The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers understand how great a motorcycle ride on a scenic open road under the California sun can be. There is little between you, the road, and the beauty around you.
However, that same thrill and sense of freedom can lead to catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle crash. Because there is so little protection for the rider, motorcycle collisions are often fatal or life-altering.
If you have been injured, or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s fault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. You need the help of an experienced Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get every dollar you deserve.
The Fresno personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have protected accident victims for over 50 years and have a proven track record of winning big for our clients. We want to do the same for you.
Call us at (559) 545-0730 or complete the easy form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps to get the justice and financial compensation you need.
Common Causes of Fresno Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique hazards that many vehicles overlook, particularly in Fresno’s diverse road conditions. Common causes include:
- Poor road conditions including potholes, agricultural debris, and loose gravel – hazards particularly dangerous during Fresno’s fog season and summer heat
- Driver negligence such as unsafe lane changes, failure to yield right-of-way, and distracted driving
- Lane-splitting incidents, which the California Highway Patrol (CHP) permits under certain conditions but can lead to collisions when drivers fail to check blind spots
- Vehicle blind spots and visibility issues, especially critical given a motorcycle’s smaller profile
- Impaired driving by either motorcyclists or other vehicle operators
- Left-turn collisions at busy Fresno intersections, particularly during peak traffic hours
- Construction zone accidents, especially along Highway 99 and major city arteries
- Driver inexperience with motorcycle awareness or riders unfamiliar with local road conditions
Common Types of Fresno Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries due to limited protection. These injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, frequently impacting victims and their families long-term.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Despite California’s helmet laws, riders often suffer concussions, cognitive impairment, vision/hearing loss, memory problems, seizures, and even coma. TBIs can cause permanent disability or death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Impact can damage the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and permanent disability. Many victims require lifelong care and mobility assistance.
- Bone Fractures: While seemingly less severe, broken bones can cause chronic pain and permanent disability. Common fractures include ribs, pelvis, arms, legs, and facial bones.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage: High-speed contact with pavement causes severe abrasions, muscle damage, and deep tissue injuries. These can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: Motorcycle accident injuries often lead to organ damage. Trauma causing internal bleeding, punctured lungs, kidney damage, and other life-threatening conditions requiring immediate surgery.
- Amputations: Severe crashes can result in limb loss, either during the accident or through necessary medical procedures, requiring prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation.
- Burns: Contact with hot engines, fuel fires, or road friction can cause severe burns, leading to disfigurement and requiring multiple surgeries.
These catastrophic injuries typically require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and often result in permanent disability. Many victims need ongoing therapy, medical equipment, and home modifications to manage their conditions.
Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, taking immediate action protects your health and legal rights. Follow these critical steps:
Immediate Safety
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Call 911 for police and medical assistance
- Move to a safe location if possible without risking further injury
- Turn on hazard lights or set up warning signals if available
Document Everything
- Photograph all aspects of the scene:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Road conditions and skid marks
- Traffic signals and signs
- Visible injuries
- Weather conditions
- Collect witness contact information
- Get other driver’s insurance and contact details
- Note time, date, and exact location
Seek Medical Care
- Accept emergency medical attention if offered
- Visit hospital or doctor even if injuries seem minor
- Document all symptoms as they develop
- Follow prescribed treatment plans exactly
- Keep records of all medical visits and expenses
Preserve Evidence
- Leave motorcycle in post-accident condition
- Save all damaged gear (helmet, clothing, protective equipment)
- Keep accident-related paperwork organized
- Track expenses and lost wages
- Save all medical records and bills
Protect Your Rights
- Report accident to your insurance company
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements
- Decline early settlement offers
- Document all accident-related expenses
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
Remember: Documentation is crucial in the moments after an accident. If you’re physically able, gathering evidence and information at the scene can significantly strengthen your case. But, your health comes first – if seriously injured, focus on getting medical attention and let law enforcement document the scene.
Contact a Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we want to help you. Our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers have a proven track record of winning big for their clients.
With over 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of California injury victims, we know how to investigate your motorcycle accident to determine all causes and potentially liable parties to ensure you get every dollar you deserve.
Contact us today at (559) 545-0730 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get the justice and compensation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company?
After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to avoid direct communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are professionally trained to minimize settlements and may use your statements against your interests. Even seemingly casual conversations can be recorded and used to reduce your compensation. Let your attorney handle all insurance communications to ensure your rights are protected and maximize your potential settlement.
What happens if the driver is uninsured?
When you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you still have several paths to compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Without this coverage, you can pursue legal action directly against the driver, though collecting may be challenging. You might also access California’s Uninsured Motorist Fund or utilize your health insurance for medical expenses. Your attorney can evaluate these options and determine the most effective strategy for your situation.
Can I recover compensation if partially at fault?
California law allows recovery even if you share fault for the accident through pure comparative negligence. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re never completely barred from recovery. For instance, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 40% responsible, you’ll receive $60,000. This makes it vital to have skilled legal representation to minimize your assigned percentage of fault during settlement negotiations or trial.
What factors affect claim value?
Your claim’s value depends on multiple interconnected factors. The severity and permanence of your injuries play a primary role, along with current and future medical expenses. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity significantly impact compensation. Other factors include property damage, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and lifestyle changes. The strength of liability evidence and available insurance coverage also influence your claim’s worth. Each case is unique, requiring thorough documentation and expert analysis to determine fair compensation.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer charge?
Motorcycle accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, making legal representation accessible without upfront costs. You’ll only pay if your case succeeds, the exact percentage may vary based on case complexity and whether it goes to trial. We offer an initial consultations for free, allowing you to understand your options without financial risk.
What happens if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Riding without a helmet in California creates significant legal complications. Beyond violating state law, it can substantially impact your compensation claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were preventable and use this to reduce your settlement. You might face increased scrutiny about contributory negligence, and some coverage options may be limited. While you can still pursue compensation, the lack of a helmet creates additional hurdles in proving damages and liability.
What if my crash occurred in a freeway work zone?
Construction zone accidents involve unique complexities due to modified traffic patterns and multiple potentially liable parties. These cases may involve contractors, government agencies, equipment operators, and other drivers. Special safety regulations apply in work zones, and liability often extends beyond just the immediate driver. Evidence preservation becomes crucial, as construction sites change rapidly. These cases require prompt investigation and often involve governmental claims procedures with strict deadlines and specific filing requirements.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form