Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders are passionate about their bikes and the joys of riding them. The feeling of freedom is hard to beat. However, motorcycles offer no protection in a crash, and many drivers do not use appropriate caution around motorcycles on the road. No matter how skilled and careful the rider is, they are vulnerable to sustaining severe injuries.

When a careless or reckless driver causes a crash that leaves you with injuries, you can take legal action against them.

Contact a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer for help pursuing your personal injury claim and obtaining appropriate compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

People often assume that a motorcycle accident is the biker’s fault, but car and truck drivers can also be to blame. There is a phenomenon called inattentional blindness, which means that when a driver is focusing on other cars, they may not see a motorcycle even when it is in their line of sight.

Left-turn Motorcycle Accidents

These happen often when a driver makes a left turn into the path of an oncoming bike with the right of way or makes a wide right turn and cuts off a motorcycle behind them or in the adjacent lane.

Drive Way Motorcycle Accidents

Drivers also sometimes back into motorcycles when they pull out of parking spaces or driveways. Many vehicles have blind spots, and drivers are not always diligent about checking blind spots before changing lanes or merging into traffic.

Proving Negligence in Motorcycle Cases

A Bakersfield attorney representing an injured biker could investigate a motorcycle accident to determine how it happened.

This includes reviewing the police report, looking at crash scene photos, and examining any video evidence available. When they find evidence that a driver or some other party did not use reasonable caution to avoid an accident, they could use that evidence to support a biker’s claim for compensation.

A Rider’s Conduct Can Impact Compensation

When someone (the plaintiff) files a lawsuit seeking compensation from someone else (the defendant) for injuries sustained in an accident.

Ultimately, the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s negligence contributed to the crash. Negligence is failing to use reasonable care to protect others from foreseeable injuries. Violations of the law are proof of negligence, but any indication a driver was careless or reckless could also be evidence of negligence.

Many motorcycle accidents involve negligent conduct by several parties, sometimes including the biker.

Percentage of Fault For Bikers

California law makes everyone responsible for the results of their actions. When a biker is partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, they cannot collect 100 percent of their losses. However, a rider can collect the portion of their losses attributable to others, even when the rider is primarily responsible for the crash.

For example, California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets. If a biker violated that law and sustained head injuries in an accident, a jury might find them partially responsible for their harm.

A Bakersfield attorney could present evidence and persuasive arguments to set the injured biker’s share of the fault as low as possible to ensure they receive appropriate compensation.

Seek Legal Representation Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, and a biker might spend substantial time in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility after a wreck. Although it is essential to focus on recovery, a rider must also consider preserving their legal rights.

Hiring a Bakersfield accident attorney as soon as possible after the motorcycle crash is the best way for a rider to ensure protection.

At CD Law, our legal professionals can handle all communication with other involved parties and their insurers, relieving the rider of that burden. Getting legal representation right away also means the lawyer can begin investigating the crash while evidence is available and witnesses’ memories are clear.

In most cases, an injured person has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Beginning settlement negotiations well before that deadline provides the injured person with more leverage and increases the chances of a favorable result.

Contact a Bakersfield Attorney About Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

When someone else’s careless or reckless conduct results in your injury, you deserve compensation. You should not bear the financial burden of someone else’s mistake or bad behavior.

A Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer from CD Law could take the lead in handling the legal details so you can focus on recovering. Our team prides itself on offering a hands-on, one-on-one experience and always being readily available to our clients.

Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us anything unless we successfully win you compensation. Call today to schedule a consultation.