San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Injury Attorneys in San Bernardino, California
Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom that few other vehicles can match. However, this freedom comes with significant risks, as motorcycle riders are far more vulnerable than those in passenger cars. When an accident occurs, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Setareh Law, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be for you and your family. Our team is committed to helping injured riders pursue the compensation they deserve. We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. If someone else’s reckless driving left you injured, we may be able to help you seek justice and hold them accountable.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents often happen because other drivers fail to recognize or respect motorcyclists’ rights on the road. One of the most common causes is driver inattention. Many drivers do not check their blind spots or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed, leading to dangerous collisions. Left-turn accidents are particularly frequent when a driver turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, failing to yield the right of way.
Another major cause is speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a crash. While motorcyclists can also contribute to accidents by speeding, car drivers traveling at high speeds pose a greater threat because they have less time to see and react to a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, gravel, or slippery surfaces, can also make it harder for a motorcyclist to maintain control, leading to crashes.
Distracted driving is another significant factor. Texting, talking on the phone, or even adjusting the radio can cause a driver to miss a motorcycle in their vicinity. Since motorcycles are smaller than cars, they can easily go unnoticed by a driver who is not paying full attention to the road. Recognizing these common causes can help both motorcyclists and drivers take steps to prevent accidents.
Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than other personal injury cases due to biases against motorcyclists. Insurance companies sometimes argue that riders are reckless or take unnecessary risks, which can make it harder to secure fair compensation. Even if a motorcyclist follows all traffic laws, insurers may try to reduce or deny a claim based on stereotypes rather than facts.
Another challenge is proving liability. In many motorcycle accident cases, the other driver claims they did not see the motorcyclist or that the rider was at fault. Establishing fault requires strong evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. If there are no clear signs of negligence, the insurance company may dispute the claim, prolonging the legal process.
Medical expenses are another critical factor in these claims. Motorcycle injuries are often severe, requiring extensive treatment and long recovery periods. Insurance companies may try to downplay the extent of injuries or argue that they were pre-existing. This can lead to lower settlement offers that do not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Working with a legal professional can help ensure your claim is taken seriously, and you receive the compensation you need.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover several types of compensation depending on the circumstances of the crash. One of the most common forms is medical expenses, which include emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. Since motorcycle injuries can be severe, medical bills often become a significant financial burden.
Lost wages may also be recoverable if injuries prevent the victim from working. This includes income lost during recovery and any future earnings lost due to a long-term disability. In some cases, victims may also be eligible for compensation for diminished earning capacity if they can no longer perform the same type of work as before the accident.
Pain and suffering damages can account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Unlike medical bills, which have clear dollar amounts, pain and suffering compensation is more subjective. Courts consider the severity of the injuries, the impact on daily life, and emotional trauma when determining the appropriate amount. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault driver and discourage similar behavior in the future.
How Can Setareh Law Help with Your Case?
Navigating the legal system while recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. At Setareh Law, our San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer handles every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. We understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Our team takes a personalized approach to each case, recognizing that every accident is different. We conduct thorough investigations, work with accident reconstruction specialists, and gather key medical evidence to build a strong claim. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, call our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys at (310) 659-1826 or reach out through our contact form.
