Riding a motorcycle can be both a fun and risky experience. Motorcycles lack safety features like seatbelts, airbags, and an enclosed cabin, putting riders in an especially dangerous situation should an accident occur. In the event of an accident, it is a good idea to seek the legal advice of a qualified San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer.
All manners of catastrophic accidents may unfortunately befall motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are at increased risks of hitting stationary objects such as construction obstacles, road signs and other fixed objects. Furthermore, federal statistics show over 40 percent of motorcycle injuries are caused by another motor vehicles attempting to make left turns.
Factors in motorcycle crashes
Factors like alcohol, speeding, and not wearing a helmet often play a part in motorcycle crashes. A seasoned motorcycle attorney should be familiar will these causes. Sometimes, defective motorcycle design, manufacturing, and repair may be the cause, requiring an experienced legal mind with proper investigative skills to ascertain the reason for the accident.
Common motorcycle injuries include road rash, contusions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. A professional attorney can help compile medical records, handle insurance claims, and provide guidance to injury victims about their injuries. Motorcycle accident victims should always seek immediate medical treatment and follow doctor’s orders about their medical care.
Sadly, over 5,000 motorcyclists are killed in the U.S. every year. In cases of serious injury or death, victims and their families often wonder where to turn. Medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional pain and suffering can take a toll on victims at a time when healing should be the top priority.
San Francisco motorcycle insurance laws
In the event of a motorcycle crash, if the other driver is deemed at fault the injured motorcyclist may be eligible to collect compensation for his or her injuries. Auto insurance companies are responsible to pay claims on behalf of the drivers they represent and an experienced San Francisco motorcycle attorney will be able to help navigate the complex legal system.
While California law requires drivers to carry insurance in case of an accident involving bodily harm or property damage, the insurance companies do not always have the best intentions of the injured victim at heart. Powerful insurance companies have a reputation for putting profits before people, often attempting to pay settlements below what victims feel their claims are worth.
Find a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer
Attorneys understand these pitfalls and can help aggressively advocate for the rights of injured motorcyclists by sending demand letters to insurance companies, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and filing motorcycle injury lawsuits if necessary. The law gives injured motorcyclists the right to seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable.
To find out if you have a motorcycle accident claim, contact a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney for a consultation about your case. California motorcycle accident victims must meet strict time deadlines when filing claims so please contact an attorney at your earliest convenience and discuss your legal options.