Watsonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating. Motorcycles by design do not offer the same protections of a car. As a result, a motorcycle accident can lead to severe injuries and even death. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists in the United States died from accidents. If you live in the Watsonville area and you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident, you need the guidance and expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney.

At Silva Injury Law, our Watsonville motorcycle accident lawyers pride themselves on giving each client the individualized attention they deserve. We understand this may be a very difficult time in your life, and our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes

Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include many of the same ones commonly suffered in motor vehicle accidents. However, there are also injuries unique to motorcycle crashes. Road rash is a very common occurrence in motorcycle crashes that does not often occur in a car wreck. Other common injuries in motorcycle crashes include:

  • Broken bones,
  • Skull fractures,
  • Lacerations,
  • Spinal cord injuries,
  • Internal bleeding, and
  • Loss of limbs.

In car crashes, the severity of the crash usually determines the severity of the injuries. However, with a motorcycle, even a minor spill can result in significant injuries. A motorcycle crash survivor may end up with permanent disabilities. The repercussions of an accident can include lifelong physical, mental, and emotional trauma. Whether you suffered minor road rash or catastrophic injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Identifying the cause of your motorcycle accident is one of the first steps to take to recovering damages. While there are many common causes of motorcycle accidents, three stand out in particular.

Another Driver’s Negligence

Perhaps the leading cause of motorcycle accidents are motor vehicle drivers. If a driver disobeys traffic laws or acts negligently, you may be entitled to damages. For instance, the other driver may have made an unsafe lane change and collided with you. It is also possible the other driver was texting while driving or driving while intoxicated. Distracted driving of any kind can be extremely dangerous to motorcycles sharing the road.

Poor Road Maintenance

Unfortunately, not all roads are maintained properly. Poorly maintained roads may have large potholes or uneven payment, creating dangerous conditions for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Malfunction or Defect

It is also possible that the motorcycle itself malfunctions or a particular part fails (e.g. the brakes). If this is the case, the manufacturer may also be liable for your injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to determine with a little investigation if other parties, including the manufacturer, may be partially responsible for the accident.

Average Settlement For Motorcycle Accidents

We are often asked as attorneys, What is the average settlement for motorcycle accidents? But the truth is there really is no average. Every case is unique with its own set of facts and circumstances. The individual factors of a case will determine the type and amount of damages you are entitled to. Speaking with an experienced Watsonville motorcycle accident attorney will give you a better idea of what you may be able to expect based on the facts specific to your case.

Damages

There are generally two types of damages an accident victim may be entitled to: compensatory and punitive damages.

Most commonly, if a plaintiff proves their case, they will receive compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate a plaintiff for their actual losses. This may include:

  • Medical costs,
  • Past and future lost wages,
  • Pain and suffering, and
  • Motorcycle repair or replacement.

In certain situations, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages. These exceed compensatory damages and are a way of punishing a defendant for particularly egregious behavior. It is generally in the court’s discretion whether to award punitive damages.