Santa Rosa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Injury Attorney in Santa Rosa, California

What This Page Covers

• Vulnerability: Motorcycle riders face significant risks due to lack of protection and may suffer severe injuries even when practicing defensive driving.
• Challenges with Claims: After an accident, riders often face insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts, making legal representation essential.
• Common Accident Causes: Head-on collisions, left-turn accidents, road hazards, and tailgating are frequent causes of motorcycle accidents.
• Setareh Law’s Support: Setareh Law helps riders in Santa Rosa navigate legal challenges, ensuring fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

A motorcycle accident can be a life-changing incident for the victim. Riders lack protection that cars have, such as a vehicle’s metal encasing, seatbelts, and airbags. When colliding against other vehicles, they’re at extreme risk of suffering debilitating and fatal injuries. Most riders know the importance of defensive driving and do their best to be aware of their surroundings. They are aware that most cars and trucks rarely look out for them. However, even with these precautions, the acts of a careless or reckless driver can still catch a rider off guard and cause a serious accident.

Unfortunately, riders are not just vulnerable during an accident but also during the aftermath of an accident. After an accident, most motorcycle riders find that they need to file a personal injury claim because they’ve suffered catastrophic injuries and substantial property damage that they can not cover on their own. However, many find that when they file for compensation, they are faced with insurance companies whose goal is to limit their payout, regardless of the rider’s need or right to maximum compensation. This is why it’s incredibly beneficial for motorcycle riders to contact an attorney as soon as possible. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how safe a rider is and how cautious they are, accidents are often caused by reckless or careless drivers. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Head-on Collisions

These accidents often occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with a motorcyclist. Head-on collisions are often deadly for the rider.

Cars Making a Left Turn

Left-hand turn accidents occur when a car turns left at an intersection thinking there are no oncoming vehicles, colliding with an unseen motorcyclist going straight.

Road Hazards

Debris, uneven roads, cracks, potholes, and other road hazards can cause the rider to lose control of their bikes and cause a serious accident.

Tailgating 

Tailgating is when a driver drives too close to a motorcycle. Tailgating is dangerous because the driver doesn’t leave enough room for them to respond should they need to prevent an accident.

Liability in the Case of Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. In California, lane splitting is legal and defined as driving the motorcycle “with both two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of moving and stopped vehicles in the same lane, including both divided and undivided streets, roads, and highways.”

There has been a long debate about the safety of lane splitting. However, studies have shown that splitting at moderate speed is safer than riding behind a vehicle. Lane splitting has been shown to help reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. Still, lane splitting is not without its risk and can be dangerous if the rider doesn’t have enough space to maneuver or the driver doesn’t see the bike about to merge into their lane.

In California, if the rider was unsafely lane-splitting, they are partially responsible but can still file for compensation because of the comparative negligence rule under which California operates. Comparative negligence allows injured accident victims who are partially responsible for the accident to pursue compensation, but their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to them. 

However, if the rider was within their rights and lane splitting safely, then they are not partially to blame, and liability falls on the negligent driver or other negligent parties. 

Common Injuries Suffered in a Motorcycle Accident

Since motorcyclists have less protection than enclosed vehicles, they often sustain injuries requiring immediate attention and may result in life-long medical care. Some of the most common injuries riders sustain during an accident include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis 
• Bone fractures 
• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Muscle damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Torn ligaments
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Scarring and disfigurement 

Riders need to be aware that they shouldn’t remove their protective gear without the assistance of emergency responders. Removing protective gear can exacerbate an existing injury, so it’s better to wait for professional medical assistance. 

Why You Need Legal Representation After a Motorcycle Accident in Santa Rosa

Legal representation isn’t just about navigating the courtroom; it’s about having someone in your corner who understands the intricacies of the law and can fight for your rights. From dealing with insurance companies to filing the correct paperwork, each step requires careful attention. Our attorneys can help you by:

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, which can leave you without the funds you need to recover fully. A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney will have experience with these tactics and can counter them effectively. At Setareh Law, we work to gather irrefutable evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong cases to support our clients’ claims.

Providing Personal Attention and Support

Setareh Law’s motorcycle accident attorneys understand that no two cases are alike, and we take the time to listen to your story and understand your unique situation. When you work with us, you will not be treated as just another case file. You are a person who deserves empathy, respect, and dedicated support. We are available around the clock and even make house calls or hospital visits to ensure you get the assistance you need when you need it most.

Maximizing Compensation

Accidents can leave you with a wide range of expenses, from medical bills to lost wages. Without legal representation, you might not receive the full compensation you deserve. Our team at Setareh Law is skilled in calculating the true cost of your injuries, including long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. We aim to secure compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages, helping you move forward with peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Santa Rosa, California

Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. This decision is about more than just finding someone with legal knowledge; it’s about finding someone who understands your unique needs and will fight for your rights. Some factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Santa Rosa include:

Experience with Motorcycle Accident Cases

When looking for a lawyer, you want someone who knows the ins and outs of motorcycle accident cases. Motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents, often involving more severe injuries and complex liability issues. At Setareh Law, we have handled numerous motorcycle accident cases and understand the specific challenges they present. Our team is equipped to gather crucial evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a compelling case to support your claim.

Personal Connection and Comfort

It’s important to choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with. Legal processes can be long and stressful, and having a lawyer you can trust makes a big difference. At Setareh Law, we pride ourselves on building personal connections with our clients. We listen to your story, understand your needs, and are always available to answer your questions. We know this is a tough time, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Strong Track Record

A proven track record of success is a good indicator of a lawyer’s ability to handle your case effectively. At Setareh Law, we have a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Whether it’s negotiating settlements or winning cases in court, our results speak for themselves. Our clients’ testimonials and case results reflect our dedication and skill in handling motorcycle accident cases.

Transparent Communication

Clear and honest communication is essential when working with a lawyer. You need to understand the process, know your options, and be kept in the loop about your case’s progress. The Setareh Law team believes in transparent communication. We explain everything in plain language, so you always know exactly what’s happening with your case. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns at any time.

Contingency Fee Basis

Legal fees can be a concern when hiring a lawyer. Look for a lawyer who only gets paid if they win your case. At Setareh Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, aligning our interests with yours.

Commitment to Clients

The right lawyer should be genuinely committed to their clients’ well-being. At Setareh Law, our commitment goes beyond the courtroom. We understand the emotional and physical toll a motorcycle accident can take, and we do everything we can to make the legal process easier for you. We offer personalized support, make house calls or hospital visits, and are available around the clock.

At Setareh Law, our mission is to help you navigate the legal process with confidence and ease. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are here to fight for your rights every step of the way. You can trust us to be there for you, providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents 

The value of a claim depends on the damages suffered by the victim and the severity of those damages. Catastrophic injuries often mean greater damages because the physical, mental, and emotional pain suffered is greater. However, riders deserve to recover fair compensation whether they suffered a catastrophic injury or a less severe injury like road rash. The best way to ensure you receive maximum and fair compensation is to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who understands how to accurately calculate damages and aggressively fights for their clients to receive the compensation they are owed. 

Possible damages available to a motorcycle accident victim include:

• All past and future medical expenses
• Losses of income
• Disability-related costs
• Motorcycle repairs or replacement
• Legal fees and out-of-pocket costs
• Rental car fees
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Lost quality of life
• Punitive damages

Generally, motorcycle accidents involve serious to catastrophic injuries that will be worth more than a minor injury claim. They may also result in fatalities that lead to a wrongful death claim. Whether the surviving family or a surviving rider file a claim, the damages they recover will be based on the severity of the victims’ injuries and how greatly they impacted their lives. 

Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Santa Rosa Today

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. That’s why the attorneys at Setareh Law are determined to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve to not only cover the damages they’ve suffered but to help them move forward with their lives. Our attorneys understand that this can be challenging for people and will do everything in their power to alleviate some of the stress and fight for our right to fair and just compensation so you can focus on recovering. 

Setareh Law is here to help. You can schedule a consultation through our contact form or call (310) 659-1826. We also speak Spanish.

Schedule a Free Consult at Our Santa Rosa Location

Setareh Law, APLC

427 Mendocino Ave #100,

Santa Rosa, CA 95401