Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Serious Injuries
| October 22nd, 2018
If you ride a motorcycle, you know how important it is to protect yourself every time you head out on California’s highways and interstates. That includes riding defensively, always being on the lookout for vehicles, and wearing full safety gear, including an industry-approved helmet, riding jacket and pants, gloves, and boots. Taking those steps can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident, but there’s always a chance you’ll be struck by a vehicle. That’s because motorists don’t always look out for motorcycles, especially at intersections or during times of reduced visibility. And while wearing all the gear, all the time can help reduce your chances of suffering serious injuries, the lack of protection and safety features on motorcycles means riders are always vulnerable. Some of the most common serious injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:- Head injuries—Industry-approved motorcycle helmets are designed to significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries or death during crashes. But they can only withstand so much force. When riders are thrown from their bikes or collide with vehicles or other objects, they’re still at risk of suffering debilitating head injuries.
- Spinal injuries—No safety gear can provide adequate protection for riders’ spines during crashes. Everything from the forces generated at the point of collision to impact with the ground can cause permanent spinal injuries that can result in paralysis.
- Skin injuries—Any area of skin that’s exposed during motorcycle crashes can be seriously injured. Road rash is a common and painful complication after motorcycle accidents, and it can leave victims suffering and disfigured.
What Compensation Is Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims?
| July 16th, 2018
When people are involved in car, truck, and SUV accidents, they’re susceptible to suffering serious injuries, but they also have the benefit of protective safety features. Seat belts and airbags—not to mention the frames of their vehicles—help keep them safe and reduce the severity of their injuries. Motorcycles, on the other hand, have no protective features whatsoever. It’s up to riders to protect themselves by wearing full safety gear. But even the most well-equipped riders are still vulnerable to suffering disabling and even life-threatening injuries when they’re involved in crashes with other vehicles. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California motorcycle accident attorneys have helped many riders who were injured through no fault of their own get compensation for their accident-related expenses, which often include:- Medical bills—Motorcyclists often suffer different injuries than drivers and passengers in four-wheeled vehicles. Their injuries often include head trauma/traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and road rash. Those injuries frequently require extensive rehabilitation and even surgery to treat, and victims may need to be hospitalized for long periods of time.
- Lost wages—Because of the severity of motorcycle accident-related injuries, many victims are unable to return to work for weeks, months, or even years. Being out of work can be financially devastating for victims and their families, especially when medical bills start piling up.
Motorcyclists, Watch Out for These Road Hazards
| May 7th, 2018
Damaged roadways or accumulated debris on pavement often represent nothing more than minor annoyances for drivers in most vehicles. But for motorcyclists, even minor asphalt damage or obstacles in their path can significantly increase their risks of being involved in accidents. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California motorcycle accident lawyers know that one of the biggest threats that motorcyclists face is other drivers, and that’s we why fight hard to get riders compensation when they’re hurt by negligent motorists. But we also know that serious and even life-threatening accidents can occur when motorcyclists lose control of their bikes due to environmental factors. The next time you head out on your motorcycle, be sure to watch out for these common hazards:- Potholes—Small potholes may go unnoticed by drivers in cars, trucks, and SUVs, but they can be extremely hazardous to motorcyclists. Unlike large potholes, which may be visible from a long distance away, small potholes are difficult to see until you’re directly in front of them. You can reduce your risks by slowing down and always keeping your eyes focused on the road ahead.
- Gravel—Roads that have fallen into disrepair may become gravel-filled, while other roads may be partially or fully gravel by default. Gravel is dangerous for motorcyclists, as it doesn’t generate as much traction for tires as asphalt or concrete. Be cautious when turning on gravel surfaces, as it’s easy to lose control.
Defensive Riding Tips for Motorcyclists
| January 15th, 2018
Defensive driving is one of the best ways to stay safe and avoid accidents in cars, trucks, and SUVs, but it also applies to motorcycles. In fact, being attentive, cautious, and prepared for accidents is especially important for motorcyclists, as they face huge risks every time they ride near other vehicles. Drivers don’t always look out for motorcyclists, which means many wrecks occur at high speeds. In addition, motorcyclists lack the built-in safety features that other motorists and their passengers enjoy, including airbags and seat belts. Although wearing motorcycle safety gear can help reduce the risk of serious injuries, it can’t eliminate it entirely. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California motorcycle accident lawyers know that motorcycle safety is more than wearing the right gear. You can reduce your risks of being involved in a motorcycle accident by following these tips:- Maximizing visibility – Not being seen by other drivers is one of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents. You can make yourself more easily visible by turning on your headlights, wearing brightly colored clothing and safety gear, and staying out of other vehicles’ blind spots.
- Slowing down at intersections – A huge number of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections and junctions. Drivers are used to watching for other cars, trucks, and SUVs, but they don’t always look for motorcycles. Reduce your speed and watch the movements of other vehicles any time you enter an intersection.
Tips for Finding the Right Motorcycle Helmet
| November 20th, 2017
Because motorcycles don’t have any built-in safety features, it’s up to motorcyclists to wear the right gear to protect themselves. Riding jackets, riding pants, gloves, and boots are all vital pieces of safety equipment, but no piece of gear is as important as a helmet. Riders who wear helmets can significantly reduce their risk of disabling and life-threatening injuries when they’re involved in accidents. As important as helmets are, it’s equally important for riders to find the right helmets. When helmets don’t meet proper standards or don’t fit correctly, they may be less effective during accidents. A few tips to help you find the right helmet include:- Buying a full-face helmet that is snug but not too tight – Full-face helmets include movable face shields. Smaller helmets are much less effective at protecting riders during crashes. Helmets should be snug but not too tight, and riders should never feel excess pressure or tightness when wearing helmets.
- Making sure the helmet is certified – There are three types of motorcycle helmet certification: DOT, ECE 22.05, and Snell. All have different requirements and guidelines, and all are designed to provide high levels of protection during accidents.
- Replacing a helmet immediately if you’re involved in an accident – Helmets are only designed to absorb one major impact. Afterward, their structural integrity is compromised, making them less effective at protecting riders.
Motorcyclists: Beware of Left-Turning Vehicles.
| September 18th, 2017
As a motorcyclist, you face many threats every time you head out on California’s roadways. From potholes and slick roads to speeding drivers and fallen tree limbs, even a leisurely cruise through town can be fraught with peril if you aren’t cautious and committed to safe riding. And while all of those pose significant danger to motorcyclists like you, many riders are unaware of another common cause of deadly accidents: left-turning vehicles. Because drivers are accustomed to looking for other vehicles, they’re more likely to make left turns directly in the path of oncoming motorcyclists than they are in the path of oncoming cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can help protect yourself from these types of accidents by:- Traveling at a safe speed. Riding at or below the speed limit gives you more time to react when a potentially dangerous situation occurs—including times when drivers turn left and cut you off. It’s especially important to reduce your speed as you approach intersections and areas where vehicles frequently cut across multiple lanes of traffic to make left turns.
- Using proper breaking techniques. Not all left-turn motorcycle accidents involve collisions between a vehicle and a motorcycle. Motorcyclists often suffer injuries in these scenarios because they’re forced to apply their brakes to slow down or stop to avoid hitting the vehicle. Proper braking techniques can help keep you upright and off the pavement, even during situations that require an immediate reduction in speed.
Wear the Right Gear to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle.
| August 28th, 2017
It’s always motorcycle weather in the Bay Area, and there’s nothing quite like cruising around the city or along the California coast on two wheels. Whether you ride for pleasure or as your primary method of transportation, safety should always be your top priority. As a motorcyclist, you lack the protection that drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, and SUVs have when they’re involved in collisions. That means it’s up to you to protect yourself in the event of an accident. The best way to reduce your risk of suffering serious and life-threatening injuries is to wear the proper safety gear. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California motorcycle accident lawyers know that riders are safest when they wear:- Approved and certified helmets – Make sure your helmet is full face and approved by DOT or ECE 22.05-certified.
- Riding jackets and pants – Jeans and traditional leather jackets don’t offer enough protection against the open road. Padded riding gear helps reduce your risk of injuries.
- Boots that cover your ankles – Motorcycle boots are designed to protect your toes, feet, and ankles in the event of a crash.
- Gloves – If you’re thrown from your motorcycle, your hands may be the first part of your body to contact the ground. Keep them safe with high-quality, thick, and padded gloves.
Proving Fault in a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident
| June 12th, 2017
Motorcycle accidents are different from other types of accidents. In our experience, it can be harder to prove exactly what took place before the accident, leaving the motorcyclist in a potentially vulnerable situation. That situation is made even worse if the victim decides to deal with the insurance company on their own. If the accident report is hazy as to who is at fault, the insurance company may use it as an excuse to pay little to nothing for the motorcyclist’s injuries. That’s why calling an experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney is so important. Getting what is fair for your motorcycle accident can be extremely difficult on your own. You’ve just been in a traumatic and life-altering motor vehicle wreck. You have a long physical recovery ahead of you, which you need to focus on. Let an attorney handle the insurance company on your behalf so you can deal with what’s most important: getting better. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, call Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We have years of experience helping motorcycle victims in San Francisco get the compensation they deserve, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Contact us today.The One Danger You Can’t Avoid
| March 13th, 2017
There’s nothing like an afternoon ride on a sunny day. Motorcycle enthusiasts understand that better than anyone. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend warrior, it’s hard to match the freedom you feel when shifting from second to third and really letting the engine out. There are always dangers associated with getting out on the road, but you’re a seasoned rider and can weather anything thrown your way except for one—a careless driver. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen the damage a careless driver can do out on the road. That damage is compounded significantly when a motorcycle is involved. Even the safest rider can’t avoid every negligent driver in San Francisco, and if you’ve been hit by one of these drivers, getting the compensation you deserve can be difficult on your own. Even if you are up for a battle with the insurance company, they have the advantage. They’ve processed thousands of motorcycle accident cases. They know how to minimize your claim and make you feel good about it. Don’t fall for it. Call our experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free, no obligation consultation. We know how to determine what your case is truly worth, and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Berg Injury Lawyers today.Making Our Roads Safer for Motorcyclists
| August 8th, 2016
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you probably know of Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), a non-profit organization that exists to create and preserve backcountry dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. They’ve mapped out adventures in more than 10 states and are currently developing a California route. Given the incredible scenery that Northern California has to offer, we would be willing to bet that a good deal of that route will come through our area. Organizations like BDR remind us that the motorcycle community is growing, and with that growth comes new responsibilities for both riders and other drivers on the road. Like BDR, we’re committed to keeping riders safe in the state of California. Whereas BDR does so by creating solid routes and providing detailed information on how to equip yourself for the trip, we protect motorcyclists by holding negligent drivers who injure them accountable. We believe that every motorcycle accident injury claim we handle makes our roads a bit safer for motorcyclists, and we’re proud to do our part. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, give our San Francisco motorcycle attorneys a call for a free consultation. We’ll investigate the cause of your accident and fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so give us a call today and let us put our extensive experience to work for you.
