Fresno, located in California’s Central Valley, is known for its stunning routes, such as Highway 41, and scenic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, which attract numerous motorcycle enthusiasts. However, in these picturesque settings, the risk of motorcycle accidents is significant. The city records an average of 87.3 crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities each year. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the severe impact these collisions can have on motorcycle riders and their families.
If you were injured because of another driver’s negligence, our motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to advocating for you. We won’t give up until you receive the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.
Why Choose Our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?
Our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers provide personalized and skilled legal support when you need it most. Since opening our doors in 1981, we’ve built over four decades of experience.
Our team’s thorough knowledge of Fresno’s traffic laws and safety regulations, including speed limits and motorcycle helmet requirements, ensures qualified legal representation for your case. We can help you navigate California’s pure comparative fault laws to maximize your compensation.
We have a proven track record of high settlements and verdicts for clients, securing more than 60 times the initial insurance offers in some cases! You can trust our fierce advocacy and strategic approach to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident and win you fair damages so you can focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno
In Fresno, there were 68 fatalities and serious injuries in motorcycle crashes in 2023. These tragic collisions often happen due to another driver’s carelessness on the road:
- Many accidents occur when drivers overlook motorcycles or fail to yield, especially at intersections where a vehicle is turning left.
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, often causes drivers to fail to spot motorcycles around them, resulting in collisions.
- Alcohol or drug impairment severely reduces driver reaction times, increasing the risk of collisions with motorcycles.
Types of Injuries in Fresno Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Fresno can lead to serious injuries that significantly affect riders’ lives. These injuries vary from minor to life-altering, and some require extensive long-term care:
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma can result from impacts to the head, potentially causing lasting cognitive effects.
- Spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the area and severity of the damage.
- Broken bones and fractures are common, often affecting the extremities like feet and hands, requiring lengthy recovery periods and limited mobility.
- Whiplash and soft-tissue damage often occur in collisions, causing chronic pain and requiring physical therapy.
Legal Options for Injured Motorcyclists in Fresno
When you meet with an attorney from Berg Injury Lawyers, we can review your legal options for compensation. In Fresno, these can include the following:
- Insurance Claims and Settlement Negotiations: This is usually the first step in seeking financial support after a crash. We help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and negotiate for a settlement covering accident-related costs without the need for a court trial.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: Involves filing a claim in court to seek financial restitution for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with the amount awarded ultimately determined by a judge or jury. It’s often the next step after insurers refuse to settle for a fair amount.
- Wrongful Death Claims: In a fatal motorcycle accident, we walk surviving family members through a wrongful death claim. This allows spouses, children, or parents of the deceased to seek a settlement covering funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Injured Motorcyclists in Fresno
When you choose Berg Injury Lawyers in Fresno for your motorcycle case, we act decisively on your behalf by providing the following services:
- Thorough Investigation and Gathering of Evidence: Our attorneys meticulously gather evidence to build a strong case, which may include police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, expert witness testimony, and accident reconstruction analysis. This ensures we document every detail supporting your claim for a winning case.
- Expertise in Dealing with Insurance Companies: Berg Injury Lawyers has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies in motorcycle accident claims. We know the tactics adjusters use to pressure injured victims into lowball settlements, and how to fight them. We can advocate for your rights effectively, ensuring adjusters don’t mislead you or undervalue your claim.
- Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation Strategies: We use assertive negotiation techniques to pursue the best possible settlement out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be achieved, our skilled lawyers are fully prepared to litigate on your behalf. We fight tirelessly in court to achieve a favorable verdict reflecting your true damages.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Collision in Fresno
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, follow these steps to protect your rights and secure fair compensation:
- Get Medical Care: Visit a hospital or doctor for medical evaluation and care, no matter your level of injury. This ensures proper treatment and provides documentation connecting your injuries to the crash.
- Report the Accident: Inform the police of the crash at the scene, and fill out an SR-1 form within 10 days, as required by California law, if you are injured in the crash. Get a copy of the police report, which may contain an assessment of fault, driver information, or citations that could support your claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Collect and save evidence from the crash site. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Also, request contact details from the other driver and any witnesses who might be able to offer statements for your case.
Call Our Fresno, CA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help Now
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, you shouldn’t have to handle your claim alone. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are here to support you and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
A motorcycle accident can result in injuries that may take a long time to heal, and you may need financial compensation to support yourself during your recovery. Our team is ready to use their expertise to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us anytime for a free, confidential consultation, and let us help you get the recovery award you need to move forward.