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California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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You have to take a separate driving test for your motorcycle in California, because the laws pertaining to driving the vehicle are so different than driving a regular passenger vehicle. Just as you have to take a different test, you should have a different lawyer for motorcycle accidents. While car accident lawyers are specialized and fully knowledgeable about car accident law in California, they may not be fully experienced with motorcycle accident law, which has a completely different set of laws and rules of the road. If you find yourself a victim of a motorcycle accident, your best chance of recovering compensation and damages related to the case is by hiring a California motorcycle accident lawyer/attorney.

Motorcycle accidents occur more often than you may realize. In 2008, motorcycle accidents resulted in more than 5,000 fatalities and tens of thousands more injuries. Of all traffic accidents, 14 percent are made up of motorcycle accident victims. Any motorcycle rider knows that just by getting on the bike they are already in more danger. Protection from the elements is limited, and in the case of an accident, there is no outside protection, aside from a helmet. Still, many riders choose not to wear a helmet, even in states where all riders are mandated to do so. As a result, a high number of head injuries are reported, and more deaths occur.

Surprisingly, only one-fourth of all motorcycle accidents are related to the driver's error. The remaining percent are attributed to the negligence of other drivers on the road. Many people are unaware of the differing rules and driving laws for motorcycles. As a result, these people can make the wrong decision while driving and cause an accident. Others are simply careless and do not notice the biker on the road. While it is the motorcycle driver's responsibility to make every effort to be seen and follow the law, if they do so and still end up a victim, there are grounds for a lawsuit.

In California, a motorcycle accident lawyer must negotiate a judgment befitting the case not only based on the needs of the client, but also based on the insurance company involved. If the insurance company is not as established or as stable as a larger insurance company, it is not always in the client's best interest to negotiate a long term settlement. A regular person would probably not understand the intricacies of this process, so it is best to have a lawyer handling your motorcycle accident case in who does understand all the facets of the case and works through them in the client's interest.

If you are a motorcyclist and you get into an accident, your states helmet law may play a large part in whether you can recover damages for any resulting head or neck injuries. If you are wearing a helmet and are in a collision that doesn't result in any head or neck damage, your responsibility is proven because you were in fact wearing a helmet. On the other end, if you were wearing a helmet and did receive head and neck damage due to a collision with a negligent driver, the helmet is an important factor in your claim. It also provides a gauge for the potential seriousness of the damages had you not worn a helmet.

Due to the potential hazards associated with owning and operating a motorcycle, it's important for motorcycle owners to know their local helmet laws, understand their legal rights, and be aware of what he/she may be entitled to in case of an accident. Motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state, as well as insurance laws. If you have been in a motorcycle accident or are a family member of someone who was killed in a motorcycle accident, please contact a motorcycle accident lawyer or personal injury attorney right away. You only have two years to file a suit, and the process can take even longer. Getting on top of it sooner rather than later can have a major impact on your case.