Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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Rich Barnes
President
Driving a motorcycle through San Diego is an exciting way to get around and see all the beautiful beaches and sites San Diego has to offer. With the warm climate and scenic views, it makes sense why California is home to over 800,000 registered motorcyclists. While motorcyclists take extra precautions on roadways, other drivers sharing the same roads often do not, which can lead to motorcycle accidents.
As one of America’s largest injury law firms, the trusted team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm have experience dealing with complex motorcycle accident cases in San Diego and across the state of California. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will give you the personalized attention you deserve to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
After a San Diego motorcycle accident, insurance companies are typically involved and will often make a low and unfair offer. The trusted attorneys at The Barnes Firm have over 100 years of combined experience dealing with motorcycle accident cases and insurance companies. No matter how minor or severe your injury is after a motorcycle accident in San Diego, our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation and to answer any questions you may have about your case.
According to the NHTSA, a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision, and five times more likely to be injured in a traffic collision, than a driver or passenger in a vehicle. San Diego motorcycle riders also run a higher risk for injury than other car or truck drivers because motorcycles have less stability than a vehicle. When a motorcycle accident occurs in San Diego, the rider or passenger on a motorcycle is hit directly. There is no vehicle frame to protect them. Motorcycles also face the danger of other drivers ignoring or not properly following the rules of the road. This includes:
Lane splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting is legal in San Diego and the entire state of California. Lane splitting presents danger to motorcyclists because other cars and trucks often do not see them or give them enough space to travel safely between the shared lanes. When driving on San Diego roadways, drivers in vehicles must be even more aware of their surroundings to avoid causing a motorcycle accident due to lane splitting, whether changing lanes or accelerating from a complete stop.
Motorcycle accidents can happen suddenly, and the injuries can be unexpected. Even when wearing protective gear, including a helmet, injuries can still occur. When a motorcyclist is in an accident involving a car, truck, or other larger vehicle, the injuries can be life changing. Our experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys have handled motorcycle accident cases involving the following injuries:
Traumatic brain injury or brain damage. All motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet in California. However, even with a helmet, head injuries still occur because of motorcycle accidents. Head injuries can cause concussions, brain swelling, or brain damage.
Spinal cord injuries. Due to the lack of protection on a biker’s back, when a motorcycle accident occurs, injuries to the spine are very common. Spinal cord injuries affect the nervous system and can often lead to nerve damage or paralysis.
Internal organ injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be the result of a motorcycle accident.
Lower extremity injuries. Lower extremity injuries refer to any injury below the waist. These are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. These injuries often lead to extended and costly medical treatment and permanent disability as they can prevent a victim from being able to walk.
Broken bones and fractures. Broken or fractured bones can happen when a motorcyclist or passenger is hit by another vehicle or when a motorcyclist is ejected in a crash.
Road rash. Road rash can be extremely painful and happens when skin slides across the road. The most common places you can get road rash are knees, legs, elbows, forearms, and hands. Road rash can lead to scarring and/or infection if not properly treated.
According to the CDC, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of suffering a serious head injury in an accident by nearly 70% and reduces the risk of death by 37%. California requires all drivers and passengers of motorcycles to wear a helmet while riding. Even with proper protective gear, motorcycle riders and passengers can experience severe injuries in an accident. Our San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys are here to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at (800) 800-0000.
After a San Diego motorcycle accident, riders often have questions and are not sure where to turn. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm understand first-hand how quickly a motorcycle accident can happen and how unexpected the injuries can be. If you’ve been injured, or have witnessed a San Diego motorcycle accident, we recommend that you do the following:
1. Get out of harm’s way. The most important thing to do after a motorcycle accident is make sure you are safe. Move away from traffic and other road hazards to avoid another collision.
2. Move your motorcycle. If possible, move your motorcycle off the road to avoid further damage to it.
3. Call 911. After you are safe and your motorcycle is off the road, call 911 to report the accident to police. Request an ambulance if you are injured.
4. Take Photos. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your motorcycle.
5. Exchange Information. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver at the scene.
6. Get the police report. Request you get a copy of the police report before leaving the accident scene.
7. Contact a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm. After a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys are available to help answer any questions you may have regarding your accident or injuries.
In California, you have two years after your accident or injury discovery to file a personal injury claim. If you or a family member have been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t put your faith in an insurance company. Call the trusted and experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm for a FREE consultation today. We can help answer any questions you have regarding filing a motorcycle accident claim in San Diego.
The trusted motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will help you get the proper compensation for all damages, not just medical expenses. Our team of attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you get the best result possible. We’ve recovered the following for motorcycle accident victims in San Diego and across the state of California:
Before talking to insurance, call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team is available 24/7 to help answer any questions you may have. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in California motorcycle law and will work hard for you and to recover more than just medical expenses for your case.
Whether the accident is big or small, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to your case. At The Barnes Firm, our successful motorcycle accident lawyers will work hard to get you the best result possible for your case.
If you or a family member have been injured in a San Diego motorcycle accident, contact a trusted motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm today. Whether you have a question or would like to start a personal injury claim, our attorneys are available 24/7 to help.
Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Every motorcycle crash is unique and will have different factors to consider. According to the NHTSA, most accidents are caused by a car or truck driver. The main reason is that the driver does not see the motorcycle rider. Sometimes, the cause of a collision is a parts manufacturer. It is rarely the fault of the motorcycle driver, contrary to popular belief.
Many reasons can lead to motorcycle accidents. The core issue is negligence. Whether it is another driver, a government agency, or a product manufacturer, it is likely a third-party lawsuit. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
The cause of the accident will also determine liability issues. The cause determines the responsible party and, therefore, the recovery options.
The NHTSA reports there are more than 5,000 motorcyclists killed in collisions across the U.S. That accounts for 14% of total traffic fatalities for the year. There were 565 motorcyclist deaths in California in a recent year. For comparison, California car accident deaths were about 4,000 for the same reporting year.
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. Often, they occur on highways where traffic is moving fast. The most dangerous counties for motorcyclists in California include:
The following intersections are also some of the most dangerous in California for collisions:
There are 8.3 million registered motorcycles nationwide. Every year, this number increases. There are 89,000 collisions involving these motorists. That is equivalent to 1% of registered motorcyclists being involved in collisions. About 25% of motorcycle crashes are the rider’s fault. This number can range by area and year.
You can seek payment for pain and suffering in a motorcycle accident settlement. The amount will depend on the severity of your injuries and if you will suffer long-term impacts. It is calculated by taking your economic losses and multiplying them. These damages are often awarded in cases involving permanent injuries or disability.
The civil process can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You will have to handle insurance claims and the court. The more complex the civil case, the longer it will take to resolve the claim. It can take weeks or months for a settlement. However, a lawsuit can take a year or more in some instances. Issues that can lengthen case time include liability and insurance.
We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (800) 800-0000.
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