Personal Injury Lawyers
What is a Motorcycle accident attorney?
A motorcycle accident attorney specializes in helping accident victims who suffered physical, emotional, and financial damages due to the negligent actions of another motorist. These lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in personal injury law, specifically related to motorcycle collisions.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Motorcycle accident?
After your free consultation with one of the experienced legal experts at MVP Accident Attorneys, we will begin working on your case immediately. The first step in this legal process is investigating the motorcycle crash.
Investigating Motorcycle crashes
A motorcycle accident lawyer on our legal team will begin the motorcycling accident investigation by examining factors such as road conditions, weather conditions, traffic signals, and the behavior of the other driver(s) involved.
Gathering Types of Evidence
The next step is gathering and analyzing evidence.Evidence can include:
- Photos of the accident scene, any injuries sustained, damage to the motorcycle
- Photos of skid marks, road debris, potholes, or anything else that may have contributed to the crash
- Consult with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to establish the cause of the accident
- Obtain video footage (If available)
- Review your medical records
- Obtain a copy of the police report (accident report)
- Contact eyewitnesses and obtain statements
- Obtain repair estimates for the motorcycle
Identifying Liable Parties
Motorcycle accidents can involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- The other driver(s) involved
- The government entity responsible for maintaining roadways
- The motorcycle manufacturer or motorcycle parts manufacturer
Our skilled attorneys will explore every possible avenue of compensation and identify all potentially liable parties to ensure they are held accountable for their negligent actions
Negotiating with the Insurance company
Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize payouts. Even if you feel that it’s obvious the other driver was negligent and caused the accident and subsequent damages, you can expect the claims adjuster to fight every step of the way to minimize the settlement amount. At MVP Accident Attorneys, our motorcycle accident lawyers know how to skillfully negotiate with the insurance company to secure the settlement you deserve.
Filing a Personal injury Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer the compensation you’re entitled to, your motorcycle accident lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit and present your case before a judge and jury. An injury attorney will only suggest taking this legal action if they believe that you stand a better chance of receiving the award you deserve in a court of law. While preparing your case for trial, your attorney will continue to negotiate with the claims adjuster. In most cases, insurance companies are more likely to settle out of court than chance wasting time and money on a lengthy trial.
5 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle accident
After a motorcycle accident, it's important to take certain steps to protect your health and your claim.
Here are five essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident:
1. Contact 911 or the Police
If you or another party were injured in the crash, contact 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, if there is extensive vehicle or motorcycle damage involved, it’s always a good idea to contact the police. Law enforcement officers will arrive at the scene of the motorcycle collision and interview all parties involved and witnesses. They will document the details of the accident scene, including any injuries you suffered, motorcycle damage, road and weather conditions, and other relevant information. They will also investigate the crash to determine which party was negligent. This official form can be used by your motorcycle attorney during settlement negotiations and can help you recover the compensation you’re owed for your injuries and other damages.
2. Gather Information
If you or another party were injured in the crash, contact 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, if there is extensive vehicle or motorcycle damage involved, it’s always a good idea to contact the police. Law enforcement officers will arrive at the scene of the motorcycle collision and interview all parties involved and witnesses. They will document the details of the accident scene, including any injuries you suffered, motorcycle damage, road and weather conditions, and other relevant information. They will also investigate the crash to determine which party was negligent. This official form can be used by your motorcycle attorney during settlement negotiations and can help you recover the compensation you’re owed for your injuries and other damages.
3. Document the Scene
Before law enforcement arrives, or after they have left the scene, make sure you write down as many accident details as possible. You should also use the camera on your phone to take photos of the crash site, your injuries, bike damage, damage to the other vehicles involved, road conditions, skid marks, debris on the road, broken or missing traffic signs, and anything that may have contributed to the crash.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you must still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some types of motorcycle accident injuries may not present symptoms for several hours or days following the crash.
Additionally, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a motorcycling crash can strengthen your claim by directly tying your injuries to the collision.
5. Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at MVP Accident Attorneys as soon as possible. Our legal team can meet with you to discuss your case and advise you on the next steps you should take to recover the compensation you deserve.
Negligence Causes of Motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Learning about the common causes of motorcycle collisions can help you stay safe on the road, reducing the risk of accidents. Some of the main causes of bike crashes include lane splitting, lack of motorcycle training, motorcycle stunt riding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, aggressive driving, failure to see the motorcyclist, and other factors.
Failure to See the Motorcyclist
Motorcycles have a smaller profile compared to passenger vehicles. This can make a motorcycle difficult to see, especially in blind spots or at night. Motorists who fail to check their mirrors properly or neglect to shoulder check may not see a motorcyclist, which can result in a crash when the driver turns or changes lanes.
Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
- Traffic congestion
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Sudden lane changes
- Poor motorcycle maintenance
- Faulty motorcycle brakes
Common types of Motorcycle accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be fatal or life-changing.
Common motorcycle crash injuries include:
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Bone fractures
- Leg injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding, internal organ damage
- Crush injuries, loss of limb
- Soft tissue damage (bruises, cuts, lacerations)
The severity of the injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash can depend on the unique circumstances of each accident. Unfortunately, due to the rider’s lack of protection from other vehicles and the road, motorcyclists often sustain severe injuries that can require months or even years of medical treatment.
We’re Here to Maximize Your Compensation
A motorcycle accident lawyer will pursue both economic
and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Motorcycle damage and other personal property damage
- Lost wages
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
An experienced lawyer on our legal team will assess the impact the motorcycle accident has had on your life and fight for fair compensation.
Insurance Companies Unfairly Blame Riders
Insurance companies are often biased against motorcycle riders, blaming the motorcyclist for their reckless, careless riding. Unfortunately, they will try to use these biases against the rider to minimize payout or deny the accident victim’s claim.
An insurance adjuster may claim the motorcyclist:
- Was recklessly lane splitting, which resulted in the collision
- Is an inexperienced rider who did not receive the proper training to operate their motorcycle
- Was not wearing the proper motorcycle safety equipment, including a helmet or other motorcycle personal protective equipment (PPE) which increased the severity of their injuries
An insurance adjuster may claim the motorcyclist:
At MVP Accident Attorneys, our lawyers are familiar with these biases and know how to handle claims adjusters. We will not allow an insurance company to pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer or intimidate you. We will accurately value your claim and negotiate with the insurance company, fighting for the fair compensation you deserve for a motorcycle accident that was not your fault.
Heading to Litigation for Full Compensation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations your attorney may recommend pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Our legal team will prepare the necessary documents, gather additional evidence, and present your case before a judge and jury.
What is the American Motorcyclist Association?
The American Motorcyclist Association is the country's largest motorcycling advocacy organization. The AMA is dedicated to representing the interests of motorcyclists in the United States and has been instrumental in promoting and protecting the rights of motorcyclists since 1924. The organization is actively involved in lobbying efforts to ensure fair and reasonable laws and regulations that impact motorcyclists. Through its Government Relations department, the American Motorcyclist Association works closely with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to address issues such as motorcycle equipment standards, land access, helmet laws, motorcycle noise, and other matters that affect the rights of motorcyclists.
What is the Hurt report?
The Hurt Report is a study written by Professor Harry Hurt about motorcycle safety and motorcycle accidents. The report is titled "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures".
The goal of this study was:
- To understand the common causes of motorcycle crashes
- To identify how to prevent motorcycle accidents in the future
- To determine how to keep riders safe
- To provide insight to law enforcement and policymakers.
The report focused on:
- Rider behavior
- The history of motorcycle design and safety equipment
- Vehicle dynamics
- Roadway factors
The Hurt Report had a major impact on policy development and motorcycle safety. The findings in the report have influenced legislation, resulting in effective motorcycle safety initiatives, while promoting and improving motorcycle training programs and education for riders.
Contact Us Today!
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, contact the leading motorcycle accident law firm in California. At MVP Accident Attorneys, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damaged motorcycle, and other losses.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our motorcycle injury attorneys can fight for your right to a full and fair settlement.
FAQ'S
What are the first steps I should take after a motorcycle accident?
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after my motorcycle accident?
What kind of damages can I claim for after a motorcycle accident?
How much is my motorcycle accident claim likely to be worth?
Will my motorcycle insurance cover all my medical bills from the accident?
How does a lawyer assist in a motorcycle accident case?
Should I accept the first settlement offer from insurance after my motorcycle accident?
How does the process of suing the responsible party in a motorcycle accident work?
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Author
Brett Sachs
Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.
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