Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
San Jose has some of the most historic landmarks in the Bay Area, and there’s no better way to see these sites than on a motorcycle! Unfortunately, over 80,000 motorcyclists are injured each year in the United States. Although motorcyclists are often viewed as dangerous or reckless, most San Jose and Bay Area motorcycle accidents can be traced back to a distracted driver, or a driver that ignores a motorcyclist’s right to the road.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know that victims of motorcycle accidents can sustain long-lasting and life-changing injuries. With over 100 years of combined experience, our trusted attorneys have the knowledge you will want and need after a San Jose motorcycle accident. The Barnes Firm is committed to working hard for you every step of the way to help you get the best result possible. Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation.
San Jose motorcycle accidents happen frequently and for several reasons. At The Barnes Firm, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys have helped many clients injured in motorcycle accidents and have found that the most common causes are usually associated with:
Lane Switches. When drivers fail to check their blind spots before switching lanes, a motorcycle accident can occur. Motorcyclists have a much smaller profile than vehicles and when a driver merges without properly checking their surroundings, motorcycle accidents can occur.
Distracted Driving. Distracted driving causes delayed reaction time and could result in an accident. Sending a text or changing a song on your radio or phone can have dangerous consequences for you and others on the road. Using your cell phone behind the wheel is also illegal in California.
Speeding. Speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Speeding increases the amount of time it takes to come to a safe stop, decreasing the driver’s control over a vehicle. If a motorcycle stops suddenly and a speeding driver cannot slow down, it may result in a rear-end accident.
Lane Splitting. Lane splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between stopped or slow-moving traffic. The practice is legal in California and helps reduce stop-and-go traffic in San Jose. Other drivers must be more aware of motorcyclist’s lane splitting to avoid causing an accident, especially when coming out of stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Left Turn Accidents. It is very dangerous to make a left turn or a U-turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Vehicle drivers often fail to estimate the speed and distance of a motorcycle before turning and cause a motorcycle accident to occur.
Tailgating: Rear-end motorcycle accidents are often caused by tailgating. Vehicle drivers should always keep a safe distance behind the motorcycle in front of them in case traffic comes to a sudden stop.
At The Barnes Firm, our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers can handle all types of motorcycle accident claims.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Often, insurance companies will offer unfair compensation to close the case and pay out quickly. Before accepting an offer from an insurance company, call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys in San Jose will launch a thorough investigation into your accident and the circumstances leading up to it. You can trust that we will do everything we can to help you get the best result possible for your case.
Motorcycles offer no protection to riders and often lead to more serious injuries when in a crash. Unlike a car, van, SUV, or truck, a motorcycle has no protective structure. When an accident occurs, motorcyclists often make direct contact with pavement or another vehicle. 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. Our San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys have handled cases for the following motorcycle accident injuries:
Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how unexpected and life-changing injuries can be after a motorcycle accident. We will fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered the following damages for our motorcycle accident clients:
Motorcycle accident victims often think they can only be compensated for medical expenses. Our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to recover more than just medical expenses. Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 800-0000.
After a San Jose motorcycle accident, your safety is the top priority. The most important first step is to get out of harm’s way to avoid additional injury. If you can, move your motorcycle off the road. After getting to safety, call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed. While you wait for authorities to arrive, begin to photograph the accident scene. Take photos of any injuries and damage at the crash site. You will also want to document road and weather conditions. If there are any witnesses, talk to them. They may be able to provide additional information about the accident that will help your case. Ask witnesses and drivers for their contact and insurance information and request a copy of the police report. Then, call an experienced attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have regarding your accident, or how to file a motorcycle accident claim.
Motorcycle accident victims have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in California. Two years seems like enough time to file a claim, but gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers takes time. It is important you call a motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm as soon as possible. Our team of dedicated attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case.
If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident in San Jose or the Bay Area, contact The Barnes Firm today. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case.
With the skills, experience, and resources needed to win motorcycle accident cases in California’s complex court system, our lawyers have helped countless San Jose clients recover compensation for motorcycle accident injuries.
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.
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