Many Monterey motorcyclists enjoy the freedom and relaxation that comes with hopping on their bikes and going for a ride. Unfortunately, the tranquility of the ride can come to a grinding halt in the event of a motorcycle accident that results in devastating injuries and large expenses. If you or a loved one suffered a motorcycle accident and were injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may be able to pursue legal compensation through a personal injury claim. A Monterey motorcycle accident lawyer from BD&J can help you start your claim!
What are Common Monterey Motorcycle Accidents?
Monterey County reported 118 victims injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in 2022. Many motorcyclists can often become vulnerable targets in an accident due to lack of visibility, road hazards, unsafe lane changes by other drivers, and excessive speed. The motorcycle accident attorneys at BD&J have represented common motorcycle accidents like:
- Head-on collisions
- Left-turn collisions (where a driver is turning left in the motorcyclist’s path and fails to see/act in time to avoid the accident)
- Lane-splitting accidents
- Side impact collisions
- Overturned accidents
- Stationary object collisions
How Serious Can Injuries from these Accidents Be?
Because motorcyclists are more exposed to the elements in comparison to drivers in standard cars, the extent of injuries from a motorcycle accident can be pretty serious. Some injuries from these can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns
- Amputations
- Catastrophic injuries
- And more
In some cases, motorcycle accidents can even lead to the death of a loved one. If you lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, consult with a wrongful death attorney from BD&J about a wrongful death lawsuit. While monetary compensation won’t ease the loss of a loved one, it can be used to cover accident expenses, allowing surviving loved ones to grieve without financial burden.
What Can a Monterey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you will no doubt be dealing with debilitating injuries, motorcycle repairs, and even loss of wages if your injuries leave you unable to work. A Monterey motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build your motorcycle accident claim to hold liable parties accountable for compensation. At BD&J, our team of expert attorneys provide help in the filing process, negotiations, and representing you through every step of the insurance process as needed.
Who is Liable in my Monterey Motorcycle Accident?
The basis of every motorcycle accident claim is fighting for compensation from liable parties. Who is liable for your accident? The entities often held responsible in a motorcycle accident injury claim include:
The Other Driver
In the case of a motorcycle accident, liability can often fall onto the other driver. Drivers who are distracted, fatigued, aggressive, or fail to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot or next to their vehicle can ultimately be the ones who cause an accident that leaves the more exposed motorcyclist dealing with several painful injuries.
Motorcycle Manufacturers
A flaw in the mechanics of the motorcycle, design, or even faulty parts can cause an unexpected motorcycle accident. If your Monterey motorcycle accident was caused by faulty parts or a flaw in the design or mechanics of the motorcycle, a claim against the manufacturers of the motorcycle or those parts could be pursued under product defects.
The City
The city of Monterey passed Measure S (previously Measure P), which collects a 1% district tax to fix the streets and sidewalks for locals and visitors. This measure runs until 2027, but there may still be plenty of problems with roads to be addressed in order to keep drivers and other motorists safe. If your motorcycle accident was caused by potholes, flaws in the road design, lack of proper road signage, or other similar problems, the city could be held responsible in a lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to go to the Hospital After My Motorcycle Accident?
Yes! Many people put off going to the hospital after a motorcycle accident due to high emotions and prioritizing other accident-related tasks, but going to the hospital is crucial for your well-being and documentation of any injuries.
Why is Medical Documentation So Important for My Personal Injury Claim?
The basis of every personal injury claim is proving that another party’s negligent or reckless acts directly caused your injuries. To emphasize the severity of the injuries and ensure they are directly related to your accident, documenting these injuries at a hospital is essential for evidence in your claim.
What Can Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident Claim Cover?
Compensation from your motorcycle accident claim can be used to cover past and future medical expenses, motorcycle repairs, physical rehabilitation, surgical procedures, pain and trauma, and even loss of wages if you are unable to work. If the other liable driver had a history of reckless driving, punitive damages may also be awarded.
What if My Loved One Died in a Motorcycle Accident?
The loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident can be absolutely crippling, but surviving loved ones can speak with a Monterey wrongful death lawyer from BD&J to discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit. While a price tag can’t be placed on grief, monetary compensation can be used to cover funeral costs and other expenses so loved ones can grieve in peace.
Who Could File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Loved One?
The individuals who can file a wrongful death lawsuit include a spouse or registered domestic partner, children or grandchildren of the deceased, and dependent minors who lived with the deceased at least six months before their death. In some cases, parents of the deceased, stepchildren, and other heirs of the estate or next of kin can file a wrongful death claim as well.
How To Enjoy Safe Motorcycle Rides
Fear of a motorcycle accident shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the open Monterey air. Being cautious can be worthwhile. Enjoying safe motorcycle rides can look like:
- Wearing a full-face helmet. Wearing a helmet can make a vast difference when it comes to being safe on the road. Opt for a helmet that has a face shield and eye protection.
- Practice safe driving. Motorcyclists should follow the same rules on the road as other motorists. This includes using turn signals, adhering to speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, lane splitting safely, and of course, keeping your eyes on the road while you ride.
- Be visible on the road. Wear brightly colored clothing or use reflective tape. Also, avoid spending too much time in blind spots next to other vehicles.
- Consult with a Monterey motorcycle accident lawyer as needed. It’s impossible to predict a motorcycle accident, and even the most careful motorcyclists can be involved in an accident. Speak with a Monterey motorcycle accident attorney about filing a personal injury claim after being injured in an accident.
Rigorous Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Advocate for Injured Riders
In 2023, motorcyclists accounted for 15.5% of traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all recorded injuries in the country. Being in a motorcycle accident can be devastating, leading to a mountain of expenses, pain, and in some cases, fatal injuries. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, seek a Monterey motorcycle accident lawyer for help filing a personal injury claim.
At BD&J, our team of diligent motorcycle accident attorneys have been fighting for injured riders for more than 20 years, collecting more than $2 billion* in damages. Let one of our legal advocates be your voice in a personal injury claim. No fees until we win*. Call us now to book your free consultation!
