What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in California?

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in California

The first steps you take after any vehicle accident in California are crucial. If another driver caused the accident, you need to establish fault before you can claim any compensation for the damages you suffered, but gathering the evidence you need can be challenging without an attorney’s help. Motorcycle accidents are especially likely to result in severe injuries, so you may have no recollection of the accident and face a difficult recovery process.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 483 motorcycle accident fatalities statewide in 2023, a 10.2% decrease from 649 motorcycle accident deaths in 2022. While motorcycle accidents aren’t as common as car accidents due to there being far fewer motorcycles than cars on the road, the risk of severe or fatal injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident because they provide so little physical protection in a collision.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should report the accident to 911 immediately if you are able to do so and wait for first responders to arrive. If you suffered serious injuries, emergency responders will transport you to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. If you are able to do so safely, record what you can from the scene of the crash while you wait for first responders. Photos of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle could be helpful to your case.

After you receive medical treatment, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away to help you recover compensation. Whether you remember exactly how your accident happened or you have no recollection of the incident because of your injuries, you will need an attorney’s help to prove fault for the accident and help you claim compensation for your damages. You have limited time to build your case, so you should speak to a lawyer right away. In California, understanding the motorcycle accident statute of limitations is vital to ensure you do not miss your deadline to file.

Claiming Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident

The risk of severe injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident than in most other vehicle accidents. When another vehicle strikes a motorcycle, the rider could suffer injuries from the impact of the other vehicle, followed by the secondary impact of hitting the ground. Motorcycle accidents can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and various minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Some victims suffer catastrophic injuries.

Your California motorcycle accident attorney can help you prove fault for the accident and guide you through the process of claiming compensation for your damages. If you can prove another driver caused the accident, they are liable for the full scope of economic and non-economic losses you suffered because of their negligence or misconduct. Your attorney can also address any accusations of comparative fault from the other driver.

The first step in recovering from most vehicle accidents in California is filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver. State law requires every driver to have auto insurance that includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Your attorney can help you file your claim and negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance carrier.

If you need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver, you are more likely to succeed in holding them accountable and more likely to secure appropriate compensation for your damages with an attorney’s help. The team at Bentley & More LLP has handled many motorcycle accident cases throughout California, so reach out to our team at your first opportunity after your accident and learn how we can help with your recovery.

FAQs

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than car accidents because there is a much greater risk of the rider suffering catastrophic or fatal injuries. Motorcycles provide almost no physical protection in a crash, and the rider will be thrown from the bike and suffer injuries from hitting the ground.

How Do You Prove Liability for a Motorcycle Accident?

Proving liability for a motorcycle accident may require physical evidence from the scene of the crash, witness statements, and digital evidence like vehicle computer data. You must prove fault before you can claim compensation from the driver who caused the accident, so you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash so they can start gathering evidence.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

The damages you can claim in a motorcycle accident case include economic losses like your medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. You also have the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced, and the amount you receive generally depends on the severity of the injuries the defendant caused. Consult a California motorcycle accident attorney for an estimate of your case’s total potential value.

Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to increase your chances of reaching a favorable result in your case. A skilled attorney can gather the proof of liability you need to hold the at-fault driver accountable, and they will also know the most efficient way for you to obtain the compensation you need to recover from the accident. You have the greatest chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case with an attorney representing you.

Don’t Wait—Get Legal Support Now

The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP have years of proven experience handling a wide range of accident cases for clients throughout California, including motorcycle accident claims. The aftermath of your accident may be confusing, but we can provide guidance and support when you need it most. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a California motorcycle accident attorney.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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