Redding Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Redding, California, is a utopia for motorcyclists. Situated off of Interstate 5 in Shasta County, Redding enjoys an enviably mild Northern California climate that allows for comfortable riding throughout the majority of the year, along with countless routes that incorporate beautiful views and interesting terrain.

Although all Redding has to offer the motorcycle enthusiast, the city is not immune to traffic collisions on its roadways. Negligent motorists cause accidents every day throughout the region, and when the crash involves a motorcyclist, the rider can be severely injured.

Since 1982, the Redding motorcycle accident lawyers at AutoAccident.com have assisted injured Northern Californians by protecting their legal rights and maximizing their financial recoveries. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a no-obligation consultation if you or someone you love has suffered injuries caused by a careless or reckless motorist.

Since 2000, Hilltop Drive in Redding has been the setting for the Big Bike Weekend. The purpose of this October event is the promotion of safe and fun entertainment for riders of all types of motorcycles, along with their families and friends.

The Big Bike Weekend also seeks to educate the public on motorcycle safety and highlight rides that showcase Redding’s natural beauty. The community event includes vendors, food, exhibitions, and music.

Watch the YouTube video. Below is a clip of the memorial ride from Redding's Big Bike Week in 2017.

As much as we hate to think about motorcycle collisions, it is beneficial to be aware of some of the most common causes of bike accidents. Knowledge can lead to prevention in some instances. In most cases, the collision occurs because the motorcyclist and/or the other vehicle driver acted negligently or carelessly. Paying closer attention and using more care on the roads can help prevent tragic incidents.

Here are some common situations in motorcycle crash cases:

• Distracted driving. The motorist may have been texting, eating, sightseeing, or otherwise not giving their full attention to the road.
• Impaired driving. This could include driver impairment caused by over-the-counter medication and prescription or illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
• Failure to obey traffic laws.
• Failure to keep a proper lookout for motorcycles. Keep in mind that although lane splitting is legal in California, it is still risky.
• Failure to signal when changing lanes.
• Driving too fast for conditions.
• Sudden stops.

A motorcyclist does not have the protection that surrounds the occupants of a passenger vehicle, putting the rider at a distinct disadvantage regarding the severity of injuries suffered. The most common types of injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash include:

• Broken bones 
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
• Soft tissue neck and back injuries
• Lacerations
• Deep abrasions, aka road rash
• Concussion, post-concussion syndrome, and other traumatic brain injuries
• Limb amputation
• Injuries or fractures to the pelvic region
• Death

Every motorcycle collision is different. While escaping from a motorcycle accident with minor injuries is possible, that is usually only possible when the crash occurs at low speeds. Every mile per hour faster the rider or other vehicle is traveling increases the risk of severe injuries to the rider exponentially. Along with speed, other factors are involved in the severity of a motorcycle injury, including:

• Whether the cyclist was thrown from the bike.
• If thrown, whether the cyclist collided with any other objects.
• The extent and quality of the protective equipment and clothing worn by the cyclist.

Modern motorcycles are equipped with several new vehicle safety technologies. In the next decade or so, all or most of the vehicles on the road may be able to communicate with each other. This has the potential to drastically reduce the number of collisions. We are not there yet.

Cyclists can increase their chances of walking away from a collision by wearing proper protective clothing. A DOT-approved helmet is a must, but other purchases to consider, such as full-body leather, protect against road rash.

A portable camera attached to the motorcycle could also provide valuable footage to help determine fault for the accident, which will be a crucial element of any resulting legal case.

If it is determined that the other motorist caused the accident and thus your injuries, you are entitled to seek monetary compensation for your losses. It is mind-boggling how quickly expenses associated with severe injuries can add up. These types of damages are common in most personal injury cases:

• Medical Expenses - bills already incurred and projected future costs for treatment recommended by a physician.
• Lost Income - time lost for work, which could include a loss of earning capacity if the injuries prevent you from returning to your usual employment or from working at all.
• Noneconomic Damages - also known as general damages - are compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering due to the injuries you suffered in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium - if applicable, your spouse may be entitled to compensation due to your injuries' negative effect on the marital relationship.

It is an unfortunate fact that many motorcycle collisions result in the death of the rider. The heirs to the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent motorist who caused the fatal accident. Wrongful death claims may provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Your physical recovery and return to good health are the most important elements following a serious motorcycle crash. The opposing insurance company will likely want to settle your claim for pennies as soon as possible, even before the extent of your injuries and their prognosis is known. This would be a terrible mistake.

Instead of attempting to navigate the low-balling tactics of insurance adjusters on your own, let a skilled legal professional advocate on your behalf. Call our injury lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice.

Experience matters when choosing an attorney to handle your case. So does client trust. Please visit the following links to learn more about our law firm: 

• Avvo
• Google
• Yelp
• Verdicts and Settlements

Editor's Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy. [cha 9.2.21]

Image by Peter H from Pixabay 

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