Motorcycle riders enjoy biking for the sense of freedom, adventure, and connection with the open road that it provides. But much can change when an accident happens. If this is your situation, our San Bernardino personal injury lawyer can fight for your recovery.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our clients always come first. We care about their recovery after a devastating injury or loss, and we have recovered millions of dollars for them. We also fight against unfair stereotypes that can influence the handling of riders’ accident claims and lawsuits.
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers will help you combat these biases and pursue financial recovery for your losses. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our San Bernardino Motorcycle Crash Lawyers Will Lead Your Case
Injured riders often suffer wounds that make it difficult to handle a legal case on their own. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, our San Bernardino motorcycle injury lawyers can lead your case while you rest and treat your injuries.
When you hire our firm, we will:
- Explain your rights: We will make sure you understand your rights and the financial recovery you can receive after an accident. We will also explain the laws that apply to your case and protect your interests.
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence: Our team will review the crash to determine what happened and who is responsible. Crash evidence can include the police report, your medical records, witness statements, and video footage.
- Identify all liable parties: Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident to identify everyone who may be responsible. These include other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance.
- Assess your damages: It’s not just about medical bills. You might also be able to recover your lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. We will calculate all the damages and request the full amount you need to get back on track.
- Manage talks with the insurance company: Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. Our lawyers will handle all communication with insurers and negotiate for what you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If we must file a lawsuit and seek damages in court, we will present your case and work hard to get the best outcome for you.
Omega Law Group’s attorneys are committed to helping you get the justice and compensation you need to move forward. We are dedicated to recovering your losses, as our case results show we have done for others.
Recoverable Damages in an Accident
Motorcycle accidents can result in significant financial and personal losses. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Here are some of the damages you can recover:
- Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medicines, and future medical treatment related to the accident.
- Rehabilitation costs: This covers the expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services needed for your recovery.
- Lost income: Compensation for the money you lost while recovering from the accident, including future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma from the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact the accident has had on your relationship with your spouse, partner, or family.
- Disability and disfigurement: Financial support if the accident results in long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the loss of ability to enjoy everyday activities and hobbies you participated in before the accident.
- Property damage: Repayment for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and other personal property damaged in the accident, such as your helmet and gear.
Wrongful Death Damages in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
If your loved one suffered fatal injuries from the accident, we are sorry for your loss. If someone else’s negligence harmed them, our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys can advise you on whether your family can file a lawsuit to recover various financial and emotional losses, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses: Compensation for the costs of the funeral, burial, or cremation services.
- Medical expenses: Covers any medical bills incurred before your loved one’s death.
- Lost expected income: Compensation for the future earnings your loved one would have provided to the family.
- Loss of benefits: This covers the loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement funds that your family member provided.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and grief your family suffered.
- Loss of companionship: Financial support for the emotional pain and loss of companionship experienced by family members.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of your loved one’s love, affection, and support in a spousal relationship.
- Loss of household services: Compensation for the value of household services your relative provided, such as childcare, cooking, and maintenance.
These damages aim to provide financial support and recognize the toll the loss of a loved one has on their family. We can discuss your case further during a free consultation.
What Causes Motorcycle Crashes?
Understanding common causes of motorcycle accidents can help in proving liability. Some frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Lane splitting
- Failure to yield
- Poor road conditions
We will investigate the cause of the crash and seek the appropriate compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
The Investigation Process for a Motorcycle Accident
Investigating a motorcycle accident is a critical step in building a strong personal injury case. A thorough investigation uncovers the facts surrounding the accident, determines liability, and ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Accident Scene Examination: Investigators visit the accident site to collect evidence such as skid marks, debris, road conditions, and traffic signals to reconstruct how the collision occurred.
- Photographs and Video Evidence: Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and surveillance footage from nearby cameras are gathered to provide visual context.
- Police Reports: Reviewing the official accident report provides critical information, such as documented witness statements, preliminary fault assessments, and traffic violations.
- Witness Interviews: Eyewitness accounts are collected to clarify details about the accident, including the actions of the involved parties.
- Review of Motorcycle and Vehicle Damage: Analyzing damage helps determine the force of impact and can reveal factors like speed, point of contact, or mechanical failure.
- Medical Records and Expert Analysis: Medical experts assess your injuries to establish a link between the accident and the harm suffered. Accident reconstruction specialists may also be hired to provide expert testimony.
- Insurance Policy Review: Examining the insurance coverage of all involved parties helps determine the compensation available under the applicable policies.
Why Is the Investigation Process Important?
The investigation process is crucial in motorcycle accident cases as it helps establish liability by determining whether another driver, hazardous road conditions, or defective parts caused the crash. Prompt investigations preserve critical evidence that might otherwise be lost due to time, weather, or repairs.
A thorough investigation strengthens your case, providing a solid foundation for negotiations or court proceedings. It also ensures accurate valuation of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to maximize compensation.
Additionally, it protects your rights by countering attempts from insurance companies to shift blame or undervalue your claim. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in San Bernardino ensures the investigation is conducted professionally, significantly improving your chances of a successful claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, you must act quickly and carefully to protect your health and legal rights. Following these steps can help you protect your legal case and potential compensation:
- Seek medical attention: Your health comes first. Get medical help immediately, even if injuries do not seem serious. It can take several days or weeks for some injuries to present symptoms.
- Document the scene: Take photos and/or video footage, collect witness information, and make notes about the accident.
- Report the accident: File a police report as soon as possible.
- Contact a lawyer: Call our firm for help from our San Bernardino motorcycle collision lawyer. We will discuss your case and explain your options and whether you have a personal injury case.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection for riders. Our motorcycle accident injury attorneys in San Bernardino frequently handle claims for the following injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, riders can sustain head injuries, such as concussions or severe brain trauma, potentially causing long-term cognitive or physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting quality of life and earning potential.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a crash often causes fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Road Rash: Sliding across pavement can cause severe skin abrasions or infections, sometimes requiring skin grafts.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma may damage internal organs, leading to serious complications like internal bleeding.
- Amputations: Some accidents result in the loss of limbs during the crash or require surgical amputation.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Victims often experience emotional suffering, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
If you’ve suffered these or other injuries in a motorcycle accident, our skilled attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle crashes are a serious safety issue in the U.S. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury or death in crashes compared to other vehicle occupants. In 2022:
- Motorcyclists made up 14.6% of all traffic deaths in the U.S., even though motorcycles were only 3.4% of registered vehicles and accounted for 0.7% of miles traveled.
Motorcycle Fatalities in 2022
- Nationwide: 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities involved motorcyclists (6,218 deaths).
- California: 14% of all motor vehicle fatalities involved motorcyclists (634 deaths).
Trends (2018–2022)
- Nationwide, motorcycle fatalities increased by 1.2% from 2021 to 2022.
- In California, motorcycle fatalities rose by 3.8% during the same period.
Helmet Use in 2022
- 66.5% of U.S. motorcyclists (riders and passengers) wore DOT-compliant helmets, slightly up from 64.9% in 2021.
- In states with universal helmet laws, helmet use dropped from 86.1% in 2021 to 81.5% in 2022.
Crash Overview
The data includes crashes involving motorcycles, mopeds, off-road bikes, and three-wheel motorcycles. A motorcycle crash is defined as one where at least one victim is a rider or passenger.
Motorcycle safety remains a major concern, especially with rising fatalities.
Our San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer from Omega Law Group is ready to represent you and work to recover your rightful financial award. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can help.
California generally allows injured parties two years to sue for damages in civil court, per California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. We can protect your right to seek compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit and file your case on time. Call or contact us now for a free consultation.