Traumatic motorcycle accidents are common in the United States, and California is no exception. California has one of the highest concentrations of motorcycles in the country. Because of this, bikes are a common sight on local roadways, and, unfortunately, so are motorcycle collisions. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, an average of more than 500 fatal car accidents occur across the state annually. 

Because South Lake Tahoe is located in one of the most pristine areas of the Sierra Nevadas, it is a popular spot for motorcyclists who want to ride through some of California’s grandest natural scenes. While South Lake Tahoe is a relatively small city, the area has seen many motorcycle accidents in previous years. From 2006-2018, there were 1,186 traumatic motorcycle crashes in El Dorado County, including within South Lake Tahoe’s city limits. These accidents caused 59 fatalities and another 1,306 injuries.

It isn’t always easy to predict where accidents will happen. However, these intersections have been the site of a high number of motorcycle accidents:

• Shingle Road and Silver Oaks Lane
• Buckeye court and Wentworth Springs Road
• Buckeye Lake Road and Wentworth Springs Road
• 7th Street and Emerald Bay Road
• Cambridge Road and Knollwood Drive

Even relatively minor motorcycle accidents can leave people with injuries that change their lives. Many people who survive motorcycle accidents need to undergo a long physical rehabilitation or therapy process. This process can last months or even years, and people can’t always fully regain their physical abilities. Motorcycle accident injuries can also mean people have to take time away from their jobs or school, drastically affecting their careers and placing them in a hard financial situation.

Throughout my time representing motorcycle accident survivors, I have had clients with many different types of injuries. Some of the common serious motorcycle crash injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bone fractures
• Back injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Lacerations to the face
• Neck injuries
• Damage to organs
• Loss of a limb

If you file a personal injury claim against negligent parties, you should know the damages you can recover. These damages can vary for each case, but some common ones include:

• Medical expenses related to the crash (ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, etc.)
• Future medical costs such as physical therapy, modifications to your home, and more
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages

Many motorcycle accident survivors don’t know if their case requires help from a lawyer, especially if they think their injuries are relatively minor. Not every case indeed needs an attorney. However, it is always a good idea to speak with a South Lake Tahoe motorcycle accident lawyer to determine your legal options. Conversation with a trusted personal injury lawyer is a no-risk situation because most lawyers will give you a phone consultation free of charge.

Recovering from your injuries after you’ve been in a crash can be physically demanding and emotionally stressful. Because of this, many people think they don’t have the energy to find a good lawyer. However, there are a few ways to ensure your attorney has the skills and experience to resolve your case. Here are a few traits you should look for:

• The lawyer acts with compassion and makes sure to explain things thoroughly to you. Being personally comfortable with your lawyer is essential.
• The lawyer has ample experience handling severe motorcycle accident injury cases. You should ensure your lawyer specializes in personal injury claims and is comfortable taking your case to court.
• The lawyer is well-respected. You can investigate a lawyer’s reputation quickly by reading online reviews. The best site for this purpose is Avvo, a website specifically for reviewing attorneys.

In most accident cases, injured parties have up to two years to file a personal injury claim against negligent parties. Trying to file a case outside of this time limit will result in your claim being disregarded by the courts. In some cases, such as crashes involving government entities, the time limit is even shorter. For this reason, it is a good idea to take action and call a lawyer as soon as possible.

This is one of the most common questions that I am asked by my clients, which is why many people don’t want to go to court. Most accident cases are settled during private negotiations, and the chance that your case will go to court is likely low. However, insurance companies sometimes make low-ball offers and refuse to pay injured parties the money they deserve. In this situation, your lawyer will be able to advise you on whether or not going to court is your best option. However, the final decision to take a case to court will always be yours.

Being hurt in a motorcycle accident can seriously affect your life. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, contact me at (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400 for my free, friendly legal advice. Residents of South Lake Tahoe have trusted our legal help with personal injury and wrongful death claims since 1982. Learn more about how we have helped clients on our Settlements and Verdicts page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.29.23] Photo: ab ms cha [cs 922]}