Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Dedicated to serving the community of San Joaquin Valley, the Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer strive to ensure that injured riders and their families obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating outcomes, often involving severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial strains. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers by completing this online form or calling our Fresno office at (559) 900-3076.

Why Injured Motorcyclists Cannot Risk Bypassing Legal Representation

The legal process to recover damages in an accident is not only complex, but it can be extremely overwhelming–especially for those still coping with severe injuries and emotional distress. Additionally, insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented accident victims, affecting their ability to recover fair compensation.

This is why working with an experienced Fresno motorcycle accident attorney is crucial. A dedicated legal team will provide invaluable support by:

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Evidence can be collected during the investigation. This may include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony. This evidence helps establish liability and strengthens the insurance claim.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

To achieve the highest possible compensation, Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers manage negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring only a fair settlement offer is accepted. Insurance adjusters typically undervalue claim values to convince victims to accept insufficient settlements.

Evaluating and Calculating Damages

Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can accurately evaluate the total cost of all damages, including severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, lost wages or reduced earning capacity due to an inability to work, and pain and suffering.

Litigating the Case

If necessary, a motorcycle accident attorney can file a lawsuit and present the personal injury case in court to recover maximum compensation. This includes presenting compelling evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and delivering persuasive arguments before a judge and jury.

California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to serious accidents due to their lack of protection than car drivers. This is particularly problematic around negligent drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 4 times more likely to be injured.

Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reveals that Fresno County is 21st  out of the 58 counties in California with the highest rate of fatal and injury traffic accidents.

Serious Injuries Suffered in a Motorcycle Accident

Common motorcycle accident injuries often include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, head and neck injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations, road rash, and fatal injuries.

The financial and emotional impact on victims and their families can be significant due to the extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation that is often required for these common injuries.

Ultimately, the severity of a motorcycle crash will determine the extent of the motorcycle accident injuries. Regardless of how serious the injury may appear, all medical expenses for treatment should be fully compensated through a motorcycle accident lawsuit or claim.

Injured Fresno motorcyclists should keep copies of all medical records and other pertinent documentation to ensure they receive financial compensation. These documents will be crucial in proving damages during legal proceedings. A personal injury lawyer can provide more information and specific instructions regarding the necessary documentation.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno, CA

Motorcycle accidents can occur in various forms, including single-vehicle crashes or multi-vehicle collisions. Common types of Fresno motorcycle accidents include: 

• Head-on Collisions: When a motor vehicle collides head-on with a motorcycle
• Highside Accident: When the motorcycle loses traction, then abruptly regains it, sending the rider off the bike
• Left-turn Collisions: When a motor vehicle turning left collides with an oncoming motorcycle
• Lowside Accident: When the motorcycle loses traction, causing the bike to fall and slide across the road
• Rear-end Collisions: When a motor vehicle strikes the back of a motorcycle
• Side Impact: When a motor vehicle strikes the side of the motorcycle
• Topside Accident: When the rider or motorcycle is directly impacted by another motor vehicle or object

A Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims of these accidents recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno, CA

It’s apparent that there are clear, imminent dangers that come with riding a motorcycle. What may be surprising is that many of these accidents are caused by negligent drivers. The most common causes of Fresno motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Distracted Driving: Actions that divert attention from driving include eating, talking to passengers, applying makeup, texting, or engaging in other activities
• Dooring: When a car driver unexpectedly opens a car door to an approaching motorcyclist before checking it is safe to do so
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (illegal or prescribed)
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Unrepaired or failure to maintain broken traffic lights, potholes, debris, or uneven pavement
• Lane-splitting Accidents: When a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic and is struck by a vehicle that unexpectedly changes lanes
• Left-Turn Accidents: Car drivers turning left onto oncoming traffic and misjudging the speed or distance of approaching vehicles
• Side-swipe Accidents: When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from the side, often due to making an unsafe lane change
• Speeding: Any motor vehicle traveling at a high speed, making it difficult to stop abruptly and increasing the impact of a collision
• Tailgating: Rear-end motorcycle crashes that result from a car driver trailing a motorcyclist too closely and not leaving enough space to avoid a collision due to an abrupt stop
• Unsafe Lane Changes: When a motor vehicle driver weaves in and out of lanes, changes lanes without signaling, or fails to check for blind spots

Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Liability, or legal responsibility, in a motorcycle accident case depends on the legal concept of “negligence.” Negligence is when an individual fails to act in a reasonable manner that someone in a similar situation would have, resulting in harm to another person. To successfully recover damages in a motorcycle accident case, the following four elements of negligence must be demonstrated:

1. Duty of Care: Establish that the defendant, or other party, owed a duty of care to safely operate his or her vehicle and follow traffic laws
2. Breach of Duty: Indicate that the other driver breached this duty of care by acting recklessly or carelessly
3. Causation: Show that the breach of duty directly caused the motorcycle accident that resulted in injuries
4. Damages: Provide evidence that the motorcycle accident resulted in damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and other losses

An experienced personal injury lawyer can prove the defendant’s negligence by thoroughly investigating the accident and gathering evidence.

When Liability Is Shared

To prove negligence, it must be demonstrated that the at-fault party’s actions were the direct cause of both the accident and the injuries that resulted from it. There are instances where the motorcyclist may also be considered at fault. 

Under California’s comparative negligence law, injured riders can still recover damages even if they share some responsibility. The awarded damages will be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault. For instance, if a rider is found to be 10% at fault, they will only receive 90% of the total compensation.

Recoverable Damages in a Fresno Motorcycle Accident Claim

An experienced Fresno motorcycle accident attorney will assist injured motorcyclists with the complicated insurance claims process. This includes filing personal injury claims or lawsuits and negotiating with insurance companies to obtain the highest possible compensation. Damages that can be compensated include the following:

• Disability Accommodations: Expenses toward home renovations or vehicle modifications to accommodate a physical disability as a result of the motorcycle crash
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished earning potential due to disability or permanent injury due to a debilitating injury, like a spinal cord injury, that prevents the return to work
• Lost Wages: Income that could not be earned due to the inability to work after the accident
• Medical Expenses: Current medical treatment, future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, medication, equipment needed for recovery, emergency room visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, and in-home nursing
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property Damage: Costs related to repairing or replacing the motorcycle for fair market value, damaged gear, and other personal property
• Wrongful Death: Financial recovery for family members in cases of fatal accidents, covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support

Recovering fair compensation after a motorcycle accident is a difficult process, especially after suffering severe injuries. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our motorcycle accident attorneys specialize in handling these complex cases to ensure clients receive the financial compensation they deserve.

California Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations

Motorcyclists must adhere to specific laws that aim to improve safety and minimize traffic accidents. However, if motorcycle riders neglect these rules and regulations, they can be held liable for their own injuries. The laws that are most commonly applied in motorcycle accident cases include:

• Motorcycle Helmet Laws: California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers, regardless of age, to wear motorcycle helmets that meet federal safety standards.
• Lane Splitting: California does allow the practice of riding between lanes of traffic under certain conditions. While legal, riders must exercise caution when lane-splitting.
• Licensing Requirements: A California motorcycle driver’s license (DL) is required to operate a two-wheeled motor vehicle. A Class M1 authorizes the operation of any two-wheeled motorcycle and all vehicles listed under Class M2. A Class M2 license authorizes the operation of a motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.

Understanding these motorcycle laws and regulations is critical when establishing fault and assessing compensation in motorcycle accident cases.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California following a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the injury. It is important to understand this timeframe and the legal considerations involved. Failing to meet the filing date can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

A Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your case.

What To Do After a Fresno Motorcycle Accident

Taking the following steps after a motorcycle accident is crucial to protecting both your personal well-being and the potential personal injury claim when you decide to file.

1. Check for Injuries: Move to a safe location away from traffic. When it’s safe to do so, and if injuries appear serious, call emergency services. Even if injuries do not appear severe, seek immediate medical attention for a proper exam and diagnosis.
2. Report the Motorcycle Accident: File a police report so it may be used for insurance purposes and legal proceedings. If someone is injured or killed or if there is property damage over $1,000, the accident must also be reported to the DMV within 10 days.
3. Compile Evidence: If physically capable, take photos and videos of the damage to the motorcycle, other vehicles involved, visible injuries, and road conditions. If unable to do so, contact a family member or friend for assistance.
4. Exchange Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of all involved parties. Also, the contact information of any eyewitnesses at the accident site must be collected.
5. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are skilled at misleading victims into accepting low settlement offers. They often apply tactics designed to undervalue claims and pressure victims into accepting insufficient settlements.

To protect the rights of motorcycle accident victims and maximize their compensation, legal representation will be necessary. A Fresno motorcycle accident attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies and protect clients’ best interests.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Will Benefit Your Case

Personal injury law is a complex and specialized area of law that demands experienced and skilled legal representation from a motorcycle accident lawyer.

To maximize a motorcycle accident case and prepare for the unique challenges that may arise, like the other party denying fault or the insurance company rejecting the personal injury claim, it’s vital to work with the best motorcycle accident attorneys in Fresno County.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can assist clients in recovering the maximum compensation they deserve by building a strong case, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating the case in court.

This dedication ensures that injured victims receive fair treatment during the legal proceedings so they may recover the necessary losses they are entitled to for their sustained injuries and other losses.

Why Choose Our Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

After an accident, Jeff’s got you. Our Fresno personal injury law firm has years of experience successfully representing motorcycle accident victims, offering the following benefits:

• Personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s needs
• Aggressive advocacy against the insurance companies to ensure clients’ interests are protected
• Contingency fee arrangement, so no upfront legal costs and no fees unless we secure a case win
• A proven track record of securing substantial settlements and jury verdicts
• A network of resources, including medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial analysts, to strengthen the motorcycle accident claim

At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our dedicated legal team understands the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on victims. This is why we remain dedicated to providing the highest level of representation to Fresno residents. 

To discover how we can maximize your case, schedule a free consultation today.

Other Personal Injury Cases Our Law Firm Handles

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer has law offices throughout Fresno County, including Clovis, Del Rey, Madera County, Selma, Tranquility, Parlier, Kingsburg, Auberry, Orange Cove, and Riverdale. We also offer representation for the following practice areas:

• Bicycle Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber Accidents
• Lyft Accidents
• Workers’ Compensation
• Wrongful Death

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.

Address:
44 P Street, Suite 304
Fresno, CA 93721

Phone Number: (559) 900-3076

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations

We have law offices throughout Southern California, and our experienced personal injury attorneys can offer a free case evaluation. Find the nearest office to schedule your consultation.

• Bakersfield
• Fontana
• Hesperia
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Santa Ana
• Van Nuys
• Visalia