Santa Clara Motorcycle Accident Lawyers CA

Most Common Reasons for a Motorcycle Accident

As previously mentioned, motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on California roads. Motorists and motorcyclists are always encouraged to be vigilant when out riding. It is good to be aware of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents to be able to avoid these incidents.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

Lane Splitting 

California remains the lone state to allow lane splitting. Some researchers and motorcycle experts believe that lane splitting reduces traffic and can help improve roadway safety. Unfortunately, there is some proof that lane-splitting causes traffic collisions in particularly congested areas. More lives are at risk due to lane-splitting. 

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

The dangers of turning left at an intersection are often overlooked by drivers who fail to notice the approach of motorcycles, eventually leading to a head-on collision. The most common reasons for riders to get into an accident while making left turns are right-of-way violations, distance misjudgments, or driver negligence.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions. At higher speeds, a motorcyclist will have less time to react and therefore be much more susceptible to an accident or injury. The faster a motorcyclist drives, the greater the force of the impact.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Motorcyclists and motorists alike should never be on the road when intoxicated. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can greatly affect one’s judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. The NSC reports that 27.35% of fatal accidents that involve a motorcyclist were caused by an alcohol-impaired driver. These kinds of accidents can cause accident victims to sustain catastrophic injuries. 

Distracted Driving

Drivers who are distracted by their phones or are eating will only have their divided attention focused on the road. Because of this, they fail to notice other motorists on the road, especially motorists who are much faster and smaller in size. Because of this, it is much easier for distracted drivers to collide with motorists and cause an accident. 

Tailgating

Tailgating is when a vehicle or motorcycle travels too closely behind another vehicle. If a motorcyclist follows too closely behind a car, they are prone to sustaining severe injuries if the car driver makes an abrupt stop. 

Weaving In and Out of Traffic

The failure of drivers or motorcyclists to send signals before changing lanes is one of the most common reasons for motorcycle collisions. When weaving between vehicles, it can be difficult not only to see other cars but also to avoid them when they change direction or speed unexpectedly.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Uneven roads, lack of signs and signals, potholes, and more are poor road conditions that can greatly endanger a motorcyclist while on the road. If you have sustained an injury due to poor road conditions you may file a motorcycle crash claim against the local, state, or federal government agency responsible for maintaining the road.

Motorcycle Defects

Motorcyclists are encouraged to always ensure their motorcycles are properly maintained before heading out on a ride. But despite the frequent upkeep, sometimes faulty manufacturing or defective products can lead to devastating accidents and injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a faulty part, the manufacturer may be held liable for your damages. 

Inexperienced Riders

New riders or drivers tend to make risky decisions while on the road due to inexperience. All drivers must be taught the rules and safety measures to take when on the road. 

Common Injuries In Motorcycle Accidents

Due to a lack of ample protection, motorcyclists are prone to sustaining physical injuries when involved in an accident. These injuries can drastically change the quality of life of the motorcycle accident victim. The manner of the accident may also directly affect the type of injury one may sustain in an accident. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones/fractures
• Lacerations
• Burns/road rash
• Loss of limb 

Tips For Safe Motorcycle Riding

Motorcycling can be extremely fun and thrilling, especially for those who love the feeling of freedom and speed. But despite these evident pros, much like anything else, riding a motorcycle also comes with cons. One of these cons is its poor safety features. 

In an effort to help keep motorcycle enthusiasts safer while on the road, we have compiled a list of some tips to be safer while out riding:

• Always wear properly fitted protective gear (eye protection, helmet, gloves, etc.)
• Maintain enough distance between you and the vehicle in front
• Never drive while intoxicated
• Be wary of road hazards
• Be extra cautious when making turns or at a traffic light
• Do not go over the speed limit
• Always follow traffic rules
• Develop good riding skills through proper training
• Conduct regular checkups and ensure that your motorcycle is in good condition

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be terrifying and cause emotional distress. If you ever find yourself an accident injury victim in a motorcycle accident and wish to file a claim, there are some steps that you may take immediately after to ensure the validity and integrity of your motorcycle accident claim. 

1. Contact the police – A police officer must be at the accident scene immediately after the accident. Make sure that the officer files a police report of the incident and procure a number of the report so you may request a copy in the future. This report may be used as evidence by your personal injury lawyer to help add weight to your claim. 
2. Seek medical care – It is important that you seek medical treatment immediately after the accident. Regardless of whether or not you feel that you may have only sustained minor injuries, it is still crucial that you get a full assessment from a medical professional. Some injuries may not present themselves outwardly, a full assessment will ensure that you do not have any internal bleeding or organ damage.

3. Document the accident scene – As much as possible, take as many pictures of the scene as you can. Photograph information you feel is important, such as skid marks, signages or signals, road conditions, property damage, and more. 

4. Gather the information of the negligent driver – Collect their full name, contact information, license number, license plate number, and if possible, their insurance company information.

5. Gather information on any witnesses – If there were any witnesses present at the time of the accident, collect their information as well. 

6. Document your injuries – Photograph your accident injuries immediately after the accident and during the healing process.

7. Contact a Santa Clara motorcycle accident lawyer – The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Farahi Law Firm will know the best way to handle the complexities of your case. We will also fight to recover the monetary compensation you need and deserve. 

Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims

Victims of motorcycle accidents are within their legal rights to file a claim against the negligent party that caused their injuries and damages. At Farahi Law Firm, our Santa Clara motorcycle accident lawyers have years of legal experience fighting to recover the maximum compensation possible for our clients. As the injured party, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical bills
• Future medical costs
• Property damage
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment
• And more

If your loved one’s wrongful death was caused by the negligent actions of an at-fault party, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for their injuries and damages. 

During this difficult time, it is in your best interest to seek out the legal services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. During the difficult claims process, insurance adjusters may try to trick you into lowering the value of your claim, in order to avoid rewarding you with a fair settlement offer. 

The Santa Clara motorcycle accident lawyers at Farahi Law Firm will ensure that your rights are protected from these lowball tactics. 

Experienced Santa Clara Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the careless actions of another party, you should not suffer in silence. You must take legal action against the party responsible. 

Our trusted team of lawyers, doctors, and case handlers is here for you. Not only will we handle the complex paperwork of your case, but we will also put you in touch with the best doctors. You can focus solely on your recovery while we handle the claims process. 

We are committed to winning. We will fight tooth and nail to recover the rightful compensation you deserve. We have won millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of patients. 

Contact Farahi Law Firm at (408) 715-3296 today for a free case consultation. We are available 24/7.