Barstow Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Contact a Barstow Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

California is a popular state for riding motorcycles. But such popularity comes with a price in terms of safety. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are “overrepresented” when it comes to fatal traffic accidents. Indeed, nearly 5,600 motorcyclists nationwide lost their lives in 2020 due to an accident.

Although motorcycles are often associated with “outlaw” behavior, the reality is that most accidents are caused by the reckless acts of others on the road, including car and truck drivers and even other motorcyclists. And even a non-fatal accident can leave a motorcyclist with catastrophic injuries. If you, or someone in your family, is in this position and you want to seek compensation from the negligent parties, the Barstow motorcycle accident lawyers at the Heidari Law Group are here to help.

How Can Negligence Cause a Motorcycle Accident?

Every motorcyclist understands that there is some degree of risk in riding their bike on public roads. After all, a motorcycle offers none of the protection of a car or truck in the event of a collision. And even when motorcyclists wear helmets and other safety gear, that is not an absolute guarantee they will walk away from an accident without injury.

As far as the law is concerned, motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver on the road. This means those other drivers need to act reasonably and safely when driving alongside or behind motorcycles. A reckless or negligent act by another driver can easily lead to a serious accident for the motorcyclist.

Some of the more common acts of driver negligence that can lead to a motorcycle accident include:

• A driver suddenly pulls directly in front of a motorcycle, giving the motorcyclist no time to react to avoid a collision.
• A driver recklessly merges into the motorcyclist’s lane.
• A driver is “tailgating” a motorcycle, i.e., the motorist fails to keep a proper distance.

There are other non-driver factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident as well. For example, if a city or county fails to properly maintain its roads, uneven road conditions or hazards can lead to an accident. A defective part in the motorcycle itself may also fail at a key moment. In these cases a public authority or private company may be legally responsible for a motorcyclist’s injuries.

Assessing Your Damages Following a Motorcycle Accident

Anytime you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention, even if you think you “feel fine” and can get up and walk away from the scene. There are too many cases of accident injuries not immediately manifesting themselves. And the sooner you seek documentation and treatment for your injuries, the stronger your case will be if you need to seek compensation from the negligent parties.

Aside from the most serious consequence–death–motorcycle accidents frequently cause the following serious injuries:

• broken bones and joints;
• traumatic brain injuries (i.e., concussions);
• road rash;
• scarring and facial disfigurement;
• internal bleeding;
• eye and hearing damage;
• neck and spinal injuries; and
• nerve damage.

Recovery from a motorcycle accident can take months–in some cases even years–during which time you may not be able to work or resume your normal activities. Such losses are key factors in determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive from the negligent parties that caused your accident. And in cases where you have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek special damages by filing a wrongful death claim.

Nearby Heidari Law Locations

• Orange County Lawyers
• Anaheim Lawyers
• Cypress Lawyers
• Fullerton Lawyers
• La Habra Lawyers
• Santa Ana Lawyers