Riding a motorcycle carries inherent risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists were nearly 24 times more likely to die in traffic accidents; their likelihood of injury was fourfold. Motorcycles do not have a protective frame or structure similar to a car, which leaves riders with minimal safeguarding in the event of a collision. Also, because motorcycles are considerably smaller than cars, motorcyclists tend to bear the brunt of the damage in an accident with a motor vehicle. Environmental factors such as poor road conditions and high traffic volume can also increase the risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident.
Injuries incurred while riding a motorcycle may last a lifetime. For this reason, choosing an experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney is critical in order for you to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
What should I do if I am involved in a motorcycle accident?
- Contact the police from the scene of the accident, especially if you think you and/or a loved one may be injured, and request that they prepare a police report.
- Obtain the names of witnesses, their addresses, and telephone numbers.
- Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident. Importantly, make sure to seek a comprehensive medical assessment and get a proper diagnosis. If someone at the scene of the accident offers to call you an ambulance, do not refuse.
- If possible, take photos of your motorcycle and all vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the location of where the accident took place.
- Take photos and/or video of any injuries you and/or a loved one has sustained at various points in your recovery process. This includes even minor cuts or abrasions that can heal more quickly than other injuries.
- Contact a qualified personal injury attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases and/or injury accidents that were caused by a motorcycle (i.e. if you or a loved one were a pedestrian and hit by a motorcycle).
What actions should I avoid if I am involved in a motorcycle accident?
- Do not provide a statement to an insurance company (even your own) until you have spoken with an attorney and understand your rights.
- Avoid acknowledging responsibility or wrongdoing to anyone at the scene of the collision, to a doctor, or to any insurance adjuster (even your own) until you have spoken with an attorney and understand your rights.
- Avoid making assumptions about your conduct or speculating about your conduct prior to the collision when interacting with law enforcement following the collision.
- Do not refuse an ambulance at the scene of the collision or otherwise delay seeking medical treatment.
When should I consider hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?
- If you suffered significant injuries necessitating substantial medical treatment, hospitalizations, and/or disabling effects impacting your ability to work; AND
- If you believe that a third party was responsible for the accident.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against the party who caused my injuries?
Typically, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the party who caused your injuries. However, if you were injured by a vehicle owned by a governmental entity or if a governmental entity could be responsible for your injuries, you have only six months from the date of the incident to file a Government Tort Claim. Due to the serious nature of a motorcycle crash, it is extremely important that you contact an experienced motorcycle accident or injury attorney as soon as possible following your injury so that you do not miss any deadlines that may prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Why should I choose Ribera Law Firm to represent me in my motorcycle injury case?
Ribera Law Firm’s attorneys have the litigation experience and expertise to obtain the greatest amount of compensation for your injuries, which includes compensation for your past and future medical expenses, loss of income and/or earning capacity, as well as past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
With numerous multi-million-dollar settlements obtained on behalf of its clients, Ribera Law Firm is highly skilled at negotiating with difficult and evasive insurance companies. Ribera Law Firm’s attorneys move swiftly to investigate and obtain all necessary evidence in order to ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries as expeditiously as possible.
Contact Ribera Law Firm today for a free case analysis.
Contact Ribera Law Firm
Assessing your case, analyzing the relevant and most important facts, circumstances, and laws, and carefully determining the types of damages most appropriate to you including the complex pain and suffering calculation requires a skilled and experienced accident attorney. Call Ribera Law Firm’s best motorcycle accident attorneys in San Francisco to get your free analysis.