Hayward Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Injury Attorney in Hayward, California

Motorcycle accidents are particularly devastating because riders aren’t just vulnerable during the accident, but can also face challenges when trying to obtain compensation in the aftermath. People who ride motorcycles often face negative stereotypes that affect them when filing a personal injury claim. Riders may be thought of as reckless or impulsive because of their chosen means of travel and insurance companies may use these biases against them. 

With the level of injury riders can suffer due to a lack of protection and the challenge of dealing with insurance companies, it’s incredibly beneficial that they contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can make sure that your rights and best interest are protected throughout the process so you can obtain the compensation you need to cover the financial burden and losses you’ve suffered. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

When a motorcycle accident occurs, the motorcycle has virtually no protection. Even with their protective gear, riders can suffer debilitating injuries if struck. A motorcycle is relatively lightweight and depends on balance and forward momentum to remain upright; these elements can contribute to the accident’s severity. 

Common reasons for motorcycle accidents include:

Speeding

Most people are aware of the dangers of speeding, but it’s still one of the leading causes of accidents. When a motorist drives over the speed limit, they place every other motorist at risk, especially motorcyclists who can be thrown off balance and lose control of their bikes.

Lane Changing 

Drivers can sometimes make lane changes without taking into consideration that a motorcyclist may be present. They change lanes without looking or checking their blind spots. 

Turning Into the Path of a Motorcycle 

In the same way that stereotypes of riders affect them during the claim process, it affects drivers’ attitudes on the road. It’s not uncommon for a motorcycle accident to occur when a driver turns in front of a rider with the right of way. 

Road Hazards

Potholes are often daily annoyances for a standard car, but for motorcyclists, they can prove incredibly dangerous. Debris in the roadway, rough surfaces, and other road hazards can make a bike unbalanced and cause the rider to lose control. 

Driving Under the Influence 

A driver who is impaired by alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the road in danger, including motorcyclists.

Distracted Driving

Drivers often take their eyes off the road for seconds that they don’t consider to be a big deal. However, taking your eyes off the road even for a second can lead to a catastrophic situation. 

Who Is Liable After a Motorcycle Accident?

Riders who survive motorcycle accidents may face high medical expenses, an inability to work, and immense pain and suffering from physical and mental injuries. If the accident is the result of negligence from another party, they may be able to recover compensation for the pain and financial losses they suffered. In motorcycle accidents, it’s possible that multiple parties may be liable for the accident, including:

• Impaired drivers
• Distracted drivers
• Aggressive drivers
• Drivers failing to yield right of way
• Drivers tailgating a motorcyclist
• Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts
• Transportation or government agencies responsible for maintaining roadways

Liability is not always clear after an accident; this is why it’s important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They understand the process and the best way to investigate an accident to obtain the necessary evidence to build a strong case. 

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents occur because the other motorists didn’t see the rider, and while that may have been accidental, it doesn’t excuse negligent behavior. Injured riders are entitled by law to fair compensation, and negligent drivers need to be held responsible for the damage and injuries they cause. 

Injured riders may be entitled to the following compensation:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages/earning potential
• Physical and emotional pain or suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death

Working with an attorney means having an experienced person at your side who can examine the financial and physical damages you’ve suffered and help ensure you obtain maximum compensation that reflects the value of your claim.

How a Hayward Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help 

After the accident, an insurance adjuster may approach you and ask you for a statement, ask you to sign some paperwork, or even ask you to take full responsibility for the accident even though it wasn’t your fault. However, it’s essential to remember that you should not sign anything or say anything until you can speak with an attorney. 

Insurance companies are focused on limiting their payout as much as possible on personal injury claims and even denying them for the slightest error. Their goal is often to find any potential weakness in your claim and use them for their benefit, including the fact that a claimant is a motorcycle rider. An attorney can speak with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure there are no errors in your claim that may be used against you. A motorcycle accident attorney will also be familiar with the negative biases used to turn away riders or reduce their damages and use their knowledge to push back against them. 

Consult With an Experienced Hayward Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists may be overwhelmed with physical, mental, and emotional pain. They may also face expensive ongoing and long-term medical treatment. Understandably, the financial strain and recovery from the accident can be a lot to handle without taking on a personal injury claim—this is where Setareh Law comes in. 

Our motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these accidents have devastating effects and that dealing with insurance companies can be stressful. We can help deal with this by taking on your claim so you can focus on recovering. 

Schedule a consultation today by filling out our contact form or calling (310) 659-1826. We also speak Spanish.