In a recent year, hundreds of people were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in California. Based on historical patterns, most of the injured victims required significant medical treatment. After all, motorcycle accidents are much more harmful on the whole than any other vehicular crash. Sure, some bikers are able to escape serious injury, but the lack of any kind of protection from impact will lead to serious injuries.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are regularly thrown from their bikes in a crash. They either fall off or are ejected over the handlebars. They can be severely injured on impact from the car or contact with the pavement. Here are some common injuries that motorcyclists suffer in accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries (including paralysis)
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Severe fractures
- Death
These injuries could lead to a lengthy rehabilitation, and many motorcyclists are never the same again after their accident. Regardless of how society or insurance companies view you as a motorcyclist, it has no bearing on your legal entitlement to financial compensation when someone else is to blame.
How Drivers Cause Motorcycle Accidents
When you get on your bike, you are a motorcyclist just like anyone else, and drivers owe you a duty of care. They must check their blindspots and respect your right to be in your lane, regardless of whether you are exactly on their eye level. A driver is not allowed to do the following:
- Make an illegal turn and cut you off
- Encroach on your space by tailgating or making an illegal lane change
- Fail to see you by driving distracted
- Lose control of their car by speeding
When a driver does any of these or is just plain careless, they can be found negligent in your accident. This is what gives them a legal obligation to pay you. Then, their auto insurance company ends up handling the claim since they are responsible for paying up to policy limits based on your specific injuries. This is where things can get difficult.
The insurance company could care less about what you and your family are going through. They care only about their bottom line, and they will go to various lengths to protect that. This could include trying to pressure you to give a statement that may harm your claim or lowballing you on a settlement agreement.
When a motorcycle accident attorney promises to protect your rights, that is primarily from the insurance company that is trying to pay you less than you deserve or nothing at all. This is why we fight for you because it often requires a fight to get the money to which you are legally entitled.
Experienced Downey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Downey motorcycle accident, call the Downey personal injury attorneys at The JLF Firm at (888) 341-3071 or message us online. We are standing by to give you a free initial consultation where we will explain your legal options.
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