California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Immediately following a motorcycle accident, the actions you take are important and can impact your claim. You should immediately contact the police to respond to the scene.

If you are not severely injured and can do so safely, try to take photos of the scene. It would help if you got pictures of all involved vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the surrounding scene. Look for skid marks, debris, and any factors that could have contributed to the collision. Photos are essential as they show the location as it was after the crash. That is something you cannot duplicate starting investigation days or weeks later.

If any witnesses stopped, be sure to get their contact information. Most of the time, witnesses will remain on the scene until the police arrive. However, if a witness needs to leave before the police arrive, getting their contact information could make a big difference during the claims investigation.

Be cautious what you say at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” to the other driver could be used against you in the accident as the other driver’s insurance company will argue it’s an admission of fault.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

While some motorcycle injury claims involve a solo bike accident, many others are collisions with other vehicles or motorcycles. The most common types of motorcycle accidents include the following.

Left Turns

Many motorcycle collisions involve left turns. Drivers who aren’t paying attention may not see a motorcycle approaching and proceed to turn left in front of them, resulting in a collision.

Rear-End Collisions

When a vehicle driver misjudges the distance or doesn’t see a motorcycle rider in front, the driver may rear-end the motorcyclist. Motorcycle riders can also rear-end vehicles, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are at fault. Sometimes a driver may change lanes on top of a motorcycle, leaving the rider no room to stop.

Sideswipe Collisions

Another common type of motorcycle accident is a sideswipe collision. Drivers who don’t look closely for a motorcycle next to them may change lanes or drift into a motorcycle rider on a road or freeway.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions are hazardous for motorcycle riders and often end in fatal injuries. A driver could be crushed on impact or thrown off their motorcycle, eventually landing on a hard surface. These accidents are especially dangerous as drivers and motorcycle riders often travel at relatively high speeds.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many actions can lead to a motorcycle collision, but some are more common than others. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Distracted Drivers

Many people think distracted driving refers to texting and driving, but it’s more than that. Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes off the road for even a second. A few examples include:

• Changing the radio station,
• Talking on the phone or texting,
• Looking at the GPS,
• Eating or drinking,
• Talking to passengers, and
• Putting on makeup.

All it takes is a split second for a motorcycle or vehicle to appear in your blind spot. If a driver isn’t paying attention, they could easily hit a motorcycle rider.

Driving Under the Influence

Someone drinking and driving has impaired judgment and slower reaction times. Even one or two drinks are enough to affect a person’s ability to drive. Someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not see a motorcycle rider in time.

Traffic Violations

Drivers who violate traffic rules and regulations put other motorists at risk. Someone speeding, running a stop sign, driving aggressively, etc., could easily cause a severe collision.

Road Hazards or Motorcycle Components

Road hazards can also play a part in a motorcycle accident, even loose gravel or rubble on the road. Major defects such as a pothole, unsafe construction site, or storm debris can cause a motorcycle to lose control.

If your motorcycle accident involves brake failure, a tire blowout, or another type of defect, you could have a claim against the manufacturer, retailer, and/or mechanic shop. Motorcycle accident claims involving a defective part can be incredibly complex. You’ll want a skilled California motorcycle accident attorney on your side.

Contact Our California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have questions on pursuing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident, speak with our California motorcycle accident attorney at Silva Injury Law, Inc. We provide aggressive yet compassionate representation. We have a proven record of success and aren’t afraid to try a case in court if necessary.

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

• Car Accidents,
• Livestock Accidents,
• Dog Attacks,
• Sexual Abuse,
• Wrongful Death,
• Trucking Accidents,
• Pedestrian Accidents,
• Product Liability,
• Bicycle Accidents,
• Drunk Driving Accidents,
• Distracted Driving Accidents,
• Nursing Home Abuse,
• Slip & Fall,
• Premises Liability, and
• Acupuncture Pneumothorax

Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation. Let our California motorcycle accident lawyer review your case and discuss the best course of legal action.