Modesto Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Negligence is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents, whether from the motorcycle driver or other vehicle drivers. The most dangerous thing about motorcycles is their limited visibility to other vehicle drivers. It’s very easy for a motorcycle to disappear into a car’s blind spot because of their smaller size. If the driver is not being especially aware, it could be easy to crash into a nearby motorcycle on the road. Other common causes include:

• Reckless or aggressive driving;
• Speeding;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Lane splitting, which is when motorcycle drivers drive between two lanes of traffic;
• Distracted drivers;
• Lack of motorcycle-driving experience; or
• Cars making left-hand turns or otherwise failing to yield to the motorcycle driver’s right of way.

Motorcycle drivers must not only be cautious of other drivers on the road, but they must also understand their own limitations. Speeding and drunk driving are the largest cause of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. The most recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2019 reveals that 42% of people who died in single-vehicle motorcycle accidents were under the influence. Adverse weather conditions or road hazards are the least common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident injuries are usually severe and can be catastrophic.  According to the NHTSA, deaths in motorcycle accidents made up 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. The NHTSA estimated that in that same year, 84,000 motorcyclists were injured. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Brain trauma or other serious head injuries;
• Lower body injuries (e.g., broken bones and ligament damage);
• Road rash;
• Spinal cord damage; and
• Harm to the ribs or chest area, such as broken ribs or sternum.

Motorcycle riders are at greater risk of harm than car drivers simply because of the lack of physical protection that cars provide. All they have between them and their injuries are their helmets and maybe protective clothing, if they’re wearing it.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

In California, you have two years from the date of your accident to begin your legal claim. The first thing you should take care of is your health—get medical attention immediately. It’s a great idea to preserve as much evidence as possible if you can. Evidence includes medical records, photos of the scene, the motorcycle itself, etc. The next most important thing you should do is to hire a Modesto motorcycle accident lawyer. You will most likely have to go through an insurance company first for any compensation, whether it was a multi-car accident or you were alone. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, whether it’s your company or another driver’s insurance. They are businesses, and they want to pay you as little as possible for your injuries.

Silva Injury Law, Inc. Has Your Modesto Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Silva Injury Law, Inc. will handle the details of your lawsuit and work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to prevent them from taking advantage of you. If your Modesto motorcycle accident attorney is unable to work out a fair settlement, they will file a lawsuit if that makes sense for your situation. We don’t charge any money upfront—we advance the costs of your case, and we only collect our fee when you receive your settlement or award. We never take a case we are not prepared to present to a jury.

Our experienced legal team also handles other types of injury cases, including:

• • Sexual Abuse
  • Trip and Fall
  • Trucking Accident
  • Wrongful Death Claim
  • Auto Vehicle Accident
  • Dog Attack
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Drunk Driving Accident
  • Distracted Driving Accident
  • Bicycle Accident

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident near Modesto, please contact the Modesto motorcycle accident attorneys at Silva Injury Law, Inc. to discuss how we can help with your claim.