Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Riverside, CA
Riding a motorcycle gives riders a level of freedom and maneuverability that other drivers don’t enjoy. But riding a motorcycle can also make you exceptionally vulnerable to injuries caused by the unsafe actions of other drivers.
If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, the party at fault should compensate you for all your accident-related losses. Unfortunately, the battle to recover the compensation you are entitled to can be grueling, which is why you need an experienced attorney by your side. Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer Michael Beliz of The Beliz Law Firm is a top-rated advocate with extensive experience negotiating and litigating motorcycle crash claims.
Case Spotlight
$90,000.00 Settlement amountREAR END CAR ACCIDENT
The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicles ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.
The client was taken by ambulance to the University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personnel for a few days. Afterward, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest, but no physical therapy was needed.
The Beliz Law Firm signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Often Catastrophic
In 2020, more than 82,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries, and more than 5,000 died in motorcycle accidents. These numbers are staggering but not surprising when you consider that motorcyclists have four times the injury rate of passenger car occupants and that motorcyclist fatalities are 28 times more frequent than passenger car fatalities. In California, 565 motorcyclists were killed in 2021, which was 2.9% more than the prior year. If the devastation of a motorcycle crash has touched your life, you deserve legal relief for your losses and pain. Experienced Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover from your injury.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Staying safe on the road depends on many factors outside of your control. You must contend with the conditions of the road, other drivers, and the reliability of any repairs made on your motorcycle or another driver’s vehicle.
In its 2019 Motorcycle Crash Causation Study, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that many motorcycle accidents occur because of the following:
- Distracted driving of another driver;
- Traffic obstructions, including construction;
- Road maintenance issues;
- Road design issues;
- Motorcycle vehicle failure;
- Speeding of another driver; and
- Poor driving maneuvers or decision-making of another driver.
For accidents caused by other drivers, you will likely have to seek compensation from the driver’s auto insurance company. You may also have legal rights against private construction companies, public entities, and state and local governments for failing to reasonably maintain and repair streets. Knowledgeable Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers like Michael Beliz can help you understand your rights and who should be held responsible for what you have been through.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Your health and well-being are the most important concerns following a motorcycle accident. Once you are safe, here are some of the recommended steps to take.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are the top priorities. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation to rule out hidden injuries.
Document the Scene
Gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos of the vehicles involved, your injuries, and any damage to property. Get contact information from witnesses and the other party involved.
File a Police Report
Report the accident to local law enforcement. This report will be crucial for your case and any insurance claims.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident. Be honest but cautious when discussing details, as your statements could impact your claim.
Contact Riverside Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
An experienced attorney will help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of serious injuries, including some of the most common below.
Head and Brain Injuries
Even with a helmet, which is required in California, motorcyclists are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to the impact of a collision. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that may require long-term care. Symptoms might include headaches, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties, significantly affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and may involve lifelong medical care. The emotional and financial toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming, making it essential to pursue compensation that covers all long-term needs.
Broken Bones
Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common due to the impact and fall from the motorcycle. These injuries can be incredibly painful and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time. In severe cases, broken bones can lead to permanent disability or chronic pain, impacting your daily life and ability to work.
Road Rash
This painful abrasion occurs when the skin scrapes against the road surface, leading to severe skin damage and infections. Depending on the severity, road rash can cause scarring and require skin grafts. It’s not just a superficial injury; deep abrasions can damage underlying tissue and nerves, leading to long-term complications.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries may not be visible immediately after the accident, but they can cause severe complications if not treated promptly. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and extensive recovery time, adding to the physical and financial burden.
Damages Available in a Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle collision caused by someone else, you are entitled to seek the following types of damages in a claim or legal action:
- Economic damages to compensate you for past, present, and future financial losses, including loss of earning potential;
- Noneconomic damages to pay you for your pain and suffering and other emotional and psychological harms caused by your injury; and
- In some cases, exemplary damages to punish a wrongdoer whose behavior was fraudulent, malicious, or oppressive.
Remember that California law reduces accident awards by the percentage of fault the plaintiff had in the collision. That means the defendant will likely fight every step of the way to cast blame on you so that they don’t have to pay as much compensation. By hiring a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Riverside, you can thwart a defendant’s efforts to reduce your recovery.
Pros and Cons of Negotiating a Settlement vs. Going to Trial
When pursuing compensation for a motorcycle accident, you must decide whether to negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks. Your Riverside motorcycle accident injury lawyers can help you determine the best option for your situation.
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a settlement can offer a quicker resolution and lower legal costs, providing financial relief sooner. It also offers certainty, as you avoid the unpredictability of a trial. However, settlements may result in lower compensation, as insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and you forgo the chance of a potentially higher award at trial.
Going to Trial
Going to trial can lead to higher compensation, especially if the evidence is strong and it establishes a public record that might influence future claims. However, trials are longer and more expensive, with higher legal fees and uncertainty of the outcome, which could result in no compensation at all.
Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
In general, victims of motorcycle accidents have two years to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Two years is a short amount of time to recover from an injury, handle financial loss, and assert your rights in a legal action.
If you need to file suit against a public or government entity, you generally have only six months to do so. In addition to complying with the tight timeline for filing a government claim, you must also follow complex adjudication rules.
Whatever type of suit you initiate, you need the help of a skilled attorney. Motorcycle accident attorneys in Riverside can help you file your claims on time and argue on your behalf to help your claim succeed.
Beliz Law Firm Can Help
Beliz Law Firm is a leader among Riverside motorcycle accident law firms. Michael A. Beliz is a top-rated accident attorney with over 15 years of experience helping injured Californians receive the compensation they deserve. The Beliz Law Firm team prides itself on giving every client small firm attention that yields big firm results. Michael has handled hundreds of cases and has helped his clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon After an Accident Should You Contact an Attorney?
It’s advisable to contact a Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Early involvement ensures that evidence is preserved, witness statements are collected, and your legal rights are protected from the outset.
How Do You Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Riverside?
When choosing a team of Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers, look for:
- Experience—select a lawyer with a proven track record in handling motorcycle accident cases;
- Specialization—ensure they understand the unique aspects of motorcycle accident cases; and
- Reputation—check reviews and testimonials to gauge their reputation and client satisfaction.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Riverside, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Contact The Beliz Law Firm to speak with our experienced Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers and get the support you need.
How Long Will Your Motorcycle Crash Case Take to Be Resolved?
The duration of a motorcycle crash case varies based on its complexity, the extent of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Generally, cases can take several months to years to resolve. Your Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers will provide a more specific timeline based on the details of your case.
What Else Should You Look For In A Riverside Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.