Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?
Let a Trusted San Jose Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You Secure Compensation
Motorcyclists face increased risk of serious injury on the roads. In addition
to dangerous roadways, motorcyclists face extra hazards. Motorcycles are
relatively small and easy to overlook by other drivers. While metal framing
and seatbelts protect other motorists, motorcyclists remain much more exposed.
Our firm represents victims of motorcycle accidents throughout San Jose
and the Bay Area. If you have been injured in a serious accident, we can
help you understand your potential legal options. During a free, confidential
consultation, we can answer your legal questions and determine how we
may be able to help you.
After a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side
to help you get the compensation you need for recovery. A San Jose motorcycle
accident attorney from our firm is
ready to discuss your potential case with you.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Like all motorists, motorcyclists face the usual roadway dangers. This
includes dangerous road conditions, inclement weather and other drivers.
Motorcyclists face other, more specific hazards too.
The most
common causes of motorcycle accidents involve:
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Negligence of other drivers. Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road. They are
easy to lose in a blind spot or to overlook altogether. Motorcycle accidents
often result from other drivers failing to keep track of where a motorcyclist
is on the road. Drivers who change lanes without signaling or make
left turns without looking for oncoming traffic also threaten motorcyclists.
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Lane splitting. Motorcyclists can legally drive between two lanes of traffic, or
lane split in California. A
motorcycle safety tip for drivers is to understand California lane splitting laws. If a driver
swerves or attempts to change lanes while a motorcyclist is between two
cars, an accident may occur.
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Defective motorcycle parts. In some cases, a faulty motorcycle part may cause an accident. A common
reason for this involves repair shop error or negligence. A defective
part or an insufficient repair service are extremely dangerous to motorcyclists.
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Poor roadways. Roadway debris and potholes are much more dangerous to motorcyclists than
other motorists. Hitting an oil spill, a pothole or a large piece of debris
can send a motorcycle flying.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists face extra risk of injury on the road. What amounts to a
fender-bender in the case of a two-car collision often translates to a
serious accident for motorcyclists. In fact,
80% of all reported motorcycle accidents result in injuries or death.
This increased risk is because motorcyclists’ bodies are much more
exposed than other motorists’. In a vehicle, drivers and passengers
are protected by the body of the car, seatbelts and airbags. What separates
a motorcyclist from the pavement, however, is a helmet and his or her clothing.
As a result, our
San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys often see the following injuries:
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Traumatic brain injury. Wearing a helmet is one of
California’s motorcycle laws. It can mean the difference between life and death. However, the impact
of a collision can still affect the brain. Motorcyclists can sustain internal
swelling, bleeding and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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Broken bones and fractures. With minimal safety gear and added exposure, motorcyclists often come
away from crashes with broken bones and fractures.
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Road rash. When motorcyclists make contact with the road, the force and speed at
which they are traveling can cause the road to burn through their clothes.
Any exposed skin which meets the ground will get seriously burned and
scraped. Dirt and debris may also embed into the skin.
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Spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are common when motorcyclists get thrown from their
bikes. This type of injury may cause permanent paralysis and chronic pain.
How a San Jose Motorcycle Accident Attorney From Our Firm Can Help You
Secure Compensation
A motorcycle accident lawyer in San Jose will know how to investigate your claim. Our approach to building a strong
case includes compiling evidence and statements about the incident.
Then, we determine what you are legally entitled to based on our findings.
Next, we negotiate with the insurance company in an attempt to secure
the compensation you deserve. In some cases, we pursue a lawsuit.
Your San Jose motorcycle accident attorney will decide how best to pursue
your claim. Making this decision involves determining what the accident cost you.
You may be able to receive compensation for the following:
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Lost wages. After an accident, you may not be able to return to work. Unfortunately,
this means lost wages for you.
Proving that the other driver was at fault for the accident may mean recovering these lost wages.
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Medical bills. Motorcycle accidents almost always result in injuries, whether minor or
severe. This means that a motorcyclist is likely to end up with a lot
of medical bills.
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Pain and suffering. Sometimes
personal injury cases will involve compensation for physical pain and discomfort. Securing compensation
for mental or emotional anguish is also a possibility.
Get the Help You Need From a Trusted San Jose Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At
Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, we understand the difficulties motorcycle accident victims face. That
is why we offer free consultations for victims who are looking for answers
and help. Further, you can work with a San Jose motorcycle accident lawyer
from our firm on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing
unless we secure your compensation.
If you want to learn more about our services, contact our experienced motorcycle
accident lawyers in San Jose at
(408) 716-1668 or
send us a message online.