Tracy Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver?

Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries and significant challenges for victims and their families. These incidents occur suddenly, leaving those involved overwhelmed with questions about medical care, financial losses, and legal rights. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the need to navigate complex insurance claims—all while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of the accident. When these accidents are caused by another party’s negligence, understanding your legal options is critical.

At Setareh Law, we understand how daunting this process can feel. With years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases in California, we’re committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Our team is prepared to advocate for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused. If you’re seeking guidance after a motorcycle accident, we may be able to assist you every step of the way.

10 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

Many factors can lead to a motorcycle accident. Ten of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers risk colliding with motorcyclists when they fail to check their blind spot or signal when lane changing.

Car Doors

Motorcycle accidents can occur when a driver opens the door of their parked car and there is a motorcycle coming their way.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of all kinds of auto accidents because speeding reduces the driver’s chance of seeing and reacting to other drivers in time to prevent a collision. The higher their speed, the more significant their impact and the most severe the consequences.

Driving Under the Influence

Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol don’t have the control and attention needed to react in time to others on the road in order to prevent an accident.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is the term that describes when motorcyclists drive between two lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is not illegal in California but can be incredibly dangerous for inexperienced riders. 

Sudden Stops

Rear-end accidents occur when drivers follow too closely or make an abrupt stop, both of which can result in severe injury or the death of the motorcyclist.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make unsafe moves on that road with and without realizing it, compromising the safety of everyone else on the road.

Left Turns

When making a left turn, right-of-way errors or misjudgments of distance can cause serious accidents.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Under-maintained roads with potholes, debris, crumbling pavement, or lack of necessary signals or signs increase the risk of accidents. 

Motorcycle Defects

If a manufacturer poorly designs a motorcycle or the motorcycle has a malfunctioning or defective part that causes an accident, the company in charge of those parts may be held liable for damages.

Understanding Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Determining liability is a cornerstone of any motorcycle accident claim. Unlike car accidents, where fault is often more straightforward to establish, motorcycle accidents involve unique dynamics and considerations. Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and vehicle design may all play a role in the outcome of a case.

In many cases, drivers of other vehicles fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to collisions. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield, and unsafe lane changes. However, liability can also extend to government entities responsible for maintaining roadways or even manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the crash. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case for compensation.

Additionally, California’s comparative negligence laws allow accident victims to recover damages even if they were partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced based on the degree of fault assigned to each party. For this reason, gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction, is vital for ensuring a fair outcome.

Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims

Motorcycle accident cases often present unique challenges that set them apart from other personal injury claims. First, motorcyclists frequently face unfair biases. Some individuals, including insurance adjusters, may assume motorcyclists take unnecessary risks or are inherently reckless, which can complicate settlement negotiations or litigation.

Second, injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe, leading to prolonged recovery times and high medical costs. Establishing the full scope of these damages requires input from medical professionals and other experts. This includes projecting future medical needs and determining the long-term impact on your ability to work and enjoy life.

Finally, dealing with insurance companies can be especially difficult. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability or undervaluing claims. Motorcycle accident victims must be prepared to counter these tactics with well-documented evidence and a clear understanding of their rights. Having an experienced legal team in your corner can make a significant difference in overcoming these obstacles.

Steps Toward Securing Compensation

The ultimate goal of a motorcycle accident claim is to obtain compensation for your losses. This includes both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Proving these damages requires a comprehensive approach.

First, it’s essential to document all aspects of the accident and its aftermath. This includes photographs of the scene, detailed medical records, and any correspondence with insurers. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Next, obtaining testimony from witnesses, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists can provide additional support for your claim.

Finally, negotiation skills are critical during the settlement process. While many cases are resolved outside of court, some may require litigation to achieve a fair result. In such instances, having a knowledgeable Tracy motorcycle accident aottoerny on your side ensures your case is presented effectively before a judge or jury.

How Does Lane Splitting Affect Accident Liability?

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of same-direction traffic. Studies have shown that lane-splitting can be beneficial; it can save time, reduce traffic congestion, and help prevent accidents. However, it’s still a common belief that lane splitting is dangerous for motorcyclists and the surrounding drivers. Lane splitting has been a controversial subject among riders, motorists, lawmakers, and safety organizations for a long time. California made a decision about the matter by being one of the first states to allow lane splitting. 

However, if a motorcyclist is not safe about lane splitting, they can still be held accountable. California is a state that operates under the comparative negligence rule. While drivers are held to a higher standard of care during motorcycle accidents because they can cause the most damage in the event of an accident, because of comparative negligence, a motorcyclist may also be held liable. 

If there is evidence that the rider was lane splitting at unreasonable speed or otherwise being reckless, this can lead to reduced compensation. Comparative negligence still allows injured accident victims who are partially to blame for the accident to file for compensation. However, their compensation award will be reduced by the percentage of blame they had in the accident. 

Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?

At Setareh Law, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized legal representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of motorcycle accident claims, from investigating the details of your case to negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation if necessary. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you.

With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a motorcycle accident can take. Let us provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Free Consult at Our Tracy Location

Setareh Law, APLC

1005 E Pescadero Ave #167,

Tracy, CA 95304

(310) 659-1826