Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, but it also comes with increased risks. Most people recognize that motorcycles can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. And they were four times more likely to be injured. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that most crash injuries and deaths are preventable. Nevertheless, motorcycle accidents happen. When they do, they can be incredibly tragic and also costly.

You may be eligible for compensation if you sustain an injury in a motorcycle accident. If you are looking for a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney, the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi can help. Our legal team will explain all legal options, handle the case on your behalf, and aggressively fight for your legal rights. It is our goal to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. Please call or contact us online today for a FREE case consultation.

What Is a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A motorcycle accident lawyer is trained to handle complex motorcycle accident cases. The primary responsibility of an accident attorney is to help injured riders get the compensation they deserve. The best motorcycle accident lawyer is one who also understands your love for motorcycles and the risk you face while you ride.

Calling an attorney before calling your insurance company is wise. Your insurance company seeks to maximize profits for shareholders. Contacting a lawyer for injury advice puts your best interests first. Although no attorney can guarantee more money, a good motorcycle accident lawyer will fight hard for you at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.

Our law firm has experience helping injured victims seek financial recovery for losses such as:

Past and future medical treatment,
Disability,
Disfigurement,
Post-traumatic stress disorder,
Lost wages,
Loss of earning capacity,
Property damage,
Loss of enjoyment of life, and
Pain and suffering.

This is not a definitive list of damages. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help prepare a comprehensive list of losses. This list will help your attorney calculate the compensation that you’re owed. Being represented by an attorney can be the difference between getting a lowball settlement offer and the compensation you deserve.

What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?

They will be advantageous and help support the best outcome in your case. The facts and circumstances determine who is liable. A lawyer who is experienced in motorcycle accident claims is especially valuable and can help in the following ways:

Explaining Your Rights

An attorney can explain your rights as a motorcycle accident victim, ensuring you understand the legal protections and options available to you. They will guide you through the complex legal process, providing clarity on the steps involved and the potential outcomes of your case. They will also explain the different types of compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Lastly, they will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding settlement negotiations or pursuing a lawsuit.

Building Your Case

Drivers of other vehicles are responsible for recognizing the safety challenges motorcyclists face. Before you are entitled to any compensation, you must prove the other driver’s negligence. A successful negligence claim will depend on evidence showing that:

The motorcycle accident occurred and caused your injuries;
The at-fault party’s negligence led to the accident; and
You suffered damages as a result of the motorcycle accident.

A motorcycle accident attorney will help you build your case. To support your case, your attorney will investigate who is responsible for the motorcycle accident. It is possible that more than one party can be liable for a motorcycle accident. This investigation can involve reviewing the police report, hiring experts for accident reconstruction, interviewing witnesses, and examining medical records. Your attorney will hire any experts required to prove your case.

Negotiating a Favorable Settlement

A motorcycle accident attorney will negotiate with insurance companies. Knowing how to deal with the insurance company is your attorney’s job. It is not uncommon for the insurance company to respond with an offer. However, this initial offer is usually a lowball amount that doesn’t cover your damages. The insurer may even try to make it seem like a good deal, but you can confidently push back with a lawyer on your side. When you hire legal counsel, you won’t fall victim to any insurance company’s tactics.

Representing You in Court

Although most motorcycle accident claims settle out of court, a settlement negotiation sometimes fails to resolve the case. Hiring an attorney equipped to take your case to court is critical to winning the maximum compensation.

Why Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?

No one expects an accident or an injury—that is the nature of an accident. It’s probably not the best time to dig into complicated legal processes while dealing with injuries. While you focus on your recovery, let us handle all aspects of your case. When retaining our services, you can also expect us to safeguard your rights, handle all legal complexities, and shield you from potential pitfalls.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in California

In California, it is mandatory for all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This applies to riders of all ages. The helmet must have a DOT-approved sticker or label on the back to indicate compliance with safety standards. It is important to ensure that the helmet you wear is certified and meets the required standards for optimal protection.

California law also requires motorcycle riders to wear some form of eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that provides adequate protection.

Those who choose to not wear a helmet may face consequences if pulled over by authorities. Law enforcement officers have the discretion to decide whether or not to issue a citation and the corresponding fine amount as per the law. While some officers may opt for warnings or impose lower fines, they possess the authority to issue tickets that could amount to a maximum of $250. If you have been found speeding, driving under the influence, carrying a minor passenger without a helmet, or violating any other traffic laws, anticipate a higher fine. In severe instances, law enforcement may even opt to tow your motorcycle.

5 Essential Tips to Staying Safe on the Road as a Motorcyclist in CA

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also come with risks that may lead to severe injuries. Here is a list of five recommendations we feel every rider must adhere to if they want to be safe on CA highways:

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, sturdy jacket, long pants, gloves, and boots. This gear provides essential protection in the event of a crash and reduces the risk of serious injuries.
Defensive Riding: Practice defensive riding techniques by remaining alert and anticipating potential hazards. Be mindful of blind spots, maintain a safe following distance, and consistently scan the road for potential dangers. Avoid aggressive maneuvers and assume that other drivers may not see you.
Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, lane markings, and traffic signals. Avoid reckless behaviors such as lane splitting, excessive speeding, or weaving in and out of traffic. Following the rules of the road enhances your visibility and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
Enhance Visibility: Make yourself more visible to other motorists by wearing bright and reflective clothing. Use your motorcycle’s headlights, even during the day, to increase your visibility. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers and use turn signals to indicate your intentions.
Continuous Skill Development: Invest in ongoing rider training and education to improve your riding skills. Participate in advanced rider courses that focus on defensive riding, maneuvering techniques, and emergency braking. Increasing your skills and knowledge can significantly enhance your safety on the road.

Remember, safety should always be a top priority when riding a motorcycle. By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy a safer riding experience.

Contact a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Every motorcycle accident is unique. You can trust that the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi will give you the individualized attention your case deserves. We can help you navigate the legal process so that you can focus on the work of recovery. Ali Yousefi will evaluate your case, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and develop a winning strategy. We seek to help alleviate the financial stress you face following an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Put our experience handling personal injury cases to work for you. While we can’t erase the injuries, our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve. After you have sought immediate medical attention following an accident, reach out to our law firm as soon as possible. Contact us today at 866-360-2359 or online for a free consultation and see how we can help.