Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in California

With nearly 800,000 registered motorcycles in California—the most of any state—the number of motorcyclists involved in a collision every year is shockingly high. Tragically, motorcyclists are also subject to a greater risk of suffering a serious injury in an accident.

Stereotypes about bikers can make it difficult for them to prevail in a personal injury case. Even if you are properly licensed and were not at fault, it’s important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve. As California personal injury attorneys, The Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen have successfully prosecuted numerous motorcycle accident cases over the years.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident can happen at any given moment, for any number of reasons. The most common causes of motorcycles accidents in California are:

• Splitting lanes*
• Changing lanes
• Turning at an intersection
• Speeding
• Failing to yield
• Alcohol or drug use
• Texting and driving
• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Roadway debris

Oftentimes, the scenarios above are attributed to the other driver in the accident. National studies, as well as data from other states, indicate that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involving a larger vehicle are caused by the other driver.

*Note that splitting lanes is legal in California. 

Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle offers far less protection in an accident than a larger vehicle does, which is why so many motorcyclists are killed on the road each year. Those who do survive often suffer serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken ribs
• Broken arms or wrists
• Severe road rash

Injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident can cause one to miss work for weeks or even months. In addition to financial strain from medical bills, the trauma can also inflict stress on the injured party’s personal relationships.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

The common perception of motorcyclists is that they are reckless. In a personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident, the insurance company and defense counsel will often use this negative stereotype to diminish the motorcyclist’s claim. This is one of the main reasons why you should seek counsel and representation from a personal injury attorney after a motorcycle accident.

Attempting to represent your own claim can also lead you to damage your claim in one of many ways by failing to obtain evidence or making a seemingly harmless statement that is later used against you. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, do not wait to hire an attorney. The Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen are here to help. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we are only paid a percentage of your settlement or successful claim. Get a free case evaluation today from California motorcycle accident attorneys you can trust.