Motorcycle collisions happen fast and are oftentimes very severe. Due to the design of bikes, motorcycle riders are more exposed to dangers on the road. Other cars, hazards, pavement, and the weather can all contribute to the harm to riders.
Because motorcycle accidents can be much more severe, so too are the injuries. Medical bills from the ambulance, hospital, ER, and other doctors can add up quickly. Missed time from work, bike repairs, and limited transportation can add to the stress. Our goal as your San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer is to help you get your health back on track. We strive to get you fair and just compensation for your financial losses and pain and suffering.
Factors that Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents
There are many different causes of motorcycle collisions. One of the most common causes is driver inattentiveness or negligence. Many drivers fail to check their blind spots. Or will drive without the safety of bikers in mind. Switching lanes without looking or signaling can cause a collision or a biker to swerve to avoid one.
Distracted driving is also another cause that can harm bikers. Distracted driving isn’t only using the phone or texting. It’s also reaching for items in the car, changing the radio or AC, or talking to passengers. Even a slight glance away from the road can cause an inattentive driver to miss a motorcycle rider.
Road hazards or conditions also affect bikers in a different way. Potholes, litter, sewer grates, debris, oil on the road and rain can all cause riders to lose control and crash. This differs from a passenger vehicle that may be able to avoid them without a problem.
Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting the Accident
No matter the type of accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Your health is the foremost concern. Because of the likely speed and less protection, you may be more injured than you think. Adrenaline can cause the body to go into shock and make it think you’re not injured.
A doctor will first address your injuries. The doctor will note in your records that you were in an accident and how you’re feeling. This is important because it ties your injuries and accident together. Proving that your injuries are from the accident is critical to succeeding on your claim.
It’s also very important to contact the police to notify them the accident occurred. They will then write up a collision or police report. This includes important information about witnesses, insurance, and what happened. A collision report can help strengthen your claim and prove liability.
We recommend keeping a folder of all the supporting documents for your case. Correspondence, pictures, police reports, medical bills, etc. are all things to organize. This will help your car accident lawyer build your case.
Insurance companies are quick to label bikers as reckless and dangerous. They try to use this label to their advantage to argue the biker is negligent and at fault. We won’t let insurance companies play games with your health!