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Motorcycle Accidents
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in southern California? Was your bike damaged? If so, it is important to contact an Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your situation and determine your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about what is right for you.
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, the extent of which may not be apparent to you up front. Avoid making rash insurance settlements that may not ultimately provide for your financial future or that of your family and contact an experienced accident attorney to help you handle the situation. En Español.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycle accident injuries often result in greater injuries because riders are far less protected than those in motor vehicles, motorcycles weigh much less than most cars and trucks (several hundred pounds versus several thousand pounds, respectively), and many motor vehicle operators simply do not pay as much attention to bikers as they should.
Whether the latter is the result of texting while driving, failing to follow traffic signals, or simply misjudging a bike’s location, one thing is certain – injured bikers may be entitled to compensation under California law.
Determining Fault
California follows comparative negligence law which allows injured victims to recover damages even if they were partially negligent. However, their damages will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault and they cannot collect anything if that percentage of fault is 50 percent or more.
It is important to remember that while other drivers may be fully, or partially, responsible for motorcycle accident injuries, those who fail to properly maintain roadways or manufacture defective car parts may also be possible defendants in a lawsuit if they were negligent.
Hiring an experienced Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer who will investigate the accident thoroughly, act as an advocate, and negotiate with insurance companies, can make a big difference when it comes to damages and settlement offers.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries to the brain, spinal cord, back, neck, and torso. Even the most protected bikers can suffer catastrophic injuries when accidents occur at high speeds. Fortunately, California law allows for both economic and non-economic damages to compensate victims for their losses.
Economic damages include those which are generally easier to calculate, such as medical and hospital bills, lost income and wages, and damages to bikes. Non-economic damages are more subjective in nature and may include physical pain and suffering, emotional pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and others which are more subjective in nature.
In addition, anyone whose loved one has died in a motorcycle fatality may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on the deceased’s behalf. An Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer can explain the process and determine what types of legal action might be appropriate for different situations. However, keep in mind that California’s statute of limitations generally allows only two years in which to file a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit.
Rely on the Expertise of an Escondido Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in southern California, rely on the expertise of an Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer to determine the types of compensation you may be entitled to and to stand up for your rights against insurance company lawyers and claims adjusters.
Remember that most insurance companies would rather pay out a quick, low-ball insurance settlement before victims contact an attorney. Do not let that happen to you. Get the facts before signing on any dotted line.