Motorcycles are incredibly fun, but this thrill creates higher risks for accidents. If you find yourself in a bike accident in California’s capital city, you should immediately see a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer to help you protect your rights and gain maximum compensation.
At Law Tigers, our nationwide team of experienced motorcycle attorneys want to help you enjoy every ride without the threat of messy legal complications. We’re here when you need us. Read on as we talk about some common bike accident causes, injuries, and how you can seek compensation.
The Most Frequent Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Causes
Motorcycle accidents happen all the time for many different reasons. Understanding the leading causes may help you prevent one from happening.
The most common types of bike crashes are:
● Intersection rear-ends
● Right-of-way accidents
● Lane change collisions
● Intersection left-turn crashes
● Parked-vehicle accidents
The leading causes for the accident types listed above include:
● Driving under the influence
● Driving while distracted
● When the driver does not see a biker
● Motorcyclists in a vehicle’s blind spot
● Speeding or reckless driving
You cannot avoid all accidents, but you can remain vigilant, keep your eyes on the road, stay alert, and practice defensive driving. As a biker, remember that many passenger-vehicle drivers often cannot see you, so always leave ample space between you and other cars and drive defensively.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2016, over 5,000 motorcycle riders died in vehicle crashes, 94% being drivers and 6% being bike passengers.
Motorcycle accidents can be far more dangerous and fatal than other vehicle accidents due to the lack of exterior protection. The most common bike accident injuries include:
● Fractured bones
● Spinal injuries
● Scrapes and cuts
● Head or brain injuries
● Ligament, tendon, and joint damage
● Amputation
● Internal bleeding
● Burns or permanent disfigurements
Seeking Compensation for Your Accident
If you have a motorcycle accident, you can seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional trauma. Typically, monetary compensation may include:
● All present and future medical bills
● Ambulance transport
● Physical therapy
● Doctor appointments
● Medications
● Loss of income
● Loss of potential future earnings due to disability
● Physical property damage to your bike
● Physical and emotional suffering
● Punitive damages if the at-fault driver drove excessively recklessly
Proving liability to receive compensation offers challenges. Typically, insurance companies will not want to assume any fault and will do everything possible to make you take on some liability.
Taking the case to court requires ample legal knowledge, evidence, and a strong case. Luckily, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer can help represent you.
What to Do After Being in a Motorcycle Accident
The way you respond directly after the accident can determine how much compensation you receive. You should take the following steps to cover all legal bases after a crash:
- Move your bike away from traffic to prevent further accidents.
- Immediately seek medical attention, even if you think you feel okay.
- File a police report and review it before the officer leaves.
- Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, your bike, and anything else important.
- Collect information from the other driver and any potential witnesses.
- Do not speak to any insurance adjusters or police officers about your injuries until you receive a confirmed diagnosis.
- Find a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case.
Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Law Tigers to Seek Compensation Today
If you have an accident on your bike, you should immediately seek a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help build your case, collect evidence, determine liability, and fight for you in court.
At Law Tigers, we are just as passionate about bikes as you are, and we want to use our legal experience to help you build a strong case. Call us today at 1-(888) 863-7216 for a free case evaluation!
