Causes of Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, because motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags or other safety protections found in cars. Minor hazards like potholes, uneven lanes, loose gravel and wet roadways can also more easily cause a motorcycle to crash, resulting in serious injury or death.
In addition, many motorcycle collisions are caused by negligence on the part of another driver. Common examples of driver negligence are:
- Impaired driving – Drinking and driving impairs visibility and reaction time, which puts motorcyclists in greater danger because their vehicles are smaller and more difficult to spot.
- Distracted driving – Unfortunately, more and more drivers are focused on their smartphones, radios, in-car conversations, or eating and drinking while they are behind the wheel. This puts everyone on the road, including motorcyclists, in danger.
- Failing to yield – Drivers are so used to looking for oncoming cars that they often do not see motorcycles. They could hit motorcycles while making a left turn through an intersection or pulling out onto a road when they are supposed to yield to oncoming traffic.
- Not checking blind spots – Not checking blind spots is a common bad habit among drivers. If they do not check their blind spots, they can veer right into a motorcyclist, potentially killing them or causing serious injury.
- Speeding – This can be a factor in many types of motorcycle accidents, including rear-end crashes and left-turn accidents. Speeding lessens the amount of time drivers have to slow down or make a maneuver to avoid a collision.
If your accident was caused by a violation of traffic laws or any other form of negligence, evidence will need to be collected to prove that someone else is at fault. The Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers at the Arnold Law Firm conduct a comprehensive investigation to collect evidence to prove what happened. If we take your case, we will:
- Take pictures of both vehicles and any other important evidence from the scene
- Review the police report, as it may contain the officer’s opinion on who was at fault
- Take pictures of your injuries throughout the course of treatment
- Talk to eyewitnesses for more details about the crash
- Talk to medical experts to learn about the severity of your injuries
This will help us build a case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Arnold Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call (916) 777-7777.
Compensation for Motorcycle Crash Injuries
There are two ways to obtain compensation after a motorcycle crash:
- File an insurance claim – Most motorcycle accident cases are resolved through a motorcycle insurance claim. California is a fault state, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance company is financially responsible for your damages. You can also file a claim with your own insurance company.
- File a personal injury lawsuit – If your attorney is unable to obtain fair compensation through an insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate for your situation.
Past, Current and Future Medical Bills
Treating a motorcycle injury, even a minor one, can be very expensive when considering appointments with doctors, the cost of prescriptions and medical procedures. Be sure to save all receipts and bills from any treatment you receive after an injury. If you have proof of a medical expense related to your injury, we may be able to obtain compensation for it. Medical expenses related to your treatment may include:
- All surgeries after the crash
- Transportation to the hospital in an ambulance
- Physical therapy appointments
- Trips to the doctor
- X-rays and MRIs
- Prescription medications for pain
Lost Wages
Motorcycle injuries may result in severe physical limitations as victims are recovering, hindering their ability to work. You may also have to leave work for medical appointments for further treatment.
While you may have vacation or sick time you can use, an extensive recovery time period can cause you to miss a significant number of work days for which you are not compensated. Our attorneys may be able to recover compensation for the time you missed work because of your injury. This can help prevent your injury from turning into a financial catastrophe because of your lost income.
Lost Earning Capacity
Even after your treatment is over, you may not be in the same level of health you were before the accident. This might mean that you may need to change careers, work fewer hours or take on fewer responsibilities. These changes could permanently reduce your current and future earning capacity, making it harder to support yourself and your family.
An experienced lawyer can pursue compensation for lost earning capacity because of your injuries. We work to ensure all the relevant factors are given proper consideration when the value of lost earning capacity is being determined; this includes your education, experience, salary history and skills.
Damage to Your Motorcycle
Motorcycles often sustain serious damage in an accident. If the accident was caused by another driver, you may be able to recover compensation to repair your motorcycle or replace the fair market value of the bike.
Pain and Suffering
Our legal team may be able to pursue compensation for your physical pain. You may also be entitled to compensation for the emotional and psychological effects of your injury. For instance, some accident victims become depressed, angry, or anxious about their resulting physical limitations or pain. They may also experience debilitating stress from lack of sleep or dealing with mobility limitations or physical weakness.
The experienced lawyers at our firm have many years of experience with properly documenting our clients’ pain and suffering. We know how to collect evidence that may improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
In certain severe situations, punitive damages may also be awarded to the injury victim. These damages are generally administered if a motorist has gone beyond what most would consider a safe and reasonable level of conduct in a public environment. For example, if the at-fault driver was driving recklessly or had any kind of impairment, you may be able to collect punitive damages as part of the settlement or jury award.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to manage every aspect of your personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. This allows you to focus on what is most important: your recovery and trying to restore your life to the way it was before the accident.
Laws Affecting Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
There are many laws in California that may affect your accident claim.
For example, California’s pure comparative negligence law governs situations where the victim is partially responsible for his or her injuries. Under this law, your compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if you are found to be 80 percent responsible, your compensation award will be reduced by 80 percent.
Another law to be aware of is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This law sets deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit for your motorcycle accident. This means that you have a limited amount of time from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will be unable to file a lawsuit.
An experienced lawyer knows these laws, how to determine when the statute of limitations ends on your claim and how to deal with the comparative fault law in the courtroom and insurance claims process. Our attorneys will make sure your claim is filed on time and you are not assigned a higher percentage of fault than you deserve.
How Much Do Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Charge in California?
In California, most motorcycle accident attorneys, including Arnold Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients are not required to pay upfront legal fees, as the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award. This structure is ideal for victims of Sacramento motorcycle crashes, as it allows them to secure skilled motorcycle legal representation without financial pressure. In a contingency model, payment is only required if the lawyer successfully recovers compensation for the client, helping them manage costs related to medical bills, accident recovery, and rehabilitation.
The Arnold Law Firm also offers free consultations, providing immediate legal insight into potential compensation, liability, and legal strategy. With an experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer from Arnold Law Firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we work to secure your financial future without any initial financial burden. This fee structure allows clients to pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit confidently, knowing they won’t face additional financial strain.
Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Sacramento?
Hiring a skilled Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your case’s outcome. Here’s why legal representation is essential:
- Expertise in Motorcycle Laws and Claims
California’s motorcycle laws, such as helmet laws and lane-splitting regulations, play a significant role in determining liability. An experienced attorney understands these nuances and how they affect your case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to settle for the lowest amount possible. A skilled attorney advocates for maximum compensation, negotiating on your behalf to cover all your losses.
- Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Collecting accident scene evidence, witness statements, and accident reports is crucial. Lawyers have the resources to handle this process efficiently and accurately.
- Maximizing Compensation
Beyond medical bills, your attorney will work to secure compensation for lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, emotional distress, and other damages. This thorough approach ensures you receive the support necessary to recover.
Arnold Law Firm has a proven track record in motorcycle accident cases, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes. With their expertise, clients can confidently face their recovery, knowing their legal rights are protected.