Monterey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Turning left without scanning for motorcycles. Many drivers are virtually blind to motorcyclists.
• Riding in a driver’s blind spot. Have you ever seen the bumper sticker that reads, If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you? A motorcycle can get lost in a driver’s blind spot.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is arguably more dangerous than intoxicated driving. A distracted driver on the highway can travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
• Failure to yield. Failure-to-yield accidents occur when a motorist applies the Law of the Jungleーthe largest vehicle has the “right of way.”
• Speeding. As recently as 2013, speeding accidents accounted for 34% of all fatal motorcycle accidents.
• Driving under the influence. DUI accidents account for a major portion of motorcycle accidents. In some cases, it is the motorcyclist who is impaired, while in other cases it is the driver.
• Debris in the road. Even something as small as gravel can lay a motorcycle down.

If a motorcyclist dies in an accident caused by someone else, specified family members can file a wrongful death claim instead of the personal injury claim that an injured motorcyclist could file.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Some injuries are more common in motorcycle accidents than in other types of accidents. Following are a few examples:

• Road rash occurs when your body slides across asphalt or concrete;
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is particularly likely if you weren’t wearing a helmet;
• Whiplash injuries can be painful yet difficult to prove;
• Leg fractures are common, in part because your motorcycle is likely to fall on one of your legs; and
• Torn muscles, particularly in the shoulder area, can inflict significant pain and take a long time to heal.

Almost any type of injury that your body can suffer is possible in a motorcycle accident.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Take the following steps after a motor vehicle accident, to the extent that your physical condition allows.

• Remain at the scene of the accident. The police can arrest you for leaving the scene of an accident.
• Move any vehicles to the side of the road if you can, to avoid causing a traffic hazard.
• Call the police. The police will create an accident report, which you can use in negotiations with the insurance company.
• Exchange contact details and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident.  California law requires you to do this.
• Watch what you say, because the other side can use your words against you later. Never apologize for an accident.
• Take photos of the scene of the accident as well as any injuries or property damage.
• Get contact details for witnesses.
• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Failure to do so can jeopardize your claim for damages.
• Contact a Monterey motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your choice of which attorney to retain could turn out to be the most important decision in your case.

If you were rushed to the hospital and could not perform all of these acts yourself, have a friend do as many of them as possible.

Timing Is Critical: Act Now. Contact A Monterey Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

The Monterey motorcycle accident attorneys at Silva Injury Law, Inc. will not rest until you receive every single dime of compensation that the defendant owes you.  Ironically, it is our history of winning in court that usually convinces insurance companies to settle outside of court.

Our experienced lawyers also handle other types of injury cases, including:

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

Contact our Monterey motorcycle crash attorneys today to schedule a free case consultation. Remember—if we don’t win, you don’t pay.