California has seen an increase in the number of motorcycles on its roads and highways in recent years. And why not? It’s beautiful out here, particularly in our Fontana area. The joy of riding, and the freedom you feel when you’re not enclosed in a vehicle make the potential risks all worth it. Until you have an accident.
If you were riding your motorcycle and were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be worried about your health and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills for your medical care. You shouldn’t have to pay any of those expenses yourself if the accident wasn’t your fault.
The compassionate Fontana personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw are prepared to help you through this challenging time. We know how to pursue the compensation you need to get back to your regular life after an accident like this. Don’t wait. Call us today and let us help.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw ?
You need an attorney who understands the maze of the legal system and who will have your best interests in mind. OnderLaw is made entirely of attorneys who fit that description. We have represented numerous clients in personal injury cases, including collisions involving motorcycles.
The thing about motorcycle collisions is that not only have you been injured, but you’ll also likely be up against the “bad-boy-biker” stereotype when you’re trying to get compensation for your injuries. Despite the fact that most motorcycle riders are responsible people who are intent on safely enjoying their rides, many people have bought into the media representation of bikers as dangerous. We will stick up for you and combat those stereotypes. We will listen carefully to the facts about your accident, and then we will help you understand how we can pursue the compensation you need.
OnderLaw has a reputation for high-quality legal service and exceptional results. Not only have we been recognized by many of the most prestigious organizations in the legal world, but we also have obtained over $4 billion in settlements for our clients in the last two decades. Our overriding principle is that we treat our clients like family. Your challenges are our challenges. We serve our clients with compassion and the firm desire to make sure they get the money they need to get on with their lives after a horrible accident.
Another way that we put our clients first is that we work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing upfront when you hire us. Once we’ve secured money for you through a settlement or a lawsuit, we’ll take an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
Motorcycle Laws in Fontana
California has specific laws that govern motorcycle riding in the state. Fontana does, too.
- According to the Fontana Municipal Code, motorcycles are prohibited from operating on footpaths, hiking trails, bike paths, or anywhere else beyond roads or drives specifically designed for motorcycles.
- Motorcycles are prohibited from being too loud. That includes their horn and exhaust systems.
California requires motorcyclists to obey the following rules, according to the California Vehicle Code:
- Helmets must be worn by the rider and any passengers.
- Headlights are to be turned on during all hours of the day if a motorcycle was manufactured after 1978.
- Mufflers must reduce noise at specific levels.
- Riders and passengers to be able to place their feet on the pavement when the motorcycle is at a standstill. Handlebars can be no higher than shoulder height.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
There are as many different types of collisions as there are crashes. However, some occur more frequently than others. They include:
- T-bone accidents
- Fixed object accidents
- Turning accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Reversing out of a driveway
- Speeding/alcohol use
- Dooring accidents
- Multiple-vehicle accidents
- Lane-splitting accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, and sometimes it’s hard to know how they happened. However, investigation often proves that one of the following was the cause of the accident:
- Distracted driving. Anytime a driver’s attention is taken from the task of driving, even for a second, they’re engaged in distracted driving. Distractions include changing the radio, checking GPS, texting, talking on the phone or to a passenger, daydreaming, or indulging in road rage.
- Reckless driving. Reckless driving includes speeding, weaving, ignoring traffic signals, racing through traffic, and driving where vehicles aren’t allowed, among other things.
- Driving while under the influence. Driving after taking drugs, whether they were prescribed or not, or drinking alcohol can be dangerous. Being impaired by drugs or alcohol means a driver’s reaction times are slower, their vision is likely impaired, and so is their judgment.
- Fatigued driving. Studies have shown that driving in a fatigued state is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigued drivers exhibit the same symptoms as drunk or drugged drivers.
- External conditions. Outside factors that may cause accidents include inclement weather, poorly maintained roadways or traffic signs and signals, or roadside construction.
Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents
Because the motorcycle rider has less protection than the passenger in a vehicle such as a car, SUV, or truck, the injuries from motorcycle accidents are generally much worse than other collisions. When you are involved in a collision while riding a motorcycle, it is very important to seek medical diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible. The injuries a motorcyclist may suffer include:
- Road rash/burns. While seeming minor in comparison to other injuries, the pain and discomfort from scraping along the asphalt can require months of therapy and restricted movement and may require skin grafts.
- Internal injuries. Injuries to the lungs, kidneys, heart and/or liver as well as various glands are not uncommon in a motorcycle crash.
- Broken bones. Broken limbs can take months to heal. Broken hips, shoulders, collar bones, and joints can greatly affect mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is the organ that sends messages from the brain to the body and back. Injury to the cord can result in temporary paralysis or, if the injury is severe enough, permanent paralysis or even death.
- Traumatic head/brain injuries. A collision on your motorcycle can result in concussions, subdural hematomas (bleeding in the brain), and fractures to the skull or face. This may include broken jaws, dental damage, and fractured optical bones, as well as damage to the eyes themselves.
- Emotional/psychological damage. A collision that results in injuries can leave psychological or emotional issues in its wake.
- Amputation. In some cases, limbs or digits can be severely crushed during an accident. In some cases, such damage may be irreparable, and amputation is required.
Who Is Responsible?
When you are involved in a collision, the first defense of the person who caused your injuries is to try to blame you. The lawyers at OnderLaw will argue forcefully that you are not at fault. After we have investigated your crash, we will discover who was responsible. Any of these parties may be at fault for your accident:
- The other driver. The driver has a duty to pay attention to all the traffic on the roadside, and when the driver fails to live up to that duty, he or she may be responsible for the collision.
- The employer. When a person is driving a company vehicle or acting on behalf of his or her employer, the employer may be liable for damages.
- The manufacture(s). When a malfunction of a vehicle that results in a collision can be traced back to the manufacturer, they might be held liable.
- Government entity/entities. If the road conditions or visibility is a cause of the collision, the government agency responsible for the upkeep of the road may be held liable.
Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Claim
The injuries, or losses, that you suffered from your accident may be eligible for compensation. Generally, you may receive compensation not only for specific monetary damages but also for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Calculating the correct amount of money you should request to cover your losses requires an experienced attorney. Your attorney may help you prove that you are eligible for some or all of these damages:
- Medical expenses/treatment
- Loss of income
- Loss of consortium and comfort
- Mental/emotional harm
- Property damage
California Accident Statistics
California puts out an annual report regarding transportation safety in the state. According to the 2020 Highway Safety Plan Annual Report:
- Collisions involving motorcycles. In 2019, there were 16,500 collisions where a motorcycle was involved.
- Collisions involving motorcycles resulting in injuries. Of the 16,500 collisions, 12,296 resulted in injuries.
- Fatalities regarding motorcycle-involved collisions. Ninety-four percent of motorcycle-involved fatalities in California were wearing a helmet when they crashed.
Contact Us Today
If you were riding your motorcycle and suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone else, OnderLaw wants to help you through this trying time. Let us take the burden of filing a claim or pursuing a lawsuit off your shoulders. Contact us online right now, so we can get to work on getting you compensation.
