PASADENA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 26, 2022 / California is known for its laid-back culture, comfortable weather, beautiful landscape, and tourist attractions. It's also a state known for busy streets, traffic congestion, and crowds, where personal injuries due to car and motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate reality of daily life.
Home to more than 800,000 registered motorcycles, California has more motorcyclists than any of the 50 United States, resulting in an equally impressive but disturbing number of motorcycle accidents and deaths each year.
This quarter, Motorcycle Advocates, leading California motorcycle accident attorney Hector Gancedo discusses the challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims and their families, and how having the right advocate in their corner can help them see the light at the end of an otherwise dark tunnel.
The Grim Truth About Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation and form of recreation. However, no matter how safe and precautious a rider is, accidents do happen, many of which are at the fault of other drivers or negligent third parties. Drivers are conditioned to be on the lookout for cars and trucks like their own, and often the motorcyclist is overlooked or unseen when a driver turns left in an intersection, changes lanes on the freeway, or pulls out from a parking spot.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatal Analysis Reporting System reveals that there are more than 16,000 motorcycle accidents occurring annually throughout California, resulting in more than 15,000 serious injuries and over 500 deaths.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), those who opt to use motorcycles as their mode of transportation are 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident as compared to those who drive a car.
Motorcycles put individuals at an increased risk for serious injury in the event of a car accident or other collision. Unlike passengers in a car, motorcyclists have very little (if any) protection from impact, often leading to serious injury and death.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Over 16,000 accidents annually
- 60% of accidents occur after sunset
- 80% of all motorcycle accidents involve injuries or death
- Nearly 29% of accidents involve an intoxicated party
- Around 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with one or more cars
- Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die as a result of an accident as are those in cars
Most Dangerous Counties for Motorcyclists (fatalities and injuries)
- Los Angeles (4,493)
- San Diego (1,667)
- Orange County (1,346)
- Riverside (940)
- San Bernardino (857)
Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Get the Justice and Compensation They Deserve
Insurance Companies Are Often Quick to Deny Claims, or Make an Offer for a Low Settlement
Insurance companies are "for profit" companies whose goal is to maximize returns for their shareholders. There is therefore an inherent conflict between the injured motorcycle rider and the insurance company. According to Motorcycle Advocates, while the rider seeks to be fairly compensated for his or her bike and injuries, the insurance company often seeks to maximize profits by minimizing and delaying payouts. Although insurance companies and their agents may be friendly and seemingly helpful, Motorcycle Advocates wants accident victims to keep in mind that these companies look out for their overall best interests, not those of accident victims, says managing attorney Hector Gancedo.
Motorcycle Advocates advises that it is often unwise to accept a low settlement offer, to give a statement to the insurance company, or agree to anything verbally or in writing without having a personal injury attorney advocating on their behalf.
Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Claims
The aftermath of a personal injury can leave individuals and families in despair, often facing extensive medical treatments, lengthy recovery or rehabilitation, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and financial hardship. A motorcycle accident attorney can help victims get the compensation they deserve.
Personal injury attorneys understand the legal intricacies of motorcycle personal injury claims in California, leveraging extensive experience and a track record of successful client outcomes to level the playing field with insurance companies and help injury victims get the compensation they deserve.
Time is Limited for Accident Victims to Seek Compensation
Personal injury claims for motorcycle riders are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations which means an injury victim has two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. However, the time limit can be far shorter if the rider is involved in an accident with a governmental or public entity, and longer if the rider is a minor. Motorcycle Advocates urges accident victims to consult with a competent attorney as soon as possible after an accident to avoid the permanent loss of the right to proceed with a claim for injuries.
Motorcycle Advocates advises that injury victims act quickly as there can be several disadvantages to waiting.
Why Filing a Claim Sooner Rather Than Later is Advisable:
- Memories fade and facts may be difficult to remember
- Witnesses are more easily identified and located shortly after the accident
- The insurance company of the "at fault" party could become insolvent
- The "at fault" party could become deceased or move outside of the country
- Insurance companies are known to draw out negotiations, lawsuits, and payouts
- Motorcycle victims may need compensation to assist with finances sooner rather than later
Types of Compensation That May Be Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in California:
- Time off work
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Medical bills (now and in the future)
- Ongoing rehab or physical therapy
- Expensive medications and treatments
- Psychological therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- And more…
With the Right Support, Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Take Back Control of Their Lives
Leveraging California law, battle-tested legal strategies, accident attorneys can aid injury victims in aggressively pursuing ‘at fault' parties, helping their clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Expect from a personal injury attorney:
- Free initial consolation
- Contingency based options - clients only pay when and if awarded compensation
- Prompt and courteous responses to questions
- Assistance with all steps of the process
- Consistent updates about your claim, case, or settlement
- Thorough independent investigation
- Analyzing evidence and consulting with experts
- Expert negotiations with the opposition
- Filing claims
- Litigation (if appropriate)
- Acting as a partner and advocate every step of the way
About Motorcycle Advocates
Conveniently located at 1575 N Lake Ave Suite 202B, Pasadena, CA 91104, Motorcycle Advocates is part of the Gancedo Law Firm. A personal injury law firm dedicated to helping the ‘little guy' fight for the rights, justice, and compensation they deserve.
Backed by more than 25 years of experience and millions recovered for its clients, the firm stands up as an advocate for those wronged by negligent third parties.
Those injured or interested in learning more about options regarding the complex claims process are encouraged to reach out by visiting the official website, or by calling 844-CYCLE 44 (844-292-5344) for a free consultation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Company: Motorcycle Advocates
Contact: Hector Gancedo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844-292-5344
Website: https://motorcycleadvocates.com/
SOURCE: Motorcycle Advocates