The State of California is almost synonymous with motorcycle riding. Long stretches of open freeway and temperate weather make the Golden State an ideal place to own and ride a motorcycle. Even in the more northern reaches of the state around Roseville, motorcyclists can be seen cruising around town or traveling up and down Interstate 80. However, riding a bike comes with risks, and a vehicle accident can cause catastrophic injuries to the motorcyclist.

Injured in a recent crash as a biker? Call our skilled Roseville motorcycle accident lawyers today at (916) 921-6400 for a free case evaluation.

While California’s climate may be hospitable to motorcyclists, the state’s roadways and highways are not. Motorcycle crashes can cause catastrophic injuries to motorcyclists, leaving them unable to work or engage in the same work or activities as before and (potentially) unable to walk or live independently. This makes motorcycle crashes extremely expensive for injured motorcyclists and their families. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Roseville, California, can bring a lawsuit on behalf of a biker injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver or entity.

Accidents involving motorcyclists often occur because the biker and/or another driver made a poor decision or acted carelessly. Most vehicle vs. motorcycle collisions could have been avoided had one or more parties acted more carefully. Some of the most common reasons motorcycle crashes occur include:

• Driving while distracted (such as texting while driving, adjusting the radio, or otherwise not paying attention to the road)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs)
• Disobeying traffic laws and ordinances
• Failing to properly signal before changing lanes
• Stopping or accelerating suddenly
• Speeding or traveling too fast considering the road and traffic conditions
• Failing to check one’s “blind spots” before switching lanes, turning, or opening one’s car door

A motorcyclist’s own behavior and conduct can contribute to their injuries. For example, riding without a properly fitted and approved helmet can increase the chances of the motorcyclist suffering a traumatic brain injury or spine and neck injury. Failing to wear proper protective clothing can likewise increase the chances of the motorcyclist suffering severe “road rash” – scrapes, cuts, and lacerations attributable to the motorcyclist skidding or sliding across the pavement after being thrown from their motorcycle.

Even where a motorcyclist’s own behavior is potentially negligent, California law may still allow the motorcyclist to recover some compensation from another driver or motorcyclist who also contributed to the crash motorcyclist’s injuries. It is best to discuss your case with a top-rated Roseville motorcycle accident injury attorney who can determine whether you have a viable claim and what facts or circumstances may affect the value of your financial compensation.

In a typical car crash, both the drivers and occupants of each car are protected from some of the forces and dangers of the impact because of the cars’ bumpers, airbags, and frames. These safety features (and others) are designed to work together so that as little force as possible impacts the car’s occupants and that the occupants are kept as safe as possible. Motorcyclists do not enjoy any of these protections. In fact, in most cases, the motorcyclist’s only protection from the effects of a crash is their helmet and protective clothing. Motorcyclists can suffer:

• Severe cuts and lacerations or abrasions 
• Broken bones and internal injuries
• Spine and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations/loss of limbs
• Pelvic/hip and groin injuries