Napa Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents more often than not result in catastrophic injuries for riders and passengers. A common factor that contributes to motorcycle accidents is the negligent actions and behavior of other motorists. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be devastating to your finances and on your health. I’ve witnessed it firsthand from my decades of experience working as a personal injury attorney.

Since 1982, I have proudly served the Napa and Northern California communities representing those who have been injured or who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents. I have handled cases involving drunk drivers, negligence, distracted driving, uninsured drivers and drivers who have fled the scene. Motorcycles can be involved in accidents for various reasons, some of which include defective products, the negligence of other motorists, improperly cared for roads and even animals in the roadway. 

The motorcycle accidents that occur within the city limits of Napa involve residents and visitors alike, especially since this is a tourist spot within Wine Country. This means that even visitors to the city who are enjoying all nature has to offer, including the vineyards, are at risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident while they are on vacation. Riding a motorcycle is one of the most dangerous activities you can take part in because motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury compared to passengers in a car crash.

Napa has seen its fair share of motorcycle accidents despite its laid-back atmosphere due to the relaxing views and beautiful terrain. Being a motorcycle rider in Napa is dangerous. For example, two accidents in April 2017 took the lives of two riders. The weekend these two riders were killed saw five accidents occur, according to the California Highway Patrol. The riders killed were identified as a 34-year-old woman from San Francisco and a 31-year-old man from Fairfield. They were killed in separate accidents involving other motorists.

A few of the most dangerous intersections found in Napa are as follows:

• Beard Road and Pear Tree Lane
• Lincoln Avenue and Solano Avenue
• Jefferson Street and H Street
• Jefferson Street and 1st Street
• 1st St and Soscol Avenue

It’s not uncommon for people involved in motorcycle crashes to second guess what happened. They will likely ponder “what ifs” involving taking a different route of travel, leaving at an earlier or later time, riding in a car that day instead of on their bike, braking sooner, or performing different evasive maneuvers. All of this is hindsight and doesn’t change the reality that you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Roadway Hazards: Hazards in the roadway are a big problem for motorcyclists. Motorcycles cannot hit potholes or other debris in the road like cars can. Even leaves, sticks, and dirt can cause damage to your bike or a loss of traction that can lead to an accident. If the roads are not properly cared for, the Napa city government might be deemed liable for any injuries suffered in an accident.

• Negligence: Negligence is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents throughout all of California. A lot falls under the negligence category, including driving under the influence, distracted driving, drowsy driving, ignoring the laws and much more.

• Defects: Defective components installed by the manufacturer as well as defective aftermarket products installed on your motorcycle can also cause accidents. For example, if there was a defect found in the design of your bike and it led to an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable in court.

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

Be prepared for injuries that might take a few days to develop following a motorcycle accident. These can include concussions, damage to your soft tissue, and even internal damage to organs or bleeding. It is so important for riders involved in an accident to accept medical care at the scene and then be transported for further evaluation at a hospital. Some of the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include the list below:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Traumatic injuries
• Neck injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Damage to the spinal cord

Quite possibly the most stressful issue following a motorcycle accident is that the injured rider might not be able to pay their bills. These can include medical bills stemming from the crash, utility bills, mortgage, auto loans, and other regular monthly bills. The majority of your focus should be on the rehabilitation of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will know when it’s best to speak with insurance companies, doctors, witnesses, and law enforcement about the accident. If an agreement on a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit is your next option.

I’m Ed Smith, a Napa motorcycle accident attorney. An informed decision about legal representation following a motorcycle accident in Napa is an important first step on the road to recovery. Call me to discuss your case if you or a loved one has suffered injury in a motorcycle accident. Call my office at your earliest convenience at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, friendly, free legal counsel.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See a list of our past cases on our verdicts and settlements page and our client reviews on Avvo, Yelp, Google.

Photo by Mansoor from Pexels

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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 12.17.19]