Arcata Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Arcata, California, like many parts of Humboldt County, is home to many avid motorcyclists. The oceanic climate and proximity to redwood forests combine to make for pleasant and interesting rides. Arcata is a college town, home to Humboldt State University, and with that brings a population of young people who choose motorbikes as their primary method of transportation. 

With all the benefits that riding brings, there are also significant safety risks to consider. The physical vulnerability of a rider traveling among passenger vehicle traffic means that a motorcycle accident often causes severe injuries to the rider, even if the impact itself is relatively minor. 

The injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have extensive experience in maximizing the financial recovery for Arcata California motorcyclists who have been injured due to the actions of other negligent motorists.   

Since 1982, Edward A. Smith has been an advocate for injured Northern Californians, including those on the North Coast. By expertly handling all the legal complexities associated with a personal injury claim, our clients can focus on their physical recoveries and return to wellness. Our goal for you as a client is, whenever possible, for you to be able to return to the activities you loved before the accident. For many of our clients, that means heading back out with two wheels on the open road.

With 20+ years of experience, the City of Arcata has a great motorcycle resource in Pro Cycle Service, located on South G Street. The business has numerous five-star Google reviews and can handle all your motorbike or ATV needs. They do repairs and maintenance as well as sell tires, parts, and accessories. 

After tuning up your bike at Pro Cycle, embark on the 140-mile Trinity Scenic Byway, which will take you from Arcata to Redding in about four hours, but it is recommended that you stretch out the ride to take in all that there is to see. There is diverse scenery along the way, as well as a variety of interesting botanical habitats. There are also different climate zones - the route includes regions of the dry, warm Sacramento River Valley and the often foggy, cooler Redwood Coast, so layer carefully.

Most experienced riders employ several strategies to stay safe on the roads. These include riding defensively and wearing proper safety gear. Newer motorcycles are equipped with high-tech safety features that aim to make motorcycle travel safer. Even so, riders continue to be more vulnerable to injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles.

As Arcata motorcycle accident lawyers, our firm has helped riders who have sustained a wide variety of traumatic injuries. Some common injuries seen in motorcycle collisions include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Spinal cord injury 
• Full or partial paralysis
• Deep tissue abrasions, or “road rash”
• Concussion and traumatic brain injury
• Internal injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Traumatic amputations

Watch the YouTube Video. Below is a clip highlighting five of the best defensive riding tips.

Anyone who has experienced severe traumatic injuries knows that the recovery process can be complicated, long, and painful. Returning to good health after a motorcycle crash requires not only physical rehabilitation but mental stamina. To add to the difficulties, severe injuries usually take the injured person out of the workforce for a period of time, if not permanently, leading to significant financial problems.

On the topic of financial losses following a serious motorcycle crash, the associated medical expenses can be astronomical. Hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and home health care can add up quickly. It is not unusual for medical bills after a motorcycle crash to total seven figures. 

The aftermath of a serious motorcycle crash can leave the injured rider, and his or her family feeling overwhelmed. A skilled personal injury attorney with experience in such accidents can help.

In most cases, when a motorcyclist is injured due to the negligence of another motorist, the rider will be able to make a claim for damages against the insurance policy held by the negligent driver. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the complex and often frustrating insurance and legal processes, ensure that your rights are protected, and work to optimize your financial compensation. While in many cases, the negligent party is a driver of a private vehicle, in some instances, the “other side” may include a business or government entity. When that is the case, the insurance policy is usually larger. The case is usually even more complex because the insurance company will fight tooth and nail to pay you as little as possible. 

The goal of an insurance adjuster is to hold on to the company’s money. Some of their tactics include denying the fault of their insured and downplaying the severity of your injuries. A skilled lawyer will know how to handle these attempts to discredit your claim.

I’m Ed Smith, a motorcycle accident attorney in Arcata, California. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, please call us as soon as possible. Our local number is (707) 564-1900 or, from outside the region, use our toll-free line: (530) 392-9400.

Since 1982, we have worked as an advocate for injured Arcata and Humboldt County residents. To see some of our firm’s past results, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.

For reviews from our prior clients, please visit Yelp, Google, and Avvo.

Photo: MMcB

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