San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

San Bernardino has a rich history of motorcycle riding, and it continues to grow in popularity till this day. As the number of motorcycles on the road tends to be high in this city due to its pleasant climate, riding a motorcycle can bring a feeling of freedom and independence that is hard to give up once you experience it. However, this euphoria often comes at a price for every motorcyclist.

The exposure to high speeds, the lack of visibility from your fellow drivers on the road, and the increased probability of sustaining injuries in an accident are all problematic issues among motorcycle riders. If they happen to get into an accident, then they could likely sustain long-term injuries that could prevent them from riding a motorcycle ever again. With that in mind, if you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to take on your case and represent you during this stressful time in your life. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our team of lawyers are experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims and dealing with insurance companies to ensure our clients get fair compensation for all of their injuries.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to represent our clients to the best of our ability and assure them that all of their damages are financially covered. Whether you have been involved in a minor or a serious motorcycle crash, our motorcycle accident lawyers will look out for your best interests and answer every question or concern you have about your motorcycle accident claim.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

San Bernardino Motorcycle Crash Statistics

The National Safety Council (NSC) has reported in a motorcycle accident report that about 14.6% of all traffic fatalities in 2022 were from motorcycle accidents. Meanwhile in an adjacent motorcycle accident report by the NHTSA, 43% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2021 were alcohol-impaired.

Meaning that the chances of getting into a drunk driving accident while under the influence goes up drastically and is more fatal than driving a car. As motorcycle riders are more susceptible to serious injuries and death in traffic collisions, it is vital for motorcyclists to obey traffic laws and follow the speed limit, or else they risk getting into a fatal accident.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Considering how motorcycle riders are more susceptible to injuries there are many types of injuries they can sustain in a serious accident. However, from what is typically seen in San Bernardino, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and internal injuries are some of the most common types of injuries, So if you have suffered these injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand the differences between them so that you can discuss it with a San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is defined as an impactful bump or jolt to the head. While the severity of head injuries will vary depending on the accident in question, motorcyclists are more likely to get a TBI if they get into a crash without wearing any safety equipment such as helmets.

If you have suffered a TBI, it is important that you seek medical attention because even minor head trauma such as concussions can have serious long-term effects such as cognitive decline and possible loss in motor functions. In some of the most severe cases, TBI victims can suffer drastic consequences that can affect their quality of life such as seizures, comas, and mood swings.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is referred to as the damage that has been inflicted upon the spine and the bundle of nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has classified the spine as one of the most delicate parts of the body due its limited ability to absorb impact and force. Those who have suffered injuries to the spine may potentially face long-term health complications such as paralysis or a drastic loss of motor and internal organ functions.

So it is important for motorcycle accident victims to recover damages in order to pay for the associated medical bills that come with a spinal cord injury because they tend to be very costly. Even experiencing temporary paralysis can become costly to recover from and if you don’t recover quickly, it can affect your earning potential and may result in lost income.

Road Rash

Road rash refers to a type of burn when skin scrapes against a rough surface such as concrete during an accident. It is one of the most common injuries found in motorcycle accidents and while these injuries are not fatal and can be prevented by wearing safety gear, they can cause problems such as infections if proper medical treatment is not applied. So depending on the scale of the accident and how much protective gear you are wearing, the damage and full recovery time vary widely.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are referred to as injuries that happen inside the body due to strong impacts. Internal bleeding, bone fractures, and ruptured organs are all examples of internal injuries and if they are not treated immediately, they could potentially cause other permanent injuries or become fatal. So if you have been in a motorcycle accident and appear to be unharmed, it is important that you seek medical treatment for any severe injury you may or may not have sustained.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

For all personal injury claims, California has a statute of limitation of up to two years of the accident date as per section 335.1 of California’s legislation. If you fail to file a personal injury claim before the two year mark, then you automatically waive your right to pursue compensation and justice for the motorcycle accident.

 

The only exception to this rule would require the plaintiff to either be a minor, in jail, legally insane, living out-of-state, or disabled. As filing a personal injury claim can sometimes be a lengthy process, it is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help speed up the process.

What to Do After After a Motorcycle Accident

Any accident on the road is a traumatic experience for those involved. It’s imperative to take the right actions after an accident in order to create a compelling legal case. So if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is recommended that you find a safe location nearby with the other drivers and call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.

If nobody requires medical attention, then it is best to trade insurance information with those involved in the accident and record as much evidence as possible. This can be in the form of pictures, videos, witness statements, and even a police report.

Once you have collected all of the necessary information and evidence you should file a claim with your insurance company. However, if you are encountering any problems with your claim or believe that the insurance company is trying to devalue your claim then it is best to hire a lawyer to take on your motorcycle accident case to recover compensation for your damages.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident in the city of San Bernardino, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Depending on the severity of an accident, a motorcycle accident victim may suffer catastrophic injuries that could prevent them from filing a personal injury case on their own, in those cases, it is important for victims to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our passionate team of motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to take on your case and fight for you. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our lawyers are well versed in California motorcycle accident laws and are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients, and we will continue to do our duty and give them the best legal representation in the California legal system. As motorcycle crashes and accident claims can become a very taxing experience, our compassionate team of lawyers will be there every step of the way and answer every legal question and concern you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our offices by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.