Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Motorcycle Accidents
Q. How many bikers are injured each year in a motorcycle accident?
A. As many as 70,000 bikers are injured each year, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Several thousand bikers die every year in motorcycle accidents.
Q. What are the causes of a motorcycle accident?
A. According to the NHTSA, some of the most common causes of a motorcycle accident are:
- Driver inattentiveness
- Driving under the influence
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding excessively
- Bad weather
- Malfunctioning or defective motorcycle parts
- Dangerous road conditions
- Construction debris.
Q. What kind of injuries can a biker suffer after a motorcycle accident?
A. Bikers have nothing else but their helmet and protective clothing to shield them from an impact and are frequently treated for some of the most severe accident injuries. Head injury, brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken hips, broken legs, broken arms, lacerations, cuts, burns, road rash, amputation (limb loss), dislocation and infection are among the many injuries a biker can suffer from.
Q. Who is responsible for a biker’s injuries in a motorcycle accident?
A. When a motorcycle accident is caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a motor vehicle driver, they may be liable for financial compensation. If a defective motorcycle part is found to be the cause of an accident, a bike manufacturer could be held responsible and if a dangerous road condition is found to be the cause, a city, state or federal government agency may be financially liable. In a limited amount of cases, a third party, such as a tavern, bar or restaurant, may be responsible if they knowingly served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who later caused a motorcycle accident.
Q. Who can file a motorcycle accident personal injury claim?
A. The motorcycle accident victim may be eligible to file a personal injury claim if they have sustained an injury because of the accident and have suffered a monetary loss because of the injury. A biker must also not be at fault for the motorcycle accident in order to file a personal injury claim. In situations where the biker has died, the deceased’s family members or loved ones may file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Q. Should there be an investigation of my motorcycle accident case?
A. Yes, a prompt and thorough investigation of a motorcycle accident case should be done to ensure that vital information pertaining to the accident is documented and preserved. A skilled California motorcycle accident attorney can use this information to protect the motorcyclist’s rights and determine who is liable for the motorcycle accident.
Q. Can I still file a lawsuit against the driver that hit me if I didn’t have insurance at the time of the accident?
A. Motorcycle riders should always carry insurance. However, if a biker did not have insurance at the time of the motorcycle accident, this does not inhibit them from filing a lawsuit against the negligent or reckless parties responsible for their injuries.
Q. What kind of help will a lawyer offer me?
A. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will head up an accident investigation, interview eyewitnesses, consult with accident experts, review medical records and police reports, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. The California motorcycle accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger prepare every case for trial and have a built a reputation as experienced litigation lawyers. Our attorneys will not hesitate to take the case to trial if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached out of court.
Q. Does it cost anything to talk to an attorney?
A. If you call the California motorcycle accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger there is no fee to review your case. Our knowledgeable attorneys will answer any questions you have about your injuries and help you determine what the best course of legal action is. Call (800) 890-6722 as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can meet you at your home, hospital or office. We never charge any legal fees unless we recover money for your case.
