The number of Bakersfield motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles is much less than the number of accidents involving cars and trucks, making it difficult to locate a law firm that has more than occasional experience in assisting motorcycle accident victims and their families. At Rodriguez & Associates, Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer Daniel Rodriguez and his legal team have handled more than 100 motorcycle accident cases in our three decades of service to residents of California’s Central Valley. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer.
Why Choose Rodriguez & Associates for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
- Our Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorneys hold over 100 years of combined legal experience. We have the skills and experience necessary to represent your motorcycle accident claim.
- Our firm recovered the highest personal injury verdict in Kern County history and will work aggressively to seek the highest possible award in your case.
- We deliver big firm results with small firm service. Your attorney will be available throughout your case to answer your questions and respond to any concerns.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were 10,597 motorcycle accidents in California, with 532 of those resulting in fatalities. Despite motorcycles only constituting 3% of registered vehicles, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2020. Motorcycle crashes often result in more fatalities and serious injuries in comparison to other types of vehicles.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
For motorcyclists in California, it is important to know the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Recognizing the factors and situations that most often lead to crashes can increase the odds of avoiding them. An ounce of knowledge can go a long way in reducing the level of risk. According to police reports, studies, and state-specific crash statistics, the following are the most common reasons motorcyclists end up in auto accidents in California:
- Unsafe speeds. When drivers speed, they’re more likely not to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Driving too fast for the conditions also increases the odds of drivers losing control of their vehicle and causing a collision.
- Automobile failing to yield the right-of-way. Drivers might fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists because they either don’t see them, don’t understand the law, or because they are negligent. Other motorists making left-hand turns puts motorcyclists, especially at risk, and account for 42% of all motorcycle accidents. Drivers might fail to look carefully enough for motorcycles or misjudge the distance of a motorcyclist before making a turn.
- Improper turning. Although speeding causes the most significant number of automobile injuries, improper turning causes the most deaths. Making improper or illegal turns caused 22,801 motorist injuries and 539 deaths in California in 2014.
- Driver distraction. Drivers must pay strict attention to the road at all times. Engaging in illegal habits such as texting and driving, eating or drinking, chatting with passengers, fiddling with the radio, or personal grooming increases the risk of causing a motorcycle accident. Distracted driving often results in severe crashes because drivers don’t hit the brakes or try to avoid a collision.
- Roadway hazards and defects. A motor vehicle might be able to roll over or maneuver around roadway defects such as potholes, but motorcyclists cannot. Defects such as loose gravel, uneven shoulders, debris, fallen trees, and other road problems can present serious dangers to motorcyclists. The city of Bakersfield might be liable for these accidents if they knew about the dangers and did not repair the roadway defect.
Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers have helped dozens of injured motorcyclists exercise their rights and secure sizeable settlements and jury verdicts in California. We can confront negligent or reckless drivers, careless road maintenance crews, motorcycle manufacturers, property owners, and any other party that might share liability for your recent accident. If negligence played a role in your crash, discuss your legal options with a seasoned Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney at our firm.
California’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
California has a “universal” motorcycle helmet law. Every motorcycle operator in every city in California must wear an approved helmet. The law applies to operators and passengers, regardless of age. The California Vehicle Code Section 27803 mandates that motorcycle helmets must meet regulations under the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. According to the statute, it is against the law to operate or ride a motorcycle without an approved helmet.
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet in California can result in a legal violation and citation, punishable by a fine. It can also negatively affect a claim if you get into a motorcycle accident. The defense might use the lack of wearing a helmet against you to argue that you contributed to your head, brain, neck, or back injury because you chose not to wear a helmet. California courts might reduce your compensation award by a certain percentage if it deems that you were “comparatively negligent” for your injuries because you broke the law and didn’t wear a helmet.
To have a case against you for comparative negligence, the defense would have to show that your lack of helmet-wearing contributed to the severity of your injuries. If your injuries do not relate to your head or brain, this can be difficult to prove. The defense might use tactics such as bringing up statistics that prove wearing a helmet reduces the risk of injuries. If you broke the helmet law in a recent motorcycle accident, hire a Bakersfield personal injury attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents to help you stand up against potential helmet-related defense strategies.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries in California
The severe nature of motorcycle accidents can cause a variety of injuries to motorcycle riders and their passengers. Motorcyclists are almost entirely exposed to injuries in a collision, with no metal shell to protect them. Even with a helmet and protective body gear, motorcyclists can suffer serious and life-threatening injuries. In our years representing motorcycle accident victims in California, some of the most common injuries our Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyers have seen include:
- Bone fractures. It is common to break bones in a vehicle-motorcycle collision. Motorcyclists are most at risk of bone fractures in their lower extremities but may suffer breaks in their arms or wrists from trying to break a fall. More serious breaks like skull or spine fractures are also possible.
- Head and brain injuries. The head is at great risk of injury in a motorcycle accident, as the operator can fly from the bike and strike his or her head on the road or another object. Helmet or no helmet, the skull and brain can suffer serious or permanent injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can weigh on a victim for life.
- Neck and spine injuries. Injuries to the neck, back, and spine can occur depending on the factors of the collision. If a motor vehicle runs over a motorcyclist or pins him/her to another car, it can sever the spine. Spinal cord injuries can result in lifelong, untreatable paralysis below the point of impact.
No matter what type of injury you suffered in a California motorcycle accident, talk to our lawyers. Taking legal action against a responsible driver or other parties could result in payment for your injury-related hospital bills, medical costs, disability, lost wages, and more. Rodriguez & Associates can handle minor to catastrophic injury claims in Bakersfield. We work hard to help our clients get restitution for their injuries. Our firm also includes several experienced Bakersfield bike accident lawyers, if you’ve suffered an injury on a traditional bicycle.
Compensation for Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Victims
Securing financial compensation for your motorcycle accident damages depends on the legal actions you take. Start protecting your rights immediately after a collision. Documenting important details about your accident, such as the name and insurance information of the other driver and photographs of injuries, can significantly help your case. The more evidence you gather about your case, the better. You could be eligible to recover for:
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of consortium
Once you receive medical care for injuries, the next step is to contact a Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney at Rodriguez & Associates. Ask us how much your motorcycle accident claim could be worth during a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We could help recover from economic losses as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. The skill of your attorney can make all the difference in the amount of pain and suffering damages you receive from a California jury – especially if you suffered a catastrophic injury such as brain damage or spinal cord injury.
Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcyclists often face unfair scrutiny during motorcycle accident claims. In many cases, the at-fault driver may claim that the motorcyclist is partially responsible for the collision. These accusations can have a major impact on your potential award.
During the insurance process, the company will likely deny your claim if it believes that you were at fault. If you are filing a lawsuit, California’s pure comparative negligence laws will apply to your case.
Under this doctrine, the court will reduce your settlement by the percentage of liability that you share. You could recover financial compensation even if you were 99% at fault for the collision.
For example, say that you request a $40,000 settlement. The court determines that you are 40% at fault for the accident. As a result, you will only receive $24,000.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can defend you against these accusations and prove the at-fault driver’s liability. A lawyer from Rodriguez & Associates can protect your rights during the process and work to build a compelling case in your favor.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Bakersfield
The moments after a motorcycle accident can feel scary and overwhelming. In these situations, take the following steps after your collision to protect yourself and your future injury claim:
- Call 911: The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is to call 911 or ask someone to call the police for you. This will bring law enforcement and emergency medical services to the scene.
- Report the Accident: When the police arrive at the scene, report the collision to the responding officer. Collect the officer’s name and badge number so that you can find the police report at a later time.
- Seek Medical Care: Next, seek medical care as soon as you can and save all records that detail your injuries and treatment. Always go to the hospital after a motorcycle accident, even if you do not feel hurt after the collision.
- Collect Evidence: You should take steps to collect evidence if you can move around the accident site without putting yourself at risk of further injury. Take photographs and videos of the area around the accident and any visible injuries or property damage. If any witnesses saw the collision, ask for their information.
- Exchange Information: Briefly exchange your contact and insurance details with the driver who was involved in your accident. Do not say anything about the accident or your injuries.
- Speak to an Attorney: Once you receive medical care for your injuries, reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak with anyone else about your accident until you consult with an attorney.
Rodriguez & Associates | Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Rodriguez & Associates, we are in business for one reason: to help injury victims in every way we can. To that end, our legal team combines our focus on getting the best results for the client along with caring and helpful service at each step of the legal process. Our firm is conveniently located in downtown Bakersfield. We are available for weekend and evening appointments, charge no fee for consultations and speak both English and Spanish. To contact us, please call (661) 777-7575 to schedule a free consultation with one of our qualified Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorneys today.