Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Northern California
Causes of Northern California Motorcycle Accidents
After a serious injury motorcycle accident, injured victims and their families can protect their rights by contacting an experienced and knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident injury attorney. The personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger have represented motorcycle riders that have been seriously injured in accidents involving several types of motorcycles, including sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, dual-sport bikes, scooters and mopeds. While you focus on recovering from your injury, we can pursue the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to from the negligent or reckless party that is responsible for your injuries or a loved one's wrongful death.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
The following are the most common motorcycle accident causes:
Speeding
When a motor vehicle driver is speeding, it can reduce a driver's reaction time and also prevent them from noticing a biker on the road. When a driver speeds, they put themselves and everyone they share the road with in danger.
Drunk drivers
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a combination of both, is against the law under California Vehicle Code § 23153. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs impairs a driver's motor and sensory functions and reduces reaction time, impairs judgment and reduces inhibition. Drunk, impaired or intoxicated drivers may not be able to distinguish lanes and drift into oncoming traffic, or may not be able to anticipate a stopped vehicle ahead of them and stop suddenly to avoid a collision.
Unsafe lane changes
Drivers may pull into a lane without first checking their rear-view or side mirrors, causing them to easily miss seeing a motorcyclist in the lane.
Distracted drivers
There are numerous distractions that can divert a driver’s attention such as talking on the cell phone, texting, eating, drinking, applying makeup, fidgeting with the radio or talking to another passenger.
Not obeying traffic signals or signs
Drivers who run a red light or do not stop at a stop sign are examples of disobeying traffic signals and signs.
Construction debris For an automobile, construction debris or road defects may not be a cause for concern, but for a two-wheel motorcycle, debris can be very dangerous. Even the smallest debris or defect could cause the biker to lose control and crash.
Defective parts
Various defective parts have been at fault for serious motorcycle accidents such as handlebars, tires, and fuel lines.
Left Hand Turn Collisions
At Estey Bomberger, many of the motorcycle accident claims we handle involve a driver making an unsafe left turn into the path of a motorcyclist. In most of these situations, the drivers are in violation of California Vehicle Code §21801, which states, "The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way until the turn can be made with reasonable safety." While the driver may be at fault for making an unsafe left hand turn, holding them liable for the victim’s damages may not always be a simple matter. Insurance companies will often try to shift the blame onto the biker in an attempt to reduce the amount of compensation the injured motorcyclist may receive. Victims of left turn motorcycle accidents should contact a knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the unique legal issues of this type of motorcycle accident in northern California.
Fighting for Your Rights
Insurance companies may try to take advantage of your situation and immediately offer you a settlement before the full extent of damages is known, and you have a real sense of the extent of your injuries.. Before you accept any insurance company settlement or make a recorded statement, contact a northern California motorcycle accident lawyer at Estey Bomberger to learn how we can help protect your legal rights. As motorcycle enthusiasts with many decades of litigation experience, we understand the seriousness of your case and want to make sure you are fully and fairly compensated for your injuries. We may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Phone our firm today at (800) 890-6722 or fill out our online case evaluation form. An attorney is available to discuss your case and answer your questions 24 hours a day.