Ventura Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Compared to drivers, motorcyclists have few protections during an accident. As a result, these collisions often result in serious and potentially fatal injuries, including broken bones, lower extremity injuries, and spinal cord damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision, the attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can fight for your right to justice. Our Ventura motorcycle accident lawyers will advocate for your best interests and recover the settlement that you need to recover. Call our Ventura office at (805) 642-7101 to set up a free consultation.
Why Choose Us for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
- Since 1936, our Ventura car accident attorneys have represented injured California residents in all types of injury claims, including motorcycle accident cases.
- We have secured over $5 billion in settlements and jury verdicts. Our attorneys are dedicated to recovering the highest possible award in your case.
- Our firm takes all cases on a contingency fee basis. If we do not secure a financial settlement on your behalf, you will not be charged any legal fees.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle collision. For example, motorcyclists can hit potholes or loose gravel on the road, causing them to lose control and crash. Poor weather, low visibility, and malfunctioning parts can also cause a motorcycle accident.
However, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are attributed to driver negligence. Motorists can ignore or disregard motorcyclists on the road, committing negligent acts that lead to a collision.
The following are common examples of driver negligence.
- Driving under the influence
- Changing lanes in an unsafe manner
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Driving while distracted
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
It is easy for a driver who is not paying enough attention to the road to overlook a motorcyclist. If the driver is at fault, he or she can be held financially responsible (liable) for the motorcyclist’s medical bills and property damage.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious and catastrophic injuries compared to motor vehicle drivers in accidents. They do not have a hard metal shell to protect them, nor do they have seat belts or airbags. When a motorcycle accident occurs, the rider and his or her passengers can be tossed from the bike. This can result in injuries from contact with the ground or fixed objects, as well as crush injuries if the motorcyclist ends up beneath the tires of a motor vehicle.
Motorcycle crash victims can suffer many serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Dislocations
- Road rash
- Scarring and physical disfigurement
- Amputations or crushed limbs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Severe injuries can lead to permanent disabilities for victims. Even minor injuries can be painful and cost a victim thousands of dollars in necessary medical care. If you sustained any type of physical injury or emotional trauma from a preventable motorcycle accident in Ventura, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the at-fault driver or party.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Ventura, CA
Under California law, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against a motorist who causes an accident. To secure compensation in your claim, you will need to show that the driver’s actions were negligent and directly caused your collision.
During the insurance process, a representative will investigate the accident and speak to both parties. He or she will then determine whether you are eligible for compensation and how much you should receive. If you receive a settlement offer, you can choose to accept, negotiate, or decline it.
A motorcycle accident lawsuit follows a longer and more formal process. After a claim is filed in California civil court, you and your attorney will enter the discovery phase and exchange evidence with the other party. You may also attend negotiations in an attempt to reach a settlement before trial.
If your case does make it to the courtroom, you and your lawyer will need to prove four key facts in order to recover compensation.
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached his or her duty of care.
- The driver’s breach of duty caused your accident.
- You sustained damages that you can collect in your lawsuit.
The lawyers at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP have years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims in insurance claims and lawsuits. We will work closely with you to craft a compelling case and secure the compensation that you deserve. From truck accident lawsuits in Ventura to other forms of motorcycle crashes, we are prepared to handle your case from start to finish.
Compensation Available for a Motorcycle Accident in Ventura
If you or your lawyer succeed in proving that one or more parties negligently caused your motorcycle accident, their insurance companies may be liable for your related losses. California’s personal injury laws enable a crash victim to seek compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages.
The monetary damages that you may be entitled to receive include:
- Past and future health care costs
- Disability costs and accommodations
- Losses of income connected to your accident
- Lost future capacity to earn
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs, including attorney’s fees
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, in some cases
The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the insurance policy involved, and the victim’s age and income. Discuss how much your case might be worth before accepting a settlement from an insurance company. A lawyer will let you know if the settlement offer is fair or if your injuries deserve more.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?
If you get injured in a motorcycle accident in California and wish to pursue a personal injury claim, you have no more than two years from the date of the crash to do so. Two years is California’s statute of limitations on most motor vehicle accident cases, including personal injury and property damage claims. It is important not to wait to file your claim, or else you could risk losing the right to recover compensation. Contact an attorney in Ventura as soon as possible after your motorcycle crash to discuss your legal options.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you get involved in a motorcycle accident in Ventura, do your best to remain calm and take the following steps:
- Pull over at the scene of the accident – never flee, as this can lead to criminal charges. If you can, move your disabled motorcycle out of the road to prevent additional collisions.
- Check yourself and others involved in the crash for injuries. Keep in mind that some injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Call 911 to report the accident right away if there are injuries, deaths or at least $1,000 in apparent property damage.
- Exchange information with the driver. Get his or her name, insurance information and contact information. Write down a description of the vehicle and the VIN, as well.
- Take photographs before you leave the scene. Then, go to a hospital immediately for professional medical care.
When you’re ready to file an insurance claim for financial compensation, contact an attorney. A Ventura motorcycle accident attorney can help you learn your rights and take legal action to protect yourself.
Contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP Today
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic. If you are injured while riding, the attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can help. Contact us or call (805) 642-7101 to schedule a free consultation with a Ventura motorcycle accident lawyer and identify your optimal path to compensation.