Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Representing Injured Riders Since 1969
Motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular in densely-populated areas due to their small size, fuel efficiency, and ability to navigate quickly through heavy road traffic. However, motorcycles also carry a greatly elevated risk of serious injury or even death as a result of an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, rehabilitation, vehicle damages, income replacement, and more. An experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process surrounding your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Smolich and Smolich is a Sacramento-based law firm with the legal knowledge and experience you need in a personal injury advocate.
Call Smolich and Smolich today at (916) 571-0400 and speak with a motorcycle accident attorney about your claim.
The Increased Risk of Motorcycle Accidents
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high amount of danger a motorcycle accident inherently carries. Motorcyclists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution on the roads in order to avoid sustaining serious injuries.
Motorcycle accidents carry an increased level of risk due to these and other factors:
- Lower visibility to cars
- Lower stability
- Operating difficulty
- No safety barriers between driver and asphalt
- Increased sensitivity to road hazards
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Every motorcycle accident is different from the next, therefore it is impossible to determine the exact value of your case without reviewing the circumstances of your case with a skilled attorney. The value of your motorcycle accident case will vary based on several different factors, including:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The long-term effects of your injuries
- The strength of evidence proving the other driver's liability
- The insurance coverage of all involved parties
Generally speaking, motorcycle accidents which result in severe, life-changing injuries tend to yield the highest settlements, while accidents which result in soft tissue injuries may result in adequate compensation. An attorney will discuss these factors with you during your first meeting and help you get a better understanding of the value of your potential compensation.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in California
The state of California requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet at all times. Helmets must be compliant according to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, which include a weight minimum of three pounds, a thick inside lining, and a chin strap. Although face shields and other protective gear are “suggested” by the Department of Motor Vehicles, they are not required by law like helmets are. Wearing a helmet is required by law because doing so can prevent traumatic brain injuries and potentially save the life of a motorcyclist.
Helmets not only reduce your risk of injury, but can help if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. California follows pure comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation for injury victims is reduced according to their percentage of fault. If you were not wearing a helmet, your compensation could be reduced because you were negligent and therefore partially at fault for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in CA
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist. California's statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits is the same that applies to other personal injury claims, requiring you to file a claim within two years of the date of your accident. If you file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will almost certainly be dismissed and you will be unable to pursue further legal action.
It is important to note that this deadline only applies to lawsuits; insurance claims must generally be filed within a few days of your motorcycle accident to be eligible for coverage. It is important to retain legal representation as soon as possible after your accident to ensure you are able to meet all critical deadlines.
Whatever the reason for your accident and whatever the severity, you should not hesitate to retain the services of a skilled Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney. The attorneys at Smolich and Smolich have decades’ of combined experience in personal injury practice and are capable of making a compelling case for compensation on behalf of injured motorcyclists who need their voices heard.
For assistance with your motorcycle accident injury claim, contact Smolich and Smolich today and receive a free initial case evaluation.