If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the California motorcycle accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help. We know you’re facing expensive medical bills and a long period of recovery where you can’t work, and that’s why we want to help you get compensation. Fill out a free consultation form to speak with our legal team.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
No matter how safe riders are on their motorcycles, there are still many factors that can lead to crashes on Northern California’s busy roads and scenic highways, such as:
- Inattentive Drivers: The low profile and small size of a motorcycle make it harder for drivers to notice, especially in heavy traffic on I-80 through Sacramento, Highway 99 in Fresno, or the Bay Area’s crowded interstates. Each year, countless motorcycle collisions occur across California when distracted drivers make unsafe turns or lane changes because they fail to see nearby riders.
- Road Hazards: From potholes along rural Sierra Nevada routes to gravel-covered shoulders on winding coastal highways, unsafe road conditions pose a serious threat to motorcyclists. State and local agencies are responsible for maintaining roads in safe condition, yet neglect and weather damage often leave riders exposed to unnecessary risks.
- Poor Communication: Riders frequently travel together in groups across scenic NorCal routes like Highway 49 or Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, but coordination is key. Miscommunication or sudden changes in formation can lead to riders clipping each other’s lanes or colliding, turning a day ride into a dangerous situation.
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Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders compared to occupants in cars. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders are highly vulnerable to traumatic injuries that can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Here are some of the most common injuries that motorcyclists experience in accidents:
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Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, injured motorcyclists may be eligible for compensation to help them recover both financially and emotionally. Here are the main types of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to cover financial losses associated with the accident. These include:
- Medical Bills: Immediate costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and any follow-up appointments
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services to help victims regain function and adapt to any physical limitations
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work during recovery as well as loss of future earning capacity in cases of permanent disability
- Damage to the Motorcycle: Repair or replacement costs for the motorcycle and any damaged gear, such as helmets or protective clothing
Economic damages provide a clear way to quantify financial losses, helping victims manage the significant expenses associated with their recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the emotional and physical suffering victims endure. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort resulting from injuries, including both short-term and chronic pain
- Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of the accident, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges
- Reduced Quality of Life: For victims who can no longer engage in activities they once enjoyed or who experience reduced mobility and independence
Non-economic damages recognize the significant toll a motorcycle accident can take on a victim’s mental and emotional well-being. This compensation is essential for helping victims recover from the personal impacts of their injuries.
By pursuing both economic and non-economic damages, motorcycle accident victims can receive a fair settlement that addresses the full scope of their losses.
Why Compensation Is Crucial for Recovery
The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often severe, and the costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of income can be overwhelming. Compensation helps victims afford necessary medical treatments, support their families, and focus on recovery without added financial stress.
What Are the Helmet Laws in California?
California has a universal helmet law, which means all motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets at all times. Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hundreds of people are killed on motorcycles in California each year, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Although motorcycle riders have helmets and protective riding gear, without the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and the steel frame of a car, riders are at greater risk of suffering serious injuries.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the Bay Area
Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health, strengthen your potential claim, and help secure the compensation you need. Here’s what to do if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in California:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it’s important to get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen if untreated. Medical records from this initial evaluation will also be valuable evidence in your claim, documenting the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Here are some steps you can take to document the accident effectively:
- Take Photos: Capture clear images of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Try to take photos from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view of the scene.
- Collect Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Their statements could be valuable in establishing fault.
- Record Your Injuries: Keep a detailed record of all injuries you experience, both immediately and in the days following the accident. Pain and symptoms can evolve, so it’s essential to document them thoroughly for your claim.
Report the Accident
In California, you’re required to report accidents that result in injury or property damage. Call law enforcement to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police officer will create an official report documenting the accident, which can play an essential role in your personal injury claim.
This report often includes important details about the scene, witnesses, and the officer’s initial observations, helping to establish who was at fault.
Contact a Lawyer
After seeking medical care and documenting the accident, consulting with an attorney should be a top priority. Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your payout.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the claim process. By consulting a lawyer early, you’re more likely to secure the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps after a motorcycle accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights, setting the foundation for a strong claim. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through each stage of the process, so you can focus on recovering while we handle the details.
Where to Get Treatment for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Northern California
Motorcycle crashes can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. Whether your accident happened in the Central Valley, along the Bay Area’s coastal highways, or on Sacramento’s busy interstates, getting the right care fast can make all the difference in your recovery.
Here are several trusted Northern California hospitals equipped to treat riders after a motorcycle accident:
- Community Regional Medical Center (Fresno): As the only Level I trauma center between Los Angeles and Sacramento, Community Regional Medical Center provides advanced emergency care for riders injured on Central Valley highways. The hospital’s trauma team specializes in treating severe orthopedic, head, and internal injuries often sustained in motorcycle crashes.
- Alameda Hospital (Alameda): Located on the island of Alameda, this community hospital offers emergency and acute care services with quick access to specialists throughout the East Bay. It’s a reliable option for injured riders coming from Oakland, Berkeley, or other nearby areas after a crash.
- UC Davis Medical Center (Sacramento): UC Davis Medical Center is Northern California’s top academic hospital and a designated Level I trauma center. It has extensive experience treating motorcycle-related injuries, including fractures, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries, and provides access to long-term rehabilitation programs for recovery.
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (Bay Area): Serving riders throughout San Francisco and surrounding counties, Zuckerberg San Francisco General is the region’s only Level I trauma center. Its emergency team is highly experienced in managing high-impact injuries from urban and coastal motorcycle collisions, offering both acute care and physical therapy support.
You Can Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses focused on protecting their bottom lines, not your best interests. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, having a lawyer on your side can mean the difference between getting the money you need to cover your accident-related costs and leaving money on the table.
Finding the right lawyer isn’t always easy, but we want to help. Don’t take on the insurance companies alone. With our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. Contact us today and get the experienced legal advocate you deserve.
