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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle ownership is at an all-time high. As more motorcyclists have taken to the road, rider fatalities have grown even more rapidly, especially compared to cars. This has spurred nearly all states to implement some form of helmet law. California is one of 19 states that has instituted a universal helmet law requiring all riders to wear helmets. The purpose of helmet laws is to try to limit the severity of injuries resulting … [Read more...]
How Do You Prove Liability for a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you incur as a result of the crash. As long as someone else was to blame, you can file a third-party claim in pursuit of medical bills, lost income, property repairs or replacement, and other damages caused by the wreck. For your claim to yield a payout, though, you’re going to have to present sufficient evidence of liability. While the kinds of evidence you’ll need will depend on the … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Claims
There are all sorts of scenarios that can lead to a motorcycle accident, but one of the most common is when a passenger-vehicle driver is turning left at an intersection and hits a motorcyclist who is traveling straight. Due to their small structure, motorcycles are more difficult to notice than typical cars, trucks, and SUVs—and the widespread prevalence of distracted driving certainly hasn’t helped matters. If you were hit by a motorist who failed to yield the right of way, you may be … [Read more...]
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in California
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you have the right to seek compensation for the resulting damages from all liable parties. While putting together a claim may be the last thing on your mind when recovering from serious injuries, it is essential that you act fast. Should the opposing party refuse to pay a fair settlement, you may have no choice but to file a lawsuit, but you have a limited amount of time in which to do so. In California, the standard … [Read more...]
6 FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
Although it’s fairly easy to hear motorcycles in traffic, it’s hard to see them. And since the average driver isn’t listening for hazards but, rather, looking for them, riders are incredibly vulnerable to motorcycle accidents — especially when other drivers fail to exercise reasonable care. To exercise reasonable care means to follow the speed limit, abide by all applicable traffic laws, and generally drive in a predictable manner. It also means checking for motorcyclists before changing … [Read more...]
Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim If I Was Lane Splitting?
There’s no law in California that explicitly prohibits or allows lane splitting on a motorcycle, yet insurance companies may still argue that riders who lane split are negligent. When a rider is found partially liable for an accident, the final settlement or verdict is reduced by his or her own percentage of fault. Fortunately, there are several arguments an attorney can make to overcome such a dispute, and it may be possible for a rider who was lane splitting to recover compensation for 100 … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Cars: 10 Tips for Injury Claimants
You’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash. Now what? No doubt you have a lot of questions about the claims process: how to file when to contact the insurance company, and what evidence to provide. It’s natural to feel confused and even overwhelmed, especially if your financial security is at stake. But with the right approach, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move on with life. Below are a few tips to keep in mind after being injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
There’s no easy way to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. Feelings of depression and guilt can consume your life and make every day feel like a struggle. You may also be facing medical bills, funeral costs, and lost financial support if the deceased was a primary source of family income. If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident and you intend to file a wrongful death claim, you can expect the insurance company or opposing party to do everything in their power to … [Read more...]
Umbrella Coverage: A Potential Source of Recovery in Tort Claims
Recovering a fair settlement after a serious injury or wrongful death is a tricky process that may involve several insurance policies. Ideally, the person or entity that caused your injury or loss will have liability insurance that covers such scenarios, whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, product defect, etc. In addition to auto, home, and renter’s insurance, some defendants have umbrella coverage. This is extra liability insurance that will kick in if the policyholder is held … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Riders Can Be Awarded Damages When They Don’t Wear Helmets
Motorcycle riders must be more vigilant about safety than vehicle drivers. Despite motorcycles having the same rights and responsibilities as passenger vehicles, a motorcyclist seems to have a heightened responsibility to prevent a motorcycle accident. This is an unfair burden, especially since vehicles cause most collisions between cars and motorcycles. Why Do Cars Hit Motorcycles? The main reason cars cause motorcycle accidents is that drivers don’t see the motorcycles. Most passenger vehicle … [Read more...]