Motorcycles are inherently dangerous as they offer much less protection than other vehicles in case of an accident. Many drivers travel on motorcycles every day without incidents, thanks to safe driving. Unfortunately, not every driver is so lucky.
If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries in a motorcycle accident, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to receive financial awards for the expenses of your recovery. An Oakland motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. Call the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at 800-959-1444 for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Laws in Oakland
Perhaps California’s most notable law regarding motorcycles, VEH § 27803, is that all motorcyclists must wear helmets. Although it seems like this should be a law everywhere, not every state requires the use of helmets, although wearing one has saved many lives in accidents.
Motorcycles are bound by the laws that every vehicle must abide by. Unfortunately, many motorcyclists break the law by speeding or driving recklessly, causing accidents. In other cases, motorcycle accidents happen because drivers and other vehicles are not as careful as they need to be.
Since motorcycles have such a small profile, they can be difficult to see, even in the best of circumstances. Extra caution on the road can help drivers avoid accidents with motorcycles and save lives.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Oakland, call 800-924-3113
Common Costs of Motorcycle Accidents
When there is a motorcycle accident, there are always significant costs to deal with afterward. The most prominent financial impact is medical costs. There is a high chance of being injured in a motorcycle accident if you are on the motorcycle or you are hit by a motorcycle. Emergency medical care can be expensive but necessary after an accident occurs.
The next most prominent cost is property damage. In a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle is usually destroyed. Once it loses its balance, it is likely to tumble and over and along the road, ripping itself apart along the way. An impact with a vehicle can also severely damage a motorcycle.
A collision between a motorcycle and a car can do a surprising amount of damage to the car, as well. Motorcycles are heavy and carry a lot of momentum, meaning they can do just as much damage to cars under the right circumstances.
Legal fees are also associated with motorcycle accidents. In many cases, reckless driving can cause an accident. On top of dealing with the medical and property damage costs, reckless drivers will also have legal fines and penalties to deal with. In the severest of cases, it is also possible for reckless drivers to lose their licenses and not be able to work because of it.
Long-term medical care is also a possibility after a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists can suffer debilitating injuries that require physical therapy or other long-term care methods to recover from. It is not unusual for motorcyclists to take an extended break from riding due to severe injuries. In some cases, they cannot return to riding motorcycles because of their injuries.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident you did not cause and are interested in holding the individual who is responsible, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, for a free consultation. You can ask questions and learn more details from a member of our team about how an Oakland motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you with your case.
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Determining Liability
Since there is a stigma of reckless driving associated with motorcycles, a key factor in your case will be determining liability. Police investigate the accident to determine who is responsible for it. If the other party is found to be at fault, they could be held liable for the expenses related to your accident and recovery.
Liability for an accident can also extend to companies based on the ownership of the vehicle that the motorcycle is in an accident with. For example, getting in an accident with a work truck means the company that owns and operates the truck is liable, too.
Even if you are found partially liable for the crash, you could still be eligible for compensation. California state courts use a pure comparative negligence model, which means an injured person can still recover financial awards, even if they are partly to blame for the accident.
If you choose to hire a lawyer in your motorcycle accident case, determining liability is important because it allows an attorney to decide who to file the lawsuit against. This takes extensive research and time for a lawyer to figure out. Filing a lawsuit against the company could make a significant difference in the outcome of the case and how it is handled.
For example, many companies have legal teams to handle their accident cases. If the company’s lawyers offer a settlement, a lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf to make sure it meets your financial needs.
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Seeking Compensation
Since you are the victim in the accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. If you recover compensation, you would have help in covering the expenses the accident caused. This way, you will not have to suffer under a financial strain that was not your fault.
Any expenses related to your accident can be considered for compensation. Most lawsuits include compensation for medical expenses and repairing vehicles, but they can also include other pieces of property damaged in the accident, lost wages, and other expenses.
With the right documentation, a lawyer can also determine how much to ask for in compensation. Documentation includes anything that can be used as evidence to prove that the accident caused your expenses.
Medical records from emergency medical facilities, billing statements or receipts for car repairs, and damaged item lists from a police report are all examples of documentation that can be used to help build your case.
Having a detailed account of your expenses makes it easier for the lawyer to determine how much compensation to seek on your behalf.
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Contact Us to Schedule a No-Risk Consultation
Whether you are driving a motorcycle and get into a traffic crash or you are hit by a motorcycle, accidents can leave you with a lot of problems. Fortunately, civil law gives you the right to seek compensation from the responsible party.
If you or a loved one is healing from motorcycle accident injuries, an Oakland motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build a case and file a lawsuit to seek compensation. Call the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at 800-959-1444, for a free consultation about your case.
Call or text 800-924-3113 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form