include a business or government entity. When that is the case, the insurance policy is usually larger. The case is usually even more complex because the insurance company will fight tooth and nail to pay you as little as possible. 

The goal of an insurance adjuster is to hold on to the company’s money. Some of their tactics include denying the fault of their insured and downplaying the severity of your injuries. A skilled lawyer will know how to handle these attempts to discredit your claim.