CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE
ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Quizá le sorprenda saber que los accidentes de motocicleta no son más frecuentes que otros accidentes de tráfico. La diferencia es que un accidente de moto tiene 35 veces más probabilidades de provocar la muerte: El 56% de las muertes de motocicletas se producen por colisión con otros vehículos, el 78% de las veces, se trata de una colisión frontal, que suele ser trágicamente mortal.

Overtaking and Lane Splitting: One of the perks of having a motorcycle is that you can avoid traffic. A common practice is to drive between the spaces of other vehicles to overtake them. What most drivers are not aware of is that other vehicles don’t see them coming.

Cars are not expecting a vehicle to pass while they are stuck in traffic. An accident can happen quickly when a car simply goes out of its lane, makes a turn, or shifts the angle of the vehicle without checking for an unexpected motorcyclist splitting lanes.

Conducir ebrio o drogado: La mitad de los accidentes de motocicleta son causados por conductores ebrios. Una motocicleta es vulnerable cuando circula por la carretera con vehículos más grandes. Los conductores necesitan tener el control total del vehículo o, de lo contrario, el peligro se multiplica varias veces. Como la motocicleta no ofrece ninguna protección, los accidentes suelen provocar lesiones graves o la muerte.

Barricadas y baches: Cualquier cosa que se interponga en el camino de una motocicleta es una seria amenaza, y el 25% de las muertes de motociclistas se deben a colisiones con objetos inesperados.

Estado de las carreteras: Las carreteras mojadas, las carreteras irregulares, los baches, los proyectos de construcción y otros peligros de la carretera pueden ser un peligro para los conductores de motocicletas. Pueden hacer que la motocicleta derrape, vuelque y despiste al conductor.

Puntos ciegos y deslumbramientos: Los conductores de motocicletas tienen puntos ciegos, incluso cuando llevan cascos de alta calidad. Otros conductores podrían no verlos venir si están luchando contra la luz solar directa o el resplandor de objetos cercanos.

El hecho de que una motocicleta proporcione muy poca protección al conductor significa que las lesiones son más probables y a menudo más graves.

You need a motorcycle accident lawyer if you’re in a bike crash in California. Our attorneys can get you the answers you need – and the damages you deserve – after your accident.

Sólo tienes dos años desde el momento del accidente para presentar una demanda. Tiene derecho a reclamar una indemnización por los daños personales o materiales sufridos por su motocicleta. Los accidentes de moto suelen provocar pérdidas salariales, traumas psicológicos y fuertes dolores físicos. Los gastos médicos pueden acumularse rápidamente, especialmente si tienes lesiones que requieren tratamiento a largo plazo.

Motorcycles can be dangerous vehicles. They offer very little protection to the driver, and the smallest of accidents can cause serious injury and even death. There are so many factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident that even if the driver takes all precautions, sooner or later an accident is bound to happen.

We hope it does not happen to you, but if it does, you should know the right steps after a motorcycle accident.

As a motorcycle rider, you need to be aware of the motorcycle and helmet laws in your state, your legal rights, and what you can be compensated for. Seventy percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles. When an accident happens, the strength of your claim will depend on the actions you take 24 hours after the accident happens.

Below, we’ve outlined the first steps following a motorcycle accident:

No abandone el lugar del accidente: Abandonar la escena de un accidente puede interpretarse como atropello y fuga.

Evalúe las lesiones sufridas: Compruebe si usted o su pasajero han resultado heridos. Dado que conduces una motocicleta, lo más probable es que tengas lesiones. Solicite asistencia.

Seek Medical Attention: Your safety and your passengers are your primary concerns. Even if you do not feel pain, have yourself checked for internal injuries that may present symptoms in the future.

Document All Your Injuries: Take pictures of bruises or wounds sustained in the accident. Tell your doctor about them, and ask for a medical report. Include any treatment and medication recommended by the doctor.

Informe a las autoridades competentes: Informe del accidente a la policía o a la Patrulla de Carreteras de California. Los accidentes graves con resultado de muerte, lesiones o daños que superen los 750 dólares deben comunicarse al DMV en un plazo de diez días. Usted, su agente de seguros o su abogado deben completar y presentar el formulario SR1, independientemente de si usted causó el accidente o no.

No pidas disculpas ni discutas la culpa: Automáticamente decimos "lo siento" cuando alguien resulta herido, tanto si es culpa nuestra como si no. En un accidente de motocicleta, NO SE DISCULPE. Los actos de amabilidad y cualquier declaración que haga en el lugar del accidente pueden ser utilizados en su contra cuando presente una reclamación.

No hable con las compañías de seguros: Busque inmediatamente un abogado cualificado en accidentes de motocicleta. Ellos están bien versados en las leyes de la motocicleta y las reclamaciones por lesiones personales, y usted puede decirle a la compañía de seguros en contacto con ellos cuando te llaman. Usted no tiene que responder a sus preguntas si usted ha contratado a un abogado de accidente de motocicleta.

Obtén toda la información: Si es seguro y puedes hacerlo, pide al otro conductor el carné de conducir, la matrícula del coche y la documentación del seguro. Si tienes un smartphone, pide permiso para hacer fotos de estos documentos para tu expediente. Haz fotos del lugar del accidente y de las matrículas de todos los vehículos implicados.

Busca testigos: Si hay transeúntes que presenciaron el accidente, intenta conseguir sus nombres e información de contacto.

Do Not Accept Settlement Offers: Your first instinct is to get it over with, especially if you do not feel like you or your passenger were injured. Do not accept an insurance settlement offer without speaking to a California motorcycle accident attorney.

You may have sustained injuries that have not yet become apparent. If injuries emerge after you’ve settled, the waiver you signed will prevent you from seeking compensation to cover ongoing medical treatment.

Do Not Immediately Repair Your Motorcycle: When you file a claim, your motorcycle can be used as evidence. Keep it as it is until after the case.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a loss of income because you may be unable to work until you fully recover from the psychological trauma and pain caused by your physical injuries. You’ll also need to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident. 

If you follow the steps outlined above, you will have a chance to recover any losses you incurred from the accident and be compensated for the injuries you sustained.

Contact a California motorcycle accident lawyer to find out your next steps after an accident. The May Firm is standing by to help take over the process and allow you to focus on recovery while confident in the knowledge that an experienced team is fighting for the compensation you deserve after your accident.

Con un clima y unas vistas magníficas, Fresno, California, puede ser un lugar estupendo para conducir una motocicleta; sin embargo, también puede ser peligroso, ya que los motoristas tienen 25 veces más probabilidades de morir en un accidente de tráfico que los que conducen coches. En 2009 se produjeron 385 accidentes mortales de motocicleta en el estado.

La mejor solución es mantenerse alerta, llevar el equipamiento adecuado (protecciones, casco, etc.) y conducir con cuidado. Pero, ¿qué ocurre si te ves implicado en un accidente de moto en California? Cientos de este tipo de accidentes son investigados por las compañías de seguros cada año, y esto te dará una buena idea de lo que puedes esperar si alguna vez te ves involucrado en un accidente que no fue culpa tuya. Teniendo en cuenta esta información, usted puede darse la mejor oportunidad de obtener una indemnización por su accidente.

¿Por qué una investigación?
Es un triste error de la opinión pública pensar que los accidentes de moto suelen ser culpa del motorista. Las investigaciones sobre motocicletas son esenciales para rebatir esta idea, ya sea durante el proceso de reclamación o si el caso acaba en los tribunales. Disponemos de investigaciones de accidentes de moto para encontrar con precisión la secuencia de los hechos y la causa del accidente, lo que puede respaldar la validez de su reclamación.

Statements at the Scene
When you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will be expected to give a statement at the scene of the accident. Accident victims can often be in shock or confused about exactly what happened. In this situation, try to keep a clear head and report the simple facts of what happened — not whose fault it might be.

Accidents are often traumatic and difficult experiences, and it is not always obvious whose fault they are. The other party, plus witnesses, will also make statements, which may coincide with or argue against your own.

Giving a statement to police will provide a reliable record for whatever comes next and may also be used by your insurance company, which should also be contacted as soon as possible after the accident has occurred. This brings us to our next point.

Contact Your Insurance Company
This should be done as soon as it is reasonable to do so. The best way to do this is by using the toll free number usually provided. Be prepared to give the company as much information as possible, including the police report number (or incident number), the other person’s details and insurance info, and the names and contact numbers of any witnesses involved.

All of this information will aid any investigation that may occur, but do not admit any fault. Just give the facts as they happened, and assume that your call is being recorded for legal purposes.

The person dealing with your claim may ask you about any property damage or physical injuries; however, it may be too soon to know the full extent of either. In this scenario, it is best not to guess as injuries can manifest days or even weeks after an accident has occurred. 

It is wise to consult a physician if you feel you have any injuries, such as whiplash or aches and pains. Of course, broken bones or any other serious damage will be much more apparent and can be reported along with any medical bills. 

As for your motorcycle, it is best to wait until a mechanic has carried out a full inspection. When assessing the damage, also keep hold of any bills or receipts that you can use in your claim.

Fault Assessment

Assessment of fault can involve looking at all the evidence, such as witness statements, expert investigations, police investigations, photographic or CCTV evidence, reconstructions of the scene, and assessment of the damage caused by the accident. 

If it becomes clear that the other person was at fault (they ran a red light or you were rear-ended, for example), your insurance company may decide to work directly with their insurance company to pay for any damage that was caused. If the person does not have insurance, you would be entitled to payment from your uninsured motorist coverage, if applicable (strongly recommended). 

However, it is possible that your damages will exceed your policy limits, and it is then advisable to contact a motorcycle lawyer.

Si una compañía de seguros determina que usted tuvo la culpa, esto podría quedar en su historial y afectar a cualquier cobertura futura que decida contratar, por lo que es imprescindible encontrar el abogado adecuado. El abogado adecuado puede proporcionarle una valiosa ayuda para presentar una reclamación y limpiar su nombre o tomar la mejor decisión.

Seventy percent of all motorcycle accidents in California are caused by the negligence of other drivers. A motorcycle driver is particularly susceptible to personal injury since a motorcycle does not provide any protection to the driver. Statistics say that a fatal outcome is 35 times more likely in motorcycle accidents than in other car accidents.

When you are involved in an accident, the next best thing to do after seeking medical attention is to hire the services of a motorcycle accident injury litigation lawyer.

Under California motor accident law, a person who sustained an injury through the negligence and carelessness of others is entitled to recover past and future medical costs, past and future lost wages, property damage, rental vehicle expense, and pain and suffering. You need to hire a lawyer who is experienced in motorcycle accidents and motorcycle litigation. They can determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit and the amount of compensation you’re entitled to.

Es mejor que un abogado especializado en accidentes de motocicleta determine si usted tiene derecho a una demanda o no. Ellos tienen más experiencia en litigios de motocicletas y pueden ver ángulos del accidente que no son obvios para usted.

Motorcycle drivers have the same rights and privileges as other drivers on the road. It has been estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that half of motorcycle accidents happen because another vehicle turned into the path of the motorcycle. 

The most common reason used by defendants in motorcycle accident injury litigation is that they were looking out for other vehicles and did not notice the motorcycle until it was too late. That doesn’t excuse the fact that they failed to look and identify you in their path.

Antes de ponerte en contacto con un abogado especializado en lesiones por accidente de moto, tienes que aportar las pruebas que les ayuden a presentar una demanda. Esto es lo que tienes que preparar:

The Litigation Process

In the investigation phase, your lawyer will question you about the accident, your driving history, and your injuries. Once your lawyer is satisfied with all the information they have, they will begin negotiating with the insurance company of the other driver. They will begin by sending a Demand Letter informing them of your intent to pursue reasonable damages to make up for the injuries you sustained as well as the current and future costs of your medical bills. 

This may put you on the path toward a motorcycle accident lawsuit, but it’s important to take strong steps to secure the compensation you deserve.

If the insurance company agrees to a reasonable settlement amount, your lawyer will assist you in quickly settling the claim. If the insurance company contests the claim, your lawyer will file a claim with the court, and the litigation process will begin.

La mayoría de las reclamaciones se resuelven antes de llegar a los tribunales porque los litigios también son costosos para la compañía de seguros. Si pueden negociar rápidamente un acuerdo, lo harán.

Si usted está involucrado en un accidente de motocicleta grave, la representación legal calificada es una necesidad. Usted no ha pasado las últimas décadas de su vida responsabilizando a los conductores negligentes y protegiendo a las familias mientras luchan por reconstruir sus vidas después de un accidente de motocicleta en California. Los abogados de accidentes de motocicleta de la Firma May sí lo han hecho.

An attorney does more for you than just negotiate with the insurance company. They also research the events of the accident itself. This can include expert analysis from outside professionals, a review of the accident scene, interviews with witnesses, and research into all of the facts surrounding your motorcycle accident claim.

Sadly, insurance companies often work against the drivers they insure. They want to maximize the premiums you pay and minimize the payouts they send out the door. You should never agree to an accident settlement before having it reviewed by a knowledgeable attorney.

Often these settlements greatly undervalue the true costs of an accident, which may not be apparent at first. Many accident injuries are not immediately obvious. It may take days or perhaps a week or more for the true extent of certain types of injuries to become apparent. If you’ve already agreed to a settlement at this point, you have not been fairly compensated for what you are truly owed.

Contrate a uno de los mejores abogados de Fresno especializados en accidentes de motocicleta. La Firma May está lista para ayudar.