Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Warm weather and clear skies are perfect for riding a motorcycle, and California is in no shortage of beautiful weather. Unfortunately, what starts as a joy ride can turn into a catastrophic accident. Bikers face a high risk of serious injury or even death when they’re involved in an accident. It may be in your best interest to hire a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney to help you navigate this challenging time.

Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno, CA

Accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. There are a variety of reasons a motorcycle accident can happen in Fresno, including:

• Unsafe lane changes
• Excessive speeding
• Sudden stops
• Dangerous roads and conditions
• Driving between two lanes of traffic
• Inexperienced drivers

The most dangerous thing on the road is other drivers. As a biker, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Fresno often lead to severe injuries because riders lack the protection offered by cars. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in these crashes:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with helmets, motorcyclists face a high risk of TBIs, which can impact cognitive and physical functions. Immediate medical attention is crucial as these injuries may not be obvious at first.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These life-altering injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The force of a crash often leads to severe spinal damage, requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Leg and Foot Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and even amputations are common in the lower extremities. These injuries frequently need surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Road Rash: When a rider is thrown from the bike and skids across the pavement, road rash can occur. Severity varies, with risks of infection and permanent scarring in more serious cases.
• Bone Fractures: Collisions often cause fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs. Treatment may involve surgery and extended recovery periods.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Fresno

Motorcycle accidents are a significant concern in Fresno, reflecting troubling trends across California. In 2022, Fresno saw 21 motorcycle fatalities, contributing to the state’s 654 total deaths. Additionally, 235 people sustained injuries in Fresno motorcycle crashes in 2021. Speeding and improper turning remain leading causes, with speeding accounting for nearly 30% of California’s motorcycle accidents in 2021. Despite the high accident rate, helmet use remains critical—93% of motorcyclists killed in California in 2020 were wearing helmets.

These statistics highlight the importance of safety measures and awareness for both motorcyclists and other drivers on the road.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, seeking legal assistance can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?

Because motorcycles lack any sort of surrounding protective structure, the driver is more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries when they’re involved in a motorcycle crash. In 2017, more than 5,000 motorcyclists died in accidents. Fortunately, the number of deaths is decreasing year after year, but thousands of motorcyclists suffer some sort of injury every year. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Head and neck injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries motorcyclists face following an accident. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, it can only absorb so much force.
• Leg injuries: During motorcycle accidents, it’s common to sustain injuries to your knees, ankles, or feet. This could be anything from broken bones to a twisted ankle. While these injuries most likely won’t be fatal, they may turn into long-term issues without proper care.
• Bone Fractures: Collisions often cause fractures in the arms, legs, and ribs. Treatment may involve surgery and extended recovery periods.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These life-altering injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The force of a crash often leads to severe spinal damage, requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Road rash: Since there are no seatbelts, bikers can easily fly over the handlebars on impact. Road rash is much more severe than scrapes on your arms and legs. With the excessive force going across the pavement, multiple layers of your skin can be peeled away, possibly exposing muscle.

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe hardship, including large medical bills and significant injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to a settlement. The Setareh Law attorneys can discuss your case and help you determine the best course of action.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Fresno, California?

After a motorcycle accident, you might be overwhelmed and stressed, in addition to dealing with any injuries you suffered. You must report any accident that causes injury or more than $1,000 in property damage in California. No matter how serious your injuries or how costly the damage is, there are many steps to take after a motorcycle accident. To get more legal guidance contact our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys to get your case started.

Move to a Safe Location

After a motorcycle accident, your immediate safety is paramount. If you’re able to move and it’s safe to do so, relocate to a secure area away from traffic. This might mean moving your motorcycle to the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. If you’re unable to move the motorcycle, leave it where it is and focus on getting yourself to safety. Remember, your well-being is more important than property. If you’re severely injured or feel unsafe moving, stay where you are and wait for emergency services to arrive. Your priority should be preventing further harm to yourself or others on the road.

Consult a Doctor

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s likely an emergency response team transported you to a hospital. If you were lucky enough to walk away from the accident without any apparent injuries, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your body’s excess adrenaline may have prevented you from feeling any pain. Additionally, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. So, while you may feel fine, you could be suffering from severe injuries.

Exchange Information

Once you’ve ensured your safety, it’s crucial to exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. This includes gathering names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details from other drivers. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Take photos of insurance cards and driver’s licenses if possible to ensure accuracy.

Collect Evidence

Police officers will gather information from you, the other driver, and any witnesses to file a report. Even so, you should also collect information for your records. Ask for names, addresses, and contact information from the other drivers, passengers, and potential witnesses.

While you’re gathering evidence, you’ll also want to take photos of everything: your motorcycle, any injuries you received, and the other vehicle. Road hazards and conditions may also help with your case. Whatever evidence you collect or whoever you speak to, you must do it safely. Do not interfere with police officers or put yourself in harm’s way.

File an Insurance Claim

The first step to receiving compensation following an accident is to file a claim with your insurance company. Most companies will require you to file a claim after an accident, regardless of whether you’re at fault. Once you call your carrier, they will send a claims adjuster to assess your claim and determine liability.

What Are Legal Options for Injured Fresno Motorcyclists?

Injured motorcyclists in Fresno have several legal options to pursue compensation. They can file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company, seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, or negotiate a settlement directly with the responsible party. In cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, motorcyclists may also seek compensation through their own insurance policies if they have the appropriate coverage.

Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident

Negligence in a motorcycle accident involves proving that the at-fault party failed to act with reasonable care, leading to the accident. Common examples of negligence include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield.

In Fresno, proving negligence requires showing that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.

California’s comparative negligence law allows injured motorcyclists to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

How Can Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help?

A motorcycle accident attorney can thoroughly review your case and discuss the best options for compensation. They’ll also be able to answer any legal questions you may have. There’s no obligation to use our services after a free consultation, but if you decide to hire our attorneys, we’ll immediately begin work on your case. With your help, we’ll be able to:

• Send investigators to the accident scene
• Determine the cause of the accident
• Document and gather evidence
• Communicate with your insurance company and the claims adjuster
• Deal with paperwork

Our team is fully committed to all of our clients. You should be focusing on your recovery. So, let our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers handle the work while you get back on your feet.

Contact Our Experience Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Our personal injury lawyers at Setareh Law are passionate about representing those injured by another’s negligence. We will stop at nothing to ensure you’re compensated for all accident-related damages. To schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle attorney in Fresno, call us at (559) 354-1046 or complete our online contact form.