Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno

There are many factors that could lead to a motorcycle accident. Awareness of these factors is a step in the right direction in order to avoid a future accident. Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers have compiled a list of some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Speeding

Excessive speed is one of the main reasons for most types of traffic accidents. When driving at higher than recommended speeds, a driver’s ability to spot and react quickly to any potential danger on the road is reduced. It can also lead to serious injury due to the power created by the vehicle’s velocity.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs can be extremely dangerous. In 2020, 27.35% of all motorcycle accidents involved a drunk driver. Alcohol and drugs impair the judgment of even the most skilled riders, thus increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Roads that are not properly maintained, inadequate lighting, inadequate signage, and other factors can increase the risk of vehicle accidents due to a driver’s inability to maintain control. These hazardous road conditions may catch motorcyclists unaware, potentially leading them to make dangerous decisions in reaction.

Distracted Driving

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by a lack of attention on the part of the driver. In fact, most motorcycle crashes occur when drivers are distracted in some way. This makes it essential for motorcyclists to be aware of the dangers associated with this type of accident and take extra precautions when riding.

Lane Splitting

In the United States, lane splitting is explicitly prohibited in all states except California. Some researchers state that this practice can reduce traffic and improve roadway safety. However, there is evidence showing that lane splitting may still lead to accidents, particularly in areas with high levels of congestion.

Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn

Neglectful driving, such as making a turn without checking for an approaching motorcyclist, could lead to a potentially catastrophic head-on collision. In many cases, these incidents are caused by motorists not accurately gauging distances or disregarding right-of-way laws. Driver negligence is often to blame for motorcycle accidents.

Tailgating

Rear-end collisions are often the aftermath of a tailgating accident. When the lead vehicle makes an unexpected stop, motorcyclists behind them can be seriously hurt and incur costly damage to their bikes and themselves from the collision.

Inexperienced Riders

Novice motorcycle riders may be more likely to take risks while operating their bike. Therefore it is essential to teach new riders proper safety techniques and how to drive responsibly. This will help ensure they are aware of road hazards and can make good judgment calls while on the road.

Motorcycle Defects

In the event of an accident resulting from a defective motorcycle part, the manufacturer may be held liable for any personal injuries or financial losses suffered by the victim. To prevent such issues from arising, it is important to maintain your motorcycle in top condition at all times.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to harm in the event of an accident as they lack the protection that drivers and car passengers have. A helmet can provide some protection for the head, however other parts of the body may still sustain severe injuries.

Understanding the types of injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident is essential for obtaining the right medical treatment.

1. Road Rash – Road burns occur as a result of the skin being scraped against a rough surface like asphalt. This is more likely to occur when motorcyclists don’t have appropriate protection from the road’s abrasive surface.
2. Spinal Cord Injury – Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the spine, which can be very painful and lead to partial or total paralysis. Spinal injuries may have a significant impact on a motorcycle accident victim’s life – causing a loss of wages as well as increased medical expenses.
3. Broken Bones – In a motorcycle accident, the most commonly broken bones are typically located in the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones. Treatment for these fractures can include surgical procedures and casting to aid in the healing process.
4. Traumatic Brain Injury – Traumatic brain injuries can result from a sudden, violent bump to the head. Milder symptoms of this injury may include queasiness, disorientation, and loss of balance. More severe effects could include unconsciousness, convulsions, and changes in mood. In California, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without wearing a U.S. DOT-certified helmet.
5. Loss of Limbs – A motorcycle accident may cause injury to limbs. Amputation may be necessary if the limb is crushed or otherwise severely damaged, or severed due to contact with hard surfaces during the collision. In some cases, the extremities may even have to be removed despite attempts at preserving them as intact as possible.

Safety Tips For Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are more at risk of being involved in road accidents than other motorists. Therefore, motorcyclists must take more caution when on the road. The following are some tips motorcyclists must keep in mind while riding.

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear
• Do not go over the speed limit
• Keep an appropriate distance between yourself and other vehicles
• Do not ride while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Do not be overconfident while riding
• Be vigilant for poor road conditions
• Enhance your riding skills in a safe setting
• Conduct regular maintenance checks on your motorcycle

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident due to the actions of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. In order to file a strong claim there are several things you can do to ensure the validity of your claim.

Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers have compiled a list of the following steps one can take after a motorcycle accident:

1. Call the police – Contact the police immediately after the accident. A police officer must be present at the accident scene to file a police report. Remember to procure the report number. Your Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer may use this as evidence in your personal injury claim.
2. Seek medical attention – Regardless of whether or not you only sustained minor visible injuries, you must still get checked by a medical professional. Some internal injuries may not present themselves outwardly. Failure to treat these injuries in a timely manner can cause long-term complications.
3. Document the accident scene – Be sure to take a lot of photographs of the scene of the accident, from various angles and perspectives. Take photos that may be relevant to your cases, such as skid marks, signs, lighting levels, and road surface conditions. Also, remember to photograph any property damage. These photos could potentially serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
4. Collect the information of the at-fault driver – Collect the details of the motor vehicle driver responsible for the accident, including their full name, identification number, phone number, license plate, and if possible, their insurance company information.
5. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney – Do not hesitate to contact Farahi Law Firm’s Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

As the injured party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. These compensatory damages are meant to reimburse personal injury victims from the out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the accident.

You may be eligible for the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Physical therapy
• Physical disability
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• And more

In the event that the accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, this settlement agreement is meant to help the victim’s family with damages such as burial expenses and the like.

It is crucial that during this difficult time you have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side to help guide you through the complex claims process.

An insurance adjuster may take advantage of your vulnerability and cheat you out of a fair settlement by lowering the value of your claim. Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected from insurance companies that wish to trick you.

Expert Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

At Farahi Law Firm, our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to recovering the maximum compensation possible for our clients.

Our team of experienced attorneys, doctors, and case managers will also ensure that you receive the medical help you need and deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis and offer a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win. Contact us today, at (559) 315-1573 for a free initial consultation. Your justice is our cause!