It’s vitally important that anyone injured in a California motorcycle accident maximizes their sources of recovery, as motorcycle accidents are far more likely to do serious, long-lasting and ultimately very expensive damage to victims than do other motor vehicle accidents, according to Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers. The statistics back this up, because they show that:
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A motorcycle rider is eight times more likely to be injured in a traffic accident than an automobile driver or passenger.
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When it comes to fatalities, motorcyclists are a shocking 37 times more likely to be killed than occupants of other vehicles.
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As many as 98 percent of California motorcycle accidents end up with one or more people being injured.
To make matters worse, the number of people being injured or killed in California motorcycle accidents has more than doubled in just the last 10 years.
What Are Sources of Recovery?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, the likelihood is that you’re going to be faced with a large number of medical bills. You may be out of work for awhile, too, and you might require ongoing physical therapy or even plastic surgery. To cover all these expenses, it’s important to find out any and all sources that might be liable for your damages and injuries.
Once you’ve received medical treatment—and that’s the most critical thing after any motorcycle accident—you should contact a reputable Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney and let them investigate who it may be possible to file a claim against. There are several possibilities, including:
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The driver that caused the accident—the most obvious source of recovery
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The owner of the vehicle that caused the accident, which may or may not be the driver
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The employer of the driver—something many people don’t think of, but if the person who caused your accident was driving a company car or truck, your motorcycle accident lawyer can file a claim against both the driver and the employer.
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Governmental entities—the road you were on may have been badly designed or constructed, creating a dangerous situation that contributed to your accident and injuries. The government agency responsible for maintaining those roads can be held at least partially liable for your injuries.
Be warned, however! If you’re filing against any government agency, you will find yourself up against extremely strict statutes of limitations. If you miss those deadlines by as much as an hour, your claim will be dismissed regardless of validity. Again, this is where a knowledgeable Sacramento motorcycle lawyer could be invaluable to your claim.
Manufacturers Aren't Always Blameless
Did the brakes fail on your motorcycle? Did the clutch cable snap, or was there a failure in your safety equipment? In any of these cases, the company that manufactured the faulty equipment could and should be held responsible for at least some of your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering.
Of course, the odds are fairly high that you’ll have enough on your plate to deal with, without having to investigate who or what might be held liable for your bumps, bruises and broken bones. This is perhaps the most important reason to find a good Sacramento motorcycle lawyer. As well as giving you free advice regarding your claim, a good personal injury attorney will also:
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Investigate all the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine who can and should be held liable
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Handle the negotiations with the insurance companies—if insurers know their client(s) may be held liable, they will be most eager to settle. The problem is, if you don’t have an attorney representing you, there’s a strong possibility you won’t be offered a settlement that’s anywhere near fair or necessary to meet you and your family’s needs.
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File the necessary paperwork on time, as they will be fully aware of the statutes of limitation and any other relevant deadlines
When a motorcycle accident occurs, lives often change. Entire family’s futures are put in jeopardy, and Sacramento motorcycle lawyers feel very strongly that if someone else is at fault for the accident, they should at least be responsible for providing the financial means to cover your medical costs and look after your family’s needs.
Clearly, making a claim after a motorcycle accident is not as straightforward as may first have appeared to be the case. It’s important not to be put off, however, as the ramifications could be devastating.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, the first thing you should do is get the medical attention you need. After that, contact a qualified and experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer, as soon as you possibly can. Remember, you may be dealing with very strict time limits.
The consultation is free, and a reputable personal injury attorney will answer your questions and advise you of the best way to maximize your sources of recovery. If you decide to proceed with a claim, the lawyer will handle all the paperwork, negotiations and necessary investigations, giving you the time and peace of mind to begin your recovery.
