Across the country, the number of annual motorcycle accidents continues to rise. Motorcycle accident deaths represented 14 percent of all deaths in motor vehicle accidents in 2015. According to the Insurance Information Institute, if that was not bad enough, California ranks third nationally in the number of biker fatalities. Horrendous accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and can be caused by negligent motorists, faulty motorcycle repair, and even defects in the manufacture or design of the motorcycle.

Motorcycle owners know firsthand how dangerous California’s roads can be, especially on Interstate 80 through North Highlands. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles in their mirrors. At night, drivers claim that motorcyclists are more difficult to spot. Sometimes, drivers simply do not pay attention or are texting and driving. Understanding that many motorcycle accidents can be the basis for pursuing financial restitution for your harm and losses is essential. For example, the following common causes of motorcycle wrecks can serve as the basis for a personal injury or wrongful death claim:

• Distracted driver
• Hit and run
• The driver operating their vehicle at an unsafe speed
• The driver was intoxicated or using drugs
• Driver negligent operated their vehicle (e.g., failure to yield and improper right of way)

In addition to accidents caused by negligent drivers, if your motorcycle suddenly malfunctioned and that caused the collision, you may be able to take legal action against the seller or manufacturer. For example, your bike may not have been repaired properly, a defect in the manufacture of the bike, or a piece of equipment may have failed. Assessing the viability of such a claim requires a thorough examination of your motorcycle by established experts. A North Highlands motorcycle accident attorney can assist in retaining experts to review aspects of your case.

In addition to retaining experts (if needed), an accident lawyer can utilize an investigator to assess the accident, talk to witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene to buttress your case.

Understanding your legal rights as an accident victim is essential, and knowing that legal compensation can make you whole again. Our firm will fight for you to receive the maximum financial compensation possible. Call today if you believe you might have an accident claim, and we will review your case for free.

Some common types of economic and non-economic damages that can be recovered in motorcycle accident claims include:

• Medical Expenses – Doctor’s visits, medical diagnosis, surgery, long-term care, and treatment can all be recovered under California Law.
• Pain and Suffering – Accident injuries hurt. Fortunately, California law allows accident victims to recover damages associated with the hardship of surviving an accident.
• Emotional Distress – Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic, causing recurrent nightmares, sleep loss, and psychiatric trauma. 
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity – Temporary and permanent disability after an accident can cause victims to miss work or even lose their jobs if their injury prevents them from returning to work. These types of economic injuries may also be recoverable as personal injury damages.
• Punitive Damages – In extreme cases where an accident occurs because of an intentional act or gross negligence, it may be possible to recover additional damages.

It is essential to understand that the amount you could realistically recover through a personal injury claim mainly depends on the available insurance coverage. Unfortunately, in many serious accidents, the careless driver has no auto or bare-bones insurance policy. In fact, nearly 15 percent of all drivers in California are on roads and highways without auto insurance, according to carinsurance.com. In this situation, having an injury attorney on your side can prove invaluable since your motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the amount of available insurance coverage from the reckless driver. If they do not have sufficient coverage, they can examine your auto insurance policy to see if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage helps injured motorists hit by someone with no or inadequate insurance.

Watch the following video for more on motorcycle accidents.

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in or around North Highlands, you’re probably in pain and feeling anxious and uncertain about your situation. You may have stacks of bills piling up, and your discussions with the reckless party’s insurance adjuster have been unproductive and frustrating. Let us help. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call our experienced North Highlands motorcycle accident lawyers today for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. See our verdicts and settlements.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 9.28.23] Photo by Sourav Mishra from Pexels sb bw [cs 1006]}