Sherman Oaks
Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Any motor vehicle accident can result in severe injuries, but collisions involving motorcycles are particularly devastating. Motorcyclists do not have the protection other motorists do on the road, such as airbags and seat belts. Bikers will also suffer the direct impact of a crash, as they do not have a vehicle between them and the road.

The injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident are extremely serious. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to be left with high medical bills, and at a time when they are unable to return to work to pay for them. In the most tragic of cases, bikers may even lose their life during the accident, or later succumb to their injuries. If you have been hurt, it is crucial that you speak to a Sherman Oaks motorcycle accident attorney who can help you claim the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sherman Oaks

Like any motor vehicle accident that occurs on the roads, motorcycle accidents are caused by many distinct factors. However, most of these collisions are caused by the following negligent actions:

Improper lane changes made by drivers who do not use turn signals, change lanes without warning, or who drift into another lane
Distracted driving, which causes the majority of rear-end accidents involving motorcycles
Dooring, or opening the door of a parked vehicle directly in the path of an oncoming motorcycle
Failure to properly yield in intersections, which can cause head-on collisions or side-impact accidents, which are often fatal for bikers
Failure to properly maintain broken asphalt, uneven road surfaces, and potholes

Discovering what caused an accident is a crucial first step in any motorcycle accident claim, as this is the only way to determine who is liable for the crash.

Determining Liability for a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists have more challenges than drivers when filing a claim for compensation after a crash. Insurance companies and negligent parties often try to shift the blame for an accident to the biker, arguing that they are reckless and dangerous. Most of the time, this is not true. Bikers are fully aware of the dangers they face while on the road and so, they are usually quite cautious. The parties who are found at fault for motorcycle accidents are often as follows:

Careless drivers: Multiple studies have shown that negligent drivers of passenger vehicles cause most motorcycle accidents. Motorists do not look and watch out for bikers the same way they do other drivers. Sometimes, they can even become aggressive around bikers and fail to respect the right of motorcyclists to use the roadways.
Negligent manufacturers: There are many moving parts on a motorcycle and they must all function properly to keep the biker, and everyone else on the road, safe. When a motorcycle or any part of a motorcycle, such as the tires or brakes, are defective, manufacturers can be held responsible for paying compensation to cover the losses of the motorcyclist.
Negligent property owners: Property owners have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for other people to enter, including motorcyclists. For example, a hotel parking lot could have a large pothole that poses a great danger to bikers. If the hotel owner knew about it, but did nothing to fix the condition or warn people of it, they could be held liable for any injuries that result.
Government entities: Just as owners of private property can be held liable for any dangerous conditions, so too, can government entities. Local, state, and federal governments have a duty to make sure roads are designed properly, that they have adequate signage, and that the roads do not contain any defects. Any government that fails to meet this obligation can be held liable for any injuries caused by an accident.

What are Common Motorcycle Injuries?

The injuries motorcyclists sustain during a crash are wide-ranging, but they are often life-threatening. Even when a biker’s life is not in danger, the injuries sustained during an accident often need months of rehabilitation. The most common injuries seen after a crash are as follows:

• Amputations
• Compound fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial injuries, including broken bones
• Severe lacerations
• Road rash
• Contusions and abrasions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Damage to internal organs

The above injuries are not only extremely painful and require months of treatment, but they are also very costly to treat. If you have been hurt, it is important to reach out to a Sherman Oaks motorcycle accident attorney who can help you claim the full and fair compensation that is justly yours.

Damages Available After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents cause some of the most serious injuries and you can file a claim for compensation to cover your losses. Motorcycle accident claims are meant to restore bikers to the state of health they were in before the crash. The compensation that is available after your accident will depend on the circumstances of the crash and the losses you incurred. However, there are some damages that are more commonly awarded after a crash than others. These are as follows:

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, the cost of treatment, x-rays, physical therapy, ambulance services, and the cost of transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
• Lost wages, bonuses, benefits, sick pay, and vacation pay
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

In the most tragic of cases, bikers do not survive the accident. In these instances, family members of the motorcyclist can file a wrongful death claim. Through this type of claim, family members can recover their own losses, including funeral and burial costs, and the loss of companionship and support of the deceased.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Sherman Oaks

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a crash, our Sherman Oaks motorcycle accident attorney at Oaks Law Firm can help you claim the full compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at 877.539.5366 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.

CALL TODAY! (877) 539-5366

Recovering the Damages You Deserve

If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of damages you've suffered. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering. You must bring forth your claim within one year of the accident date. Not filing your case within one year will bar you from recovery.