Expert Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Santa Rosa, CA
In the United States, there are approximately 8.4 million motorcycles in operation. Each year, thousands of motorcycle accidents occur, leading to over 4,500 fatalities. Motorcyclists face a risk of death that is approximately 26 times higher than that of motorists and passengers in car accidents, and they are five times more likely to sustain injuries. Given these elevated risks, it is essential to have a dedicated Santa Rosa motorcycle accident lawyer available to assist in the event of a collision.
Motorcycle accidents often lead to grave injuries, particularly when high speeds are involved. Various risk factors heighten the likelihood of motorcycle accidents:
- Limited visibility: Motorcycles pose challenges to other drivers, especially at intersections.
- Vulnerability to road hazards: Unlike cars, motorcycles are highly susceptible to minor road hazards such as debris, wet surfaces, and potholes.
- Lack of protection: Motorcycles lack the protective enclosures provided by cars, leaving riders exposed to the elements and vulnerable to injury if ejected from the bike.
- Stability issues: Certain motorcycles may exhibit instability, particularly at high speeds, increasing the risk of losing control and accidents.
Motorcyclists and other road users must remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to mitigate the occurrence of accidents and safeguard lives on the roadways. Consult with our Santa Rosa motorcycle accident lawyer today if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident.
Who Is Liable In A Motorcycle Accident?
In cases of minor motorcycle accidents, the insurance coverage of either party involved may suffice. However, there are instances where insurance limits fall short. In such scenarios, seeking assistance from a knowledgeable Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorney becomes imperative to pursue a personal injury claim and recover damages adequately.
Often, motorcycle accidents stem from the negligence of car drivers. Proving negligence in personal injury cases necessitates demonstrating that the defendant’s actions or inactions breached a duty of care, resulting in injury. Our Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer can help you navigate those claims as well. Negligence encompasses several facets, including:
- The defendant’s obligation to exercise reasonable care, as mandated by traffic laws, and to be mindful of all road users.
- Failure to uphold this duty by engaging in reckless behaviors such as running red lights or neglecting to check mirrors before maneuvering.
- The direct causation of the accident and resultant injuries by the defendant’s negligence.
Accidents frequently result in both personal injuries and property damage. In certain situations, partial negligence may be assigned to the car driver involved. For example, if a motorist fails to signal or check mirrors before changing lanes and cuts off a motorcyclist, this is considered negligence. Additionally, accidents stemming from defective parts or designs may lead to product liability claims.
Responsibility for defective parts typically lies with manufacturers, dealerships, or suppliers, while hazardous designs place liability on vehicle manufacturers. California follows a comparative negligence system, allowing injured parties to recover compensation even if they share some degree of fault. The amount of compensation is adjusted according to the assigned fault percentage, with recovery being barred if the injured party’s fault exceeds 50%. For instance, if the injured party is deemed 30% at fault, they would be entitled to receive 70% of the total compensation. Our Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorneys will assist you with determining responsibility.
Contact Our Santa Rosa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
To understand your rights after an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact the skilled Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorneys at North Bay Legal today. Based out of Santa Rosa, we serve all of Sonoma County and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorneys provide effective representation and can help you recover financial losses due to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We fight aggressively for our clients and take the time to walk them through every step of the process. Our goal is to get you the money you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today.