Vacaville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
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Vacaville is known for its beautiful, serene countryside tucked into the hills of Northern California.
With its location only minutes from wine country and its scenic roads, it attracts motorcycle riders from all over the state.
Unfortunately, what may start as a relaxing ride can sometimes end in a devastating motorcycle accident.
If that happens, and you or your passenger are injured, you have legal options to hold those responsible for the crash accountable.
Our team of seasoned and skilled Vacaville motorcycle accident lawyers is here to answer your questions and assist you every step of the way.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many common causes of motorcycle accidents will be the same as any motor vehicle crash. However, particular hazards put motorcyclists at a greater risk of harm on the road. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are unique to, or at least more unique to, motorcycle riders.
It can often be immediately apparent the cause of the crash, but other times, only after a thorough investigation will the cause of the wreck come to light.
Below, we discuss six common causes of motorcycle accidents we see repeatedly.
Another Driver’s Negligence
Other drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists pose one of the biggest threats to riders and are one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes. Another driver’s negligent conduct can cause catastrophic consequences to motorcycle riders.
Driver negligence can include driving while intoxicated, texting and driving, unsafe lane change, and more, all of which can lead to a severe accident.
Defective or Malfunctioning Parts
A defective or malfunctioning component of a motorcycle can lead to a severe crash.
For instance, if the brakes fail or the engine combusts, it can devastate the rider. In these instances, the motorcycle and part manufacturers can be liable for your injuries and property damage.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions that might otherwise be minor inconveniences to a car or truck can be significant hazards to a motorcycle. For instance, uneven payment or small potholes might go unnoticed by a vehicle but can lead to a catastrophic crash for a biker.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider moves between two vehicles in slow-moving or stopped traffic.
When sharing a lane with other cars, the risk of a collision is significantly greater. If drivers are not paying close attention, they can strike motorcyclists next to them.
Left Turning Vehicle
Left-turning drivers can pose a particular hazard to motorcycle rides on the road. It is easy to glance over and miss the smaller profile of a motorcycle when making a left-hand turn. A left-turning vehicle can easily take out a bike and its rider.
Rear-End Collisions
Any rear-end collision is dangerous, but being rear-ended on a motorcycle can lead to considerable injury or even death. The force of the impact can send the rider catapulting many feet, resulting in severe trauma.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Even competent motorcycle riders who wear a helmet and protective clothing are at a higher risk of severe injury in an accident due to the lack of general protection offered by other motor vehicles.
Car and truck passengers have seatbelts, automatic braking systems, and the general safety of the steel frame between their bodies and the wreck. Motorcycle riders do not have those same protections.
Even a minor accident can result in significant and permanent injuries, including:
- Road rash,
- Blunt force trauma,
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries,
- Lacerations (i.e., cuts and scrapes),
- Broken bones,
- Chest injuries,
- Skull fractures,
- Internal bleeding,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries and
- Amputated limbs.
It is common for motorcycle accident victims to suffer multiple substantial injuries. After any damage, your focus should be on healing. Your attorney can pursue your claim on your behalf.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After sustaining an injury in a motorcycle crash, you will pursue a claim with the insurance company for your injuries and damage to your bike. However, it is not always as simple as filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies often deny claims or hesitate to pay a fair and appropriate amount. They often employ specific tactics to avoid paying you what you deserve.
Shifting the Blame
Often, the insurance carrier will shift the blame to the motorcyclist for the cause of the accident simply because they are a motorcycle rider.
Delay
Adjusters will often use delay tactics to send accident victims into a state of panic over mounting medical bills and repair costs. Unnecessary delays in processing claims can lead to your bills piling up and accepting a settlement offer you otherwise wouldn’t and shouldn’t.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Lastly, it is common practice for insurance companies to offer a lowball settlement. Remember, it is their job to pay as little as possible on a claim, which means they will not make you a high offer, especially not initially.
You should consult an attorney before agreeing to any settlement with the insurance company. Sometimes, settling your claim at this stage is appropriate, but other times, it may be best to pursue a lawsuit.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
What Happens If You Can’t Resolve With Insurance?
It might be time to file a civil lawsuit if you cannot amicably resolve the claim with the insurance company. Under California law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit for injuries you suffered.
Note if you are only seeking reimbursement for property damage, you will generally have three years to file a complaint.
This deadline for initiating your lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations. While most motorcycle accident claims will fall under the two-year purview, some exceptions can extend or shorten this timeline.
For instance, if you are suing a government entity or agency, you may have as little as six months to file the lawsuit. In contrast, if the accident victim is a minor, they may have additional time to file.
You must speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the applicable statute of limitations; otherwise, you may lose your right to pursue your claim.
Potential Damages for a Successful Motorcycle Accident Claim
As a motorcycle accident victim, if you sue the liable defendant and are successful, you can seek compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses necessary to treat your injuries,
- Cost to repair or replace your motorcycle,
- Lost wages,
- Lost or reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish, and
- Scars, disability, and disfigurement.
A seasoned personal injury attorney will assess your case and discuss the potential damages you can expect if your case is successful.
Contact the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Vacaville
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Vacaville or the surrounding area, learning your legal rights and options is an essential step in your recovery.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we are members of the Hispanic Lawyers Association, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and more. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys can help guide you from start to finish.
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to motorcycle accident cases, our experienced team also handles other personal injury cases in Vacaville. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, explore our other services:
Where to find our Vacaville office:
