If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to hear is that your claim was denied. You’re hurt, and you need help. It is essential to understand some key elements specific to motorcycle claims. More importantly, hiring an attorney experienced with motorcycle accident claims can make all the difference to the outcome of your case.
Key Elements Specific to Motorcycle Accident Claims
Here are some key elements you should understand if you are injured in a motorcycle accident and why finding an attorney with motorcycle accident claim experience matters.
- Bias Against Motorcyclists and Motorcycles
While sometimes subtle, even subconscious, the bias against motorcycles and their operators is real. This goes for insurance companies, law enforcement, and juries. In our culture, motorcyclists sometimes fight an uphill battle concerning stereotypes for reckless behavior and even lawlessness. This makes it even more critical for you and your motorcycle accident attorney to be meticulous with evidence gathering.
- Severity of Injuries
Another critical difference between motorcycle and car accidents is that the former carries a higher risk of severe injuries due to the lack of protection inherent in motorcycles. Head, neck, and spine injuries are more common and can require more extensive medical treatment. This means higher medical expenses as well as recovery and rehabilitation time. For this reason, motorcycle accident claim damages are often much higher than car accident claims.
- Greater Risk of Fatalities
Because motorcycles lack protective features, motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal. This increases the chances of wrongful death claims, adding complexity to the legal process. An experienced motorcycle attorney is crucial in these cases.
- Visibility
Visibility issues are commonly cited as a cause of accidents in motorcycle accident claims. Motorcyclists are easier to miss than other drivers on the road. Proving that an accident was partially or wholly due to visibility issues is critical to determining liability.
- Helmet and Other Safety Gear
California requires motorcycle operators and their passengers to wear helmets. However, other protective gear, such as reinforced clothing or specialized footwear, is not required. The presence (or lack of) safety gear can directly impact the severity of injuries, affecting the overall amount of damages and potential compensation.
Motorcycles are specialized vehicles by nature. Hiring an attorney with experience navigating the complexities and details of motorcycle accident claims gives claimants the best chances for a successful, fair outcome.
Skilled and Affordable Motorcycle Accident Attorneys are Available
The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini are ready to help. We have a combined total of over 100 years of legal experience. We focus on maximizing fair compensation for injuries and losses for every client.
FREE Consultation and NO Upfront Legal Fees
Our firm offers a free, no-risk consultation where you can ask questions and provide details about your situation. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so clients pay nothing until they win a settlement.
You can schedule a free consultation today by calling Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819.