Whether you are passing through Martinez or reside in the city year-round, you know that there is a wide array of scenic motorcycle roads in Contra Costa County and throughout California. However, with the great traffic congestion in the San Francisco Bay Area comes the potential for traumatic injury or even death. That is because motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection that cars do in terms of steel frames and seatbelts. One of the leading reasons for these types of crashes is that motorcycles are much harder to spot on the road as they are smaller in size compared to other vehicles. When driver inattention on busy roads is added to the equation, it may result in tragic crashes involving vulnerable motorcyclists. When this proves to be the case, an injured biker may take legal action against the other party for medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related losses.

At AutoAccident.com, our attorneys offer skilled and compassionate legal representation to bikers who have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County. Get started today and receive free, friendly case advice by calling (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

When an unexpected motorcycle accident occurs and leaves you with serious injuries, turn to a law firm that can obtain the justice you need to put the tragic situation behind you. Our team of dedicated and compassionate attorneys is here to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout the claims process. Before signing any paperwork or accepting a settlement from the insurance company, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Martinez motorcycle accident attorneys and receive free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation. Unlike the other side, our legal team at AutoAccident.com is here for you and your family to help you all rebuild your lives after a life-changing crash.

There are various losses that may be recovered in a personal injury claim or a wrongful death action with the assistance of an experienced Martinez motorcycle accident lawyer. These will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. They may include economic damages and non-economic damages. The latter represents intangible harms resulting from accident-related injuries, while the former considers financial losses in connection with the incident. Recoverable losses may include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished quality of life, pain and suffering, and more. In the case of a loved one’s wrongful death, survivors may be entitled to costs of end-of-life care, lost future financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral service expenses, and other losses.

With California being one of the few states that allow lane splitting, it has been found to work for the benefit of motorcyclists, according to an analytical study by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at UC Berkeley. Lane splitting, when practiced safely, was found to have reduced the risk of head trauma, torso injury, and fatality. Researchers indicated that lane splitting was safe so long as bikers did not exceed the speed of other cars on the roadway by over 15 mph. The California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 defines the practice of lane splitting in more detail.

Drivers of motor vehicles are expected to exercise due care while sharing the road with others, including motorcyclists. However, not all motorists follow the rules of the road and often fail in fulfilling such duties that may pose significant dangers to bikers who are lane-splitting. This may include unsafe lane changes, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), distracted driving like talking or texting on a cell phone, drowsy driving, and speeding.

Despite lane-splitting being legal in California, insurance adjusters and defense counsel will attempt to utilize any possible evidence against an injured motorcyclist or a family of a decedent that is suggestive of unsafe lane splitting. Since the other side will use anything at their disposal during the claims process, it is essential to retain legal counsel to protect your rights and interests.

According to a 2017 statistical summary by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle helmet use and its effectiveness in preventing serious injury was approximately 13 percent and eight percent for minor injury. Conversely, death prevention through helmet use was approximately 37 percent for operators and 41 percent for passengers on motorcycles. With this information in mind, it is without a doubt that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is essential to protecting your health and well-being while out on the open road in Martinez, California.

In the event that a motorcyclist is injured or killed in a traffic collision while not wearing a helmet, the injured party or family of the decedent may face challenges when it comes to the legal process for financial recovery. That is because the insurance company representing the other party may resort to defense tactics such as claiming that the serious injury or death was caused by the biker’s failure to use a helmet. This is a way of pinpointing fault on an injured party or decedent to limit the insured’s contribution of negligence to the incident.

When dealing with comparative fault in a personal injury case, it pays to work with a top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in Martinez, CA. Overcoming unfair and untrue bias against motorcyclists in an accident case may be challenging, but with the right attorney on your side may make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. An injury lawyer will conduct an independent investigation of the incident to determine fault. This may include working with expert witnesses such as an accident reconstruction expert and a biomechanical engineer to provide testimony on the sequence of events leading up to the incident and resulting trauma. For information on how to choose the best local attorney to handle your legal matter, watch this video.

The aftermath of a motorcycle collision may be blurred and chaotic. While time may seem like it is at a standstill because of the adrenaline and shock that often follows, the reality is that time is of the essence in these situations. Which steps you take and do not take may have a considerable impact on the outcome of a civil case should you decide to proceed with one. That is because strict filing criteria and deadlines apply to personal injury cases and wrongful death claims arising from accidents such as those involving motorcyclists. It is essential to follow the filing deadline as failure to meet it may result in the court’s dismissal of the case.

Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, an injured motorcycle rider or a family of a deceased biker usually has two years from the date of loss to file a case in civil court. Conversely, it may be shortened to as little as six months when it involves a government entity. Meeting with a top-rated Martinez motorcycle accident lawyer with years of experience may help you in learning about your rights and how to prepare your case before the statute of limitations expires. Keep in mind that evidence crucial to proving the claim may be lost or destroyed over time, which is why it is essential to consult with an attorney immediately.

Choosing the best law firm in your area to handle your motorcycle crash case matters. Retaining legal counsel with the right experience, skills, and resources may be a determining factor in the outcome of a personal injury claim or wrongful death action. These cases are often challenging to navigate as insurance companies, and defense counsel may not always be willing to make things right for an injured motorcyclist or surviving family members by providing the fair compensation they deserve.

For these reasons, it is crucial to hire the best motorcycle accident attorney in Martinez with substantial experience in California personal injury law backed by a history of successful verdicts and settlements. Fortunately, you do not have to look further, as our legal team at AutoAccident.com is here to protect your rights, advocate on your behalf, and work toward a favorable outcome in your injury case. We are only a phone call away, so do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm to set up a free consultation with one of our compassionate and dedicated attorneys.

After a motorcycle crash resulting in traumatic injury or death, claimants may face several unique challenges when it comes to recovering the economic and non-economic damages owed to them. This may include bias and negative social stigma against motorcycle riders. For this reason, it is essential to discuss your case with a skilled accident attorney to learn about your rights as an injured motorcyclist or a surviving family member. Unlike the insurance company and defense counsel, a motorcycle accident lawyer cares about you, your goals, and recovering the compensation needed to move forward.

Our personal injury law firm has handled cases like yours since 1982. We attribute our history of successful verdicts and settlements to our knowledge, skills, and resources used to overcome untrue and unfair biases that may arise in motorcycle collision cases. Our legal team handles cases under a contingency fee agreement meaning you do not have to worry about attorneys’ fees as they will only be due if we obtain a successful outcome on your behalf. Get started on your case today and receive free, friendly advice from one of our experienced attorneys at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

Image Attribution: By “Split Shire” via Pixabay

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