Del Paso Heights Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles

Thousands of California residents (including those living in and around Del Paso Heights) are seriously injured in motorcycle accidents yearly. If you or a loved one was operating a motorcycle and injured due to another driver's carelessness, contact a Del Paso Heights motorcycle accident lawyer immediately at (916) 921-6400 to discuss your legal options.

Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks

There are many reasons how and why a severe car versus motorcycle accident occurs. In many cases, the driver of a car, pickup truck, or SUV was negligent in some manner, and that negligence proximately caused the collision. For example, many accidents are caused by the following:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drivers failing to obey the speed limit
  • Drivers who are intoxicated
  • Drivers who are on pain medications and other substances
  • Drivers failing to follow the basic rules of the road
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Associated Medical Expenses

No matter the cause, motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and potentially alter a person for the rest of their life. For example, there have been reported accidents where a motorcyclist suffered a traumatic brain injury due to another driver pulling out in front of them or failing to stop at a stop sign. Motorcyclists could also suffer the following types of injuries:

Treating these types of catastrophic injuries is not inexpensive. In fact, many accident victims who suffer serious injuries are confronted with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, that likely means thousands of dollars directly out of your pocket and potentially thousands of dollars in additional expenses if you have a coinsurance provision. Many people cannot afford to cover these expenses and the cost of rehabilitative care. This is why speaking to a Del Paso motorcycle accident attorney and pursuing financial restitution for your harm and losses makes sense.

Other harms and losses that qualify for financial recovery through a personal injury claim include damages that can be recovered in motorcycle accident cases:

  • Lost wages (both for time missed from work and future earnings if you cannot return to work)
  • Pain and suffering (e.g., emotional trauma, missing out on family functions, inability to help around the house, etc.)
  • Punitive damages (though these are only accessible in cases where there is sufficient evidence that the defendant's actions were reckless and wanton).

The video below discusses some of the most common motorcycle accidents.

Sufficient Auto Insurance Coverage is Critical

Ideally, when someone is seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, the at-fault party's insurance should adequately compensate the victim for the insured's negligent actions. However, we do not live in an ideal world. When a motorcyclist is severely injured in an accident, the at-fault driver's automobile insurance coverage may be insufficient to adequately cover all your harms and losses. In addition, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver fled the scene, you may be unable to file a claim against their insurance policy since you could not obtain their information.

Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is essential in these situations. Why? A skilled personal injury attorney will take the time to investigate the amount of available insurance coverage, including any coverage from the defendant and any available uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through your auto insurance policy. For example, if you were hit by a driver with liability coverage totaling $50,000. That may sound like a lot of money, but if your medical expenses total $100,000, that $50,000 in coverage will not adequately compensate you. However, if you have a $100,000 auto insurance policy with comparable underinsured motorist coverage, you can access that coverage to make up the difference.

As you can see, hiring an attorney will benefit you and your case since they have knowledge and experience in this area of the law. Your injury lawyer can also handle all of the complexities associated with a personal injury lawsuit, such as investigating the accident scene, speaking to witnesses, filing the necessary paperwork with the insurance company, filing suit, taking depositions, and engaging in other forms of discovery, negotiating on your behalf, etc.

Take Action Sooner Rather Than Later

The sooner our investigative attorneys can examine the accident scene and assess your injuries, the more successful your claim will be. Also, in California, an accident victim only has two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in court (or six months for a claim against a government entity).

Example of a Motorcycle Accident Jury Verdict

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they aim to get you maximum compensation. Data shows that injured claimants who hire lawyers receive larger settlements and verdicts. For example, a state trooper received a $1.25 million jury verdict after losing his leg in a motorcycle accident. This verdict was against two construction companies that negligently left an obstruction on a ramp used by motorists, including the plaintiff. The ramp covered a conduit the two construction companies used to transport water and sewage across the road.

The motorcyclist collided with the obstruction, propelling him off his motorcycle and crushing his lower leg, foot, and lower leg. The motorcyclist had to undergo 25 surgeries but ultimately lost his leg. He retained a lawyer who took his case to trial and ultimately prevailed against the negligent parties.

Del Paso Heights Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love has been severely injured or suffered wrongful death due to a Del Paso Heights motorcycle accident, please call me as soon as you can at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400 for compassionate, free, friendly advice.

During your first phone call to me, we can go over the specifics of the accident and decide what would be the best way to proceed. It is free to call and talk to me, and I take all my cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no fees upfront. I get paid after the successful resolution of your case.

See our past verdicts and settlements.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 9.5.23] Photo by Gaetan THURIN from Pexels sb [cs 1045]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.