Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys with a Rock-Solid Reputation

We encourage you to ask your attorney critical questions during your free initial consultation because you are hiring us to do an essential job. One of those questions should be about our reputation in the region, among our peers in the legal community, and with clients we have helped before you. Our positive peer reviews and respect of industry cohorts distinguish Eason & Tambornini personal injury attorneys from the rest of the pack. We have maintained a stellar reputation among the legal professionals at the Sacramento Superior Court.

Additionally, our lawyers have some of the highest rankings from Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent, a rating system that evaluates attorneys for legal expertise and ethical standards. Our attorneys’ top scores result from legal knowledge and familiarity with the laws, analytical capabilities, judgment, effective communication, and overall legal experience.

Common Causes of Accidents

Regardless of the type of vehicle, every driver must stay alert and aware of their surroundings to stay safe and keep their passengers safe, too. This is imperative for motorcyclists, especially. Blind spots are just one example of dangers that are especially problematic for motorcyclists. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that our lawyers see include:

• Distracted and impaired driving
• Lane changes
• Speeding
• Car doors of vehicles parallel parked on a busy street
• Road hazards, such as potholes or uneven pavement
• Head-on collisions

What To Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

Taking the proper steps immediately following a motorcycle accident is crucial to maximizing your settlement.

1. Get medical attention if you see or feel signs of injury or suspect you may be injured.
2. Call the police and wait for them if you can.
3. Document the scene by taking pictures and getting the contact and insurance information from the other parties involved.
4. Let your insurance representative know, but do not share details until after you have hired a Sacramento motorcycle attorney.
5. Contact a motorcycle attorney at Eason & Tambornini and schedule your free consultation. Even if you do not hire us, the appointment is free.

Injuiry Lawyers Who Understand California Laws

Eason & Tambornini lawyers are incredibly skilled at understanding the many laws in California that affect motorcyclists. First and foremost, some laws govern motorbike operators. A Class M1 license is mandatory to operate a two-wheel vehicle with a motor, including scooters (e.g., Vespa). People seeking an M1 license must pass a test specific to that license. This test emphasizes knowledge and a skills test to ensure a complete understanding of maneuvering a motorcycle safely. Other laws specific to motorcycles include helmet laws and footrest requirements for passengers.

Unique to California is AB 51, which legalized lane splitting. This practice applies to motorcycles moving between two rows of stopped or moving vehicles and is legal on divided or undivided streets, such as Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks Boulevard, and Del Paso Boulevard, among many others. AB 51 also applies to highways, such as Highway 50, Highway 99, Interstate 80, and Interstate 5. Our attorneys are well aware of the legality of this practice and the inherent danger of moving between cars due to blind spots or drivers who do not use turn signals when they are about to change lanes.

Common Damages Awarded for Injuries

Damages for injuries can vary greatly. Our personal injury lawyers see frequent, significant awards for injuries such as:

• Fractures/broken bones
• Chest Pain
• Concussion
• Knee Pain
• Knee Swelling
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Neck and spine injuries, including total or partial paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Road rash, such as severe cuts and abrasions
• Wrongful death

Categories of compensation for injuries are the same as for other personal injury cases, including:

• Current and anticipated (future) medical expenses
• Long term rehabilitation
• Loss of wages and future earning capacity
• Property damage

FAQ: What are non-economic damages for motorcycle accidents?

Our lawyers in Sacramento are often asked compensation for pain and suffering, which falls under the category of “non-economic” damages under the law in California. This is because non-economic injuries are not straightforward about monetary value. However, they are still genuine; anyone who has been involved in a motorcycle or other vehicle collision and suffered severe injuries or has lost a loved one in an accident knows that mental anguish is debilitating and can result in long-term depression, inability to work, enjoy life, etc. Some examples of non-economic damages include:

• Emotional Trauma
• Disability and Disfigurement
• Loss of companionship

Our personal injury attorneys in Sacramento are exceptional at understanding the non-economic impacts their clients may be suffering from. We value compassionate listening and strive to support our clients with empathy in this sensitive area of the settlement negotiation process.

FAQ: What is a ‘no contact’ accident?

Solo accidents involving a motorbike and no other vehicles are called “No-contact” because there is no direct contact with another motor vehicle or person. In these cases, a motor vehicle behaves irresponsibly, triggering the crash, but remains either unaware of this fact and doesn’t stop or is aware but chooses not to stop. Our legal team encounter these cases quite often. They are referred to as “phantom driver” crashes and can be caused by many things, including:

• Distracted or impaired driving due to sleep
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Not yielding the right of way
• Improper lane change
• Reckless driving and speeding
• Mechanical failure

The increasing surveillance technology on roads and buildings adjacent to roadways makes tracking down the at-fault party possible. Our injury legal team has experienced and skilled investigators they rely on in these cases.

FAQ: Do motorcycle accident claims take longer to settle than auto accident claims?

There is not a yes or no answer to this question, but since motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, as well as multiple catastrophic injuries, medical treatment, surgeries, in-patient hospital stays, and long-term rehabilitation related to injuries can take an exceptionally long time. Additionally, compensation for these injuries can be significant, resulting in more prolonged negotiations and extended time needed for investigation and evidence gathering. However, if a case is more straightforward, our personal injury lawyers can reach a successful settlement in a similar amount of time as any other claim.

Starting the Claims Process with one of our Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Once you can, call and schedule a free, no-risk consultation with one of our lawyers. We will ask you questions and give you an honest answer about our ability to secure a fair settlement. If we agree to take your case, it will be up to us to guide you through the process and ensure you understand what is happening so that you can make informed decisions along the way. We charge zero fees until you win.

Our experienced lawyers are ready to help. Please call us today at (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free, no-commitment consultation to talk about your case.