Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Riders face unique risks on the road due to the limited protection that motorcycles offer. When a motorcycle collision occurs, victims can be left with devastating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.

At Knapp Moss, we understand the challenges that motorcycle accident victims face in California. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation to help clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle wrecks can be more complex than car accidents. There are unique challenges when proving fault, negotiating with insurance companies, and understanding the nuances of California law regarding motorcycle safety. Here are key reasons why hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential:

• Understanding California Motorcycle Laws: California has specific laws that govern motorcyclists, including helmet requirements and lane splitting regulations. A knowledgeable lawyer will understand these laws and how they impact your case.
• Proving Liability: Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident can be difficult, especially when insurance companies try to shift the blame onto the rider. Your lawyer will gather critical evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to prove the other party’s negligence.
• Maximizing Compensation: Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. An attorney can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often offer low settlements to motorcycle accident victims. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to the negligence of other drivers. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not see a motorcyclist until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
• Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist, resulting in a side-impact or head-on collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a crash. Speeding also increases the severity of the impact, leading to more serious injuries.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes are a significant threat to motorcyclists, who can be easily missed due to their smaller size.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a serious risk to everyone on the road, but motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of protection.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can be dangerous for motorcycles. While some accidents caused by road conditions may not involve another vehicle, the government or entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries because riders lack the protective barrier that cars and trucks provide. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk for serious head injuries. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of motor function. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Due to the impact of a collision, motorcyclists frequently suffer broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Road Rash: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and skids along the pavement, they may suffer severe abrasions known as road rash. In extreme cases, this can lead to infections or require skin grafts.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process. From the moment you hire an attorney, they will take over critical aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Your lawyer will gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. They may also consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish how the crash occurred.
• Handling Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and time-consuming. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement offer.
• Calculating Damages: A motorcycle accident can result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Your lawyer will calculate both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries.
• Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court. This may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve, especially in cases involving severe injuries.

Types of Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of their injuries. Compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes both current and future medical costs, such as emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for long-term injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. In cases of permanent disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering are meant to compensate victims for their reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: You can recover compensation for repairs or the replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of future financial support.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Document the Accident: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
3. File a Police Report: A police report is an essential piece of evidence in a motorcycle accident claim. Be sure to get a copy of the report for your records.
4. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Your attorney will begin investigating your case right away and advise you on the best course of action.

Why Choose Knapp Moss?

At Knapp Moss, we have a deep understanding of California’s motorcycle laws and years of experience representing injured motorcyclists. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation to ensure that you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us unless we win your case.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Contact Knapp Moss today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.