Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience. That is until an accident occurs. Motorcycle crashes can be violent, causing severe injury to the rider and passenger. When an accident happens, you need a California personal injury attorney on your side. Setareh Law has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of injured motorcycle passengers, and our attorneys know how to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Who’s Liable in a Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accident Involving Passengers
Motorcyclists can be involved in a single-vehicle accident by crashing into a stationary object or losing control of the vehicle. Malfunctioning parts, such as faulty brakes or carburetors, are a leading cause. In other instances, the motorcyclists may be liable because they made a reckless move or rode drunk.
When a single-vehicle accident occurs, the passenger can file a personal injury claim. Accident victims can pursue compensation from the bike operator or parts manufacturer, depending on the accident and circumstances surrounding it. Passengers are rarely liable for motorcycle crashes, as long as they acted responsibly and did not contribute to them.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents Involving Motorcycle Passengers
When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the consequences are often catastrophic. Many motorcyclists who collide with cars lose their lives. When they do survive, they may have broken bones, head injuries, or road rash. Passengers are also subject to the same level of intense injury as riders are and can seek compensation for their injuries.
There are several reasons why a collision may occur. Many happen because the driver did not see the motorcycle and collided with it when turning or merging. However, motorcyclists may also be liable if they were driving recklessly, including lane splitting or riding at excessive speeds. You will want to contact a motorcycle accident attorney to understand better who was liable. In some cases, you might even be able to file a claim against both the driver and motorcycle operator.
What Should Motorcycle Passengers Do after an Accident?
If you were in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, the steps you take are similar to those in a car crash. Take as many photos of the accident scene as possible, including the position of both vehicles, road and weather conditions, and any injuries you sustained.
Whether you think your injuries are minor or severe, you should always seek medical care. You might be suffering from internal injuries only a doctor can diagnose. Additionally, some symptoms do not appear right away, and a doctor may catch them early. Having a physician examine you may also benefit your injury claim by proving the severity of your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Receive from a Motorcycle Accident?
The financial compensation you receive as a passenger in a motorcycle crash will depend on various factors. After conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, your attorney might be able to recover the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- In-home rehabilitation
One thing accident victims should remember is not to trust the insurance company. Insurers will employ sneaky tactics that can deny or reduce your claim. Even saying “I’m fine” can cost you the entire settlement. Do not risk compensation for your accident-related expenses, and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Setareh Law Firm Today
If you were a passenger on a motorcycle and in a crash, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Setareh Law. We are passionate about representing those injured by another’s negligence and have a proven track record for obtaining our clients the compensation they deserve. Call (310) 659-1826 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.