Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles provide a sense of freedom and excitement when traveling on the road. It comes with fuel efficiency and maneuverability, compelling individuals to invest in one. Although it comes with such benefits, there are some downsides that should not be overlooked. For instance, their small size and lack of protection make riders more vulnerable to serious or fatal motorcycle accidents. Without proper safety features installed, even minor motor vehicle collisions can result in catastrophic outcomes.

If you were involved in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience in the legal field and recovered more than $1.7 billion in settlements on behalf of our clients. Our team strives to go beyond expectations, providing services that are not just dependable, but exceptional.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen due to a mixture of factors, like driver negligence, poor road conditions, and rider behavior. Let’s take a closer look at each one in the sections below.

Lane Splitting

Although lane splitting is legal under California law (CVC 21658.1), it can still be dangerous to perform on the road, and may contribute to motorcycle accidents. This can be due to various reasons, like:

• Drivers making unexpected lane changes
• Traveling within blind spots
• Less space to maneuver between vehicles
• Sudden traffic interruptions

Motorcyclists must exercise due care and ride responsibly to reduce the chances of a collision. If one does occur, liability will vary depending on whether the motorcyclist was cautiously and legally splitting lanes in accordance with the state’s regulations.

Inexperienced Riders

Inexperienced riders lack familiarity with road awareness and the ability to properly handle a motorcycle. With traffic conditions requiring quick decision-making and defensive riding techniques, they will find themselves struggling to make the right moves when responding to abrupt or aggressive situations. This, in turn, will increase their vulnerability.

Driving While Under the Influence

Riding a motorcycle while under the influence is very dangerous and can greatly increase the risk of an accident. Under CVC 23152(a) and (b), it is prohibited to operate such a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or 0.04 percent for commercial motorcyclists. Those who consume harmful substances will experience the following symptoms:

• Reduced reaction time
• Impaired coordination and balance
• Blurry vision
• Drowsiness

In California, a DUI conviction for a motorcyclist may lead to fines, license suspension, or even jail time.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger in a parked car abruptly opens their door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. According to CVC 22517, it is prohibited for an individual to exit out of the vehicle unless they confirm that it is safe to do so and it does not do not obstruct traffic flow.

Left Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents often result from drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, thus neglecting to yield the right-of-way. Since motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to detect, a driver may fail to notice them or will misjudge their speed, leading to a collision. 

CVC 21801(a) requires drivers making left turns to yield the right-of-way to any vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Failing to comply with this regulation will be considered negligence, and the driver may hold accountability if an accident occurs as result of their behavior.

Speeding

Speeding can increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident as it can reduce a cyclist’s reaction to sudden stops. It can also make it difficult to maintain balance and control, especially in areas with curves that will require you to make sharp turns. Speed limits exist for a reason, and it is to ensure cyclists travel at a safe pace. Failing to do this will be in violation of CVC 22350, and is deemed reckless.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris or uneven surfaces, can cause a motorcyclist to lose control, leading to a crash. This particularly applies in cases where an obstacle is encountered unexpectedly or at high speeds. Riders should always remain alert of their surroundings and slow down in hazardous areas.

Mechanical Errors

Common mechanical errors, like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can result in loss of control. For instance, a faulty brake can restrict a motorcycle rider from stopping in time to prevent a collision, and a blown tire can trigger them to lose balance or control. Either of these can ultimately cause motor vehicle collisions.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to minor to severe injuries depending on the intensity of the impact. Some common forms of bodily harm include:

• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries

Wearing adequate protective gear, like a fitted helmet or gloves, can help reduce the risk of serious harm in a collision.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fresno

The actions you take after a motorcycle accident can greatly affect your safety and any legal processes that follow. Be sure to remain calm and consider fulfilling the steps sectioned below to ensure you protect your rights and receive proper care.

Contact the Police

Contact your local law enforcement for immediate assistance. They will arrive at the accident site and conduct a written report. Paramedics will also be present to provide medical care to injured parties.

Exchange Information

Be sure to exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with everyone involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to still get yourself evaluated by a doctor. They will run imaging exams to detect any notable concerns, present the diagnosis, and provide medical treatment options to help with your recovery process. Your results, along with doctor visits, prescriptions, and surgical procedures will be documented and saved on file.

Collect Evidence

Try to gather as much evidence as you can, like:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness information
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Hire a Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you suffered serious injuries as a result of the motorcycle accident or are dealing with complicated liability issues, you can get in touch with our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers for legal assistance. We will explain what options and rights you have available, and will guide you through the claims process to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Fresno?

In Fresno, you will be given two years from the date of when the event occurred to file a motorcycle accident claim. Although it may seem like enough time to pursue legal action, you should act promptly to acquire substantial evidence and an experienced attorney to represent you. If you do not fulfill these tasks in a timely fashion, delays may occur, and will put you at risk of exceeding the statute of limitations. And if that does happen, you will lose your right to secure compensation for the losses you incurred.

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California?

The value of a motorcycle accident will vary on a case-by-case basis due to the unique factors involved. Some of the following are considered when determining and distributing compensation:

• The severity of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the expenses you sustained as a result of the motorcycle crash.

Typically, economic damages and non-economic damages are presented in a personal injury lawsuit. And in rare cases, punitive damages may also be included.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are expenses you endured as a result of the collision, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that are not easily measured in monetary terms, like:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are used to discipline the wrongdoer for exhibiting egregious behavior. This is done to prevent similar conduct from occurring in the future. To receive punitive damages, you will need to provide clear and strong evidence of the defendant being guilty of intentional harm, malice, or fraud.

Reach Out to Our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Legal Assistance

Motorcycle accident victims may file a personal injury claim against the at fault party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno legal team is readily available to defend your rights and advocate on your behalf to ensure we deliver satisfactory results.

To schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Fresno Motorcycle Accident FAQ

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?

The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case will vary based on several factors. Some will take anywhere from a few months to over a year to resolve. Small cases that have clear liability, minor injuries, and cooperation from insurance companies may lead to a quick solution. However, severe situations will take much longer.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A motorcycle accident lawyer can be a vital advocate, providing the guidance and support needed to create a smooth legal process. Insurance companies will typically try to minimize payouts or direct blame onto you, but an experienced attorney will know how to counter these practices. 

They will gather evidence and handle negotiations to secure full compensation on your behalf. If such an offer is not given, they will defend you in court to get you what you deserve. Having such legal representation will give you time to focus on your recovery while they take on any challenging tasks that may arise throughout the duration of the lawsuit.

What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, executing the wrong moves can jeopardize your chances at securing maximum compensation. Here is what you should avoid doing:

• Immediately leave the accident scene
• Admit fault soon after the incident occurs
• Delay medical attention
• Fail to contact the police shortly after the motorcycle crash
• Not gather evidence
• Speak to an insurance adjuster without a lawyer
• Post information about your motorcycle accident on social media
• Delay legal action

By avoiding these errors, you can build a well-constructed personal injury claim and better your chances at acquiring a fair settlement.