Know Your Legal Options After A Motorcycle Accident
The Weinberger Law Firm represents victims who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. We do not represent the insurance companies. The legal team at our firm have a well-earned reputation for providing aggressive and high-quality representation to clients who have suffered motorcycle accident injuries in Sacramento and surrounding areas.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic, incapacitating injuries to victims. As a result of your injuries, you may be unable to work or perform routine daily tasks without assistance.
Damages from a motorcycle accident may include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death compensation (if a loved one has died)
- Cost of medical assistance devices such as canes and wheelchairs
An experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer at The Weinberger Law Firm can guide you through this complicated legal maze.
The Insurance Company Is Not On Your Side
Most of the time motorcycle injury claims will be covered by the auto insurance of the person who caused the accident. However, just because you were injured and deserve to be made whole does not mean the insurance company is going to gladly give you any money. Insurance is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Insurance companies are in the business of making money (by taking in premiums) and holding on to it as long as possible.
Insurance companies do not like to pay claims, because that takes cash out of their pockets. Therefore, in the interest of corporate profits, insurance companies carefully scrutinize each and every claim and try to pay as little as possible.
The insurance companies are not on your side. We know the law, and our lawyer has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases throughout California.
How Negligent Drivers Cause Motorcycle Accidents
Contrary to popular belief, many motorcycle accidents are not caused by motorcyclists themselves, but by other motorists on the roads. Motorists have a duty to share the road with motorcyclists and take special care when motorcyclists are nearby to minimize the risk of collisions. Unfortunately, drivers regularly breach this duty to devastating results.
Some of the most common negligent acts that lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Opening car doors into the path of motorcyclists
- Turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles at intersections
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Motorcycle Helmet Laws In California
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets federal standards. Helmets have been proven to be effective at preventing fatal injuries in the event of a collision; in fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the risk of suffering a head injury in a motorcycle accident decreases by 69% in states where helmet use is mandatory for riders and passengers.
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is not only the law, but it can also have an impact on your ability to recover compensation for your injuries in the event of an accident. California’s comparative fault laws dictate that an injured person’s recoverable damages may be reduced by a proportion equal to their percentage of fault. Insurance companies understand these laws well and will likely use this knowledge to minimize your potential settlement. A skilled attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and fight to maximize your eligible recovery.
Know Your Legal Options After A Serious Scooter Or Moped Accident
Mopeds and scooters have become increasingly popular, both as modes of transportation and as recreational vehicles. They’re smaller and more fuel-efficient than motorcycles. In some ways, they’re easier to operate than a motorcycle, particularly for beginners.
Nonetheless, scooters and mopeds can be just as dangerous – if not more so – than motorcycles. Because they’re so small, they’re harder for drivers to see. Riding at night can be especially dangerous for this reason.
Why Do Motorcycle, Moped And Scooter Accidents Happen?
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the vast majority of accidents involving mopeds, scooters and motorcycles happen in intersections. A driver might not see you and turn left directly in your path. Other common collision scenarios involve:
- Getting sideswiped by a driver who fails to check his or her blind spots
- Getting rear-ended by a vehicle that’s following too closely
- Getting struck at an intersection by a vehicle that fails to stop
- Bad weather conditions or poor road design can increase the chances of a collision.
These are just a few of the many common ways scooter and moped drivers can be injured.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Motorcycle accidents can not only cause severe property damage but can change your life in many ways. Whether you suffered a catastrophic and life-altering injury or accrued high amounts of medical bills, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait to speak to our skilled motorcycle lawyers who are ready to help you get your life back.
Call 916-304-0952 today for a free consultation with our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer regarding your injury case.