California Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Michael Rehm
Call (800) 978-0754 – Free Consultations
For most motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle is a rewarding experience, offering both a feeling of freedom and an unparalleled view of the world around us. Unfortunately, this reward comes with significant risks.
The same unrestricted perspective that allows a motorcyclist to enjoy beautiful scenery from a unique viewpoint also makes them vulnerable to serious injury. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, every year there are approximately 5,000 motorcyclists killed and 90,000 injured across the nation.
Motorcycle Accidents in California
California has as many as 800,000 registered motorcycles, the most in the nation. With this many bikes on the streets, it is no wonder that California is one of the states with the most motorcycle accidents annually.
The most recent data from California's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that in 2014, approximately 12,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents on California roads and approximately 500 were killed.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When motorcycle accidents do occur, the injuries can be significant. Riders involved in a motorcycle accident often suffer:
- Road Rash
- Strained muscles and joints
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain Injuries
What's more, government statistics show that there are thirty-five times more deaths from motorcycle accidents than from car accidents.
It is not uncommon for the drivers and passengers involved in minor car accidents to escape without injury. But, while they are not as frequent as automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to result in serious injuries or death, even in minor collisions.
In fact, motorcyclists suffer injuries in more than 95% of all motorcycle accidents. Moreover, though most motorcycle accidents in traffic occur at under 30 mph, they have a high rate of fatalities due to head trauma.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are as follows:
- Inexperienced riders
- Speeding
- Bad road conditions
- Inattentive drivers of passenger vehicles
- Failure on the part passenger vehicles to see motorcyclists
- Failure on the part passenger vehicles to properly yield to motorcyclists
Most motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a passenger vehicle. In fact, a University of Southern California study concluded that 3/4 of motorcycle accidents involved another passenger vehicle. In 2/3 of those, the automobile driver was at fault.
Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in California
The injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can require significant medical treatment and long recovery periods. Moreover, the costs associated with these injuries can be tremendous.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another, you may be entitled to recover the following damages:
- The cost of your medical treatment and care
- The cost to repair or replace your bike
- Compensation for lost wages and earnings (past and future)
- Compensation for pain and suffering, and more
But, as it is with all accident injury claims, in order to recover damages after a motorcycle accident, there are certain issues that you will need to address. How you address these issues can have a huge impact on the success of your claim and the amount of compensation you ultimately receive.
How a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you speak with a motorcycle accident attorney.
There is, unfortunately, a public perception of bikers as lawless and reckless individuals. Our office knows that perception is not true, but this does not mean that an insurance company won't use this image against you.
One way to avoid this and to ensure that you are treated fairly is to be represented by a reputable attorney. Work with a motorcycle accident attorney, like Michael Rehm, who has experience negotiating motorcycle accident cases.
A good motorcycle accident attorney will know how to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Our Law Office Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, don't let an insurance company bully you into accepting a settlement that does not cover 100% of your current losses and your long-term financial needs.
Contact our law office at (800) 978-0754 to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. Let us discuss how we can protect your rights and ensure that you are compensated fairly for your injuries and losses. Call today!
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