California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Safety and Accident Concerns
Riding a motorcycle is a truly exhilarating and freeing experience that few people can appreciate unless or until they try it for themselves. Unfortunately, however, riding motorcycles also comes with a number of safety concerns. Motorcycle riders are considerably more vulnerable than other motorists on the road. A passing motorcycle is not as visible as a pickup truck, and motorcycle riders are not physically protecting by anything in the event that they are involved in an accident incident.
We here at the Law Offices of William C. Bibb have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident cases involving serious and fatal injuries. I am all too familiar with the nature and severity of injuries that motorcycle accident victims often sustain. I am also fully aware of the complexities and biases that work against motorcycle riders in many cases. It is the motorcyclist who is identified as being at fault in an accident the majority of the time by California Highway Patrol and local police. Accident witnesses are also often biased against motorcycle riders, making erroneous or false conclusions about what they saw happen.
Common motorcycle accident causes include:
-- Head-on collisions
-- Left-turn collisions
-- Excessive speeds
-- Drug and/or alcohol consumption
-- Distracted driving
-- Roadway hazards and debris
-- Overtaking and passing a vehicle turning left suddenly
-- A vehicle changing lanes without looking
*These are only a few of the motorcycle accident scenarios that can happen. There are even cases where area residents have deliberately created unsafe road conditions for motorcycle riders.
What to do after a Motorcycle Crash
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, remain at the scene and try to move as little as possible. Lying still and waiting for emergency personnel to arrive is crucial in the event that you have sustained any kind of spinal injury. If you or another person are able, then there are a few other steps that you can take after an accident to help ensure your legal right to pursue personal injury damages.
- Call 911 immediately. The California Highway Patrol will obtain information from all drivers and most witnesses. Their report takes approximately 15 working days to prepare. The CHP will give you a slip of paper with the police report number and an address for picking up the report.
- Take photographs of the area of the crash, including the roadway in both directions. Photograph the damage to both vehicles and your injuries if possible.
- Gather the contact information of all parties involved in the accident, along with anyone who witnessed the collision.
- Document the time, date, address, license numbers of the vehicles, names of witnesses, position of the vehicles, etc.
- Preserve evidence of the damage to your motorcycle. Your damaged motorcycle will need to be examined by an expert for any mechanical defects and/or other issues.
- Have another person witness any and all comments that the liable party makes to you.
- Preserve the helmet and clothing that you were wearing at the time of the accident.
Fight for the Compensation you Deserve
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident as the result of another person's negligence or wrongdoing, you have the legal right to pursue damages from the party that is liable in your case. Monetary damages could include compensation for your medical care and treatment, ambulance and hospital expenses, loss of wages, physical and/or rehabilitative therapy, pain and suffering, and life care needs.
The Law Offices of William C. Bibb conducts the research and investigations necessary to prove liability in your case, and achieve the compensation that you are entitled to under the law. I also become your legal representative and advocate, directly handling all communications with both insurance carriers and adjusters.
Learn more about the services I offer by contacting me today. I am happy to discuss your case and answer questions that you may have during your complementary initial consultation.