Just because you ride a motorcycle doesn’t mean you are automatically responsible for causing an accident. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash in La Jolla and it was someone else’s fault, you may have a legal right to compensation. That compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, and even emotional trauma.
A La Jolla motorcycle accident attorney at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the money you deserve. Our team has over 43 years of combined experience helping injured people throughout the greater La Jolla, California, area.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your legal case when you have so much on your plate. Let a lawyer handle it for you. Contact us to set up a free consultation at (619) 777-5555.
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Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in La Jolla, CA
A La Jolla personal injury attorney can be the difference between getting paid and getting stuck with extreme financial burdens. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers helps clients prepare a legal case and negotiate for a full settlement. If we can’t get what you deserve, we can take your case to trial.
Our office opened in 2010 and has since recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We have a 99% track record of success and have been named Super Lawyers and Best of the Bar Law Firm by the San Diego Business Journal.
When you hire us to handle your motorcycle accident case in La Jolla, CA, you can expect:
- Clear legal advice based on years of experience
- A commitment to communication with our clients
- Respect and understanding of your needs
- A team of fierce negotiators and trial lawyers to advocate on your behalf
- Dedicated support staff to keep track of deadlines and paperwork
- A custom legal strategy to meet your goals
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers takes pride in our success and commitment to our clients. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you today.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego County?
According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), in 2022, there were 391 motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries in San Diego County. This is an increase from 379 in 2021 and 270 in 2021.
However, the threshold is high for serious injuries. Many people will have less serious but still life-altering impairments after an accident. When you look at the data for all types of injuries, the number sharply increases to 1,614 injured in motorcycle accidents in 2022.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than passengers of a car and four times more likely to get hurt. While it can be fun and convenient to cruise on a motorcycle, it is significantly more dangerous than driving in a car. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.
Rider Exposure
Motorcyclists are much more exposed than drivers and passengers in a car. Most motorcyclists only have a helmet to protect them in the event of an accident. Some wear protective jackets that offer extra padding to soften impact and prevent burns and lacerations.
Still, this protective gear does the bare minimum to protect motorcyclists and leaves most highly exposed, particularly in the lower body. While helmets are great for protecting against fatal brain and head injuries, they usually lessen the injury instead of preventing it entirely. Furthermore, helmets are not perfect, and some accidents are so severe that a helmet does little to mitigate them.
Lack of Safety Equipment
Not only are riders exposed on the motorcycle, but the bike itself lacks the same safety equipment as a modern vehicle. Very few motorcycles have airbags installed to cushion a blow, and only some have anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Furthermore, a car has the benefit of a frame that inherently protects occupants from rollovers and impact. A motorcyclist is much more likely to be thrown from the bike and take the full force of an impact onto the concrete or other surface.
Lack of Stability
Perhaps the most obvious reason that motorcycle accidents are so dangerous is that motorcycles lack the same stability as cars. They are on two wheels, while cars have four. This means that motorcycles are more likely to spin out, fall over, get run off the road, and more. The lack of stability means that riders must be highly trained to operate the motorcycle safely. Even so, they risk a negligent driver causing the motorcycle to lose stability and crash.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents In La Jolla?
Most motorcycle accidents in La Jolla are caused by:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Lane splitting
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Debris or obstructions in the road
- Poor visibility or weather conditions
- Inexperience or lack of training
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical problems
- Improper left-turns
- Road rage
Our team can help you navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in La Jolla, no matter the cause. We can also find out what caused the crash and if multiple factors contributed to it.
Common Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents in La Jolla, California
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help you no matter the type of injury. In our experience, the most common types of injuries after a motorcycle crash are:
- Road rash and severe burns
- Amputation and broken bones
- Foot and leg injuries
- Crush injuries, including organ failure and internal bleeding
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Collapsed lungs
Many of our clients have several different injuries after a crash. This can make it more difficult to fully heal and complicate your case. Our team will consult with your doctors and expert witnesses to understand the degree of your injuries and necessary medical treatment.
What Is the Value of My La Jolla Motorcycle Accident Case?
The value of your La Jolla motorcycle accident case is highly dependent on the circumstances of the crash. Factors that are likely to increase the value of your case include:
- The severity and permanency of your injuries
- The length and degree of medical treatment and follow-up
- The impact of your injury on working and earning income
- The mental and physical trauma associated with the accident
- The impact of the injury on your quality of life and relationships
- Property damage resulting from the accident
You should take time to reflect on these factors so that you can clearly communicate them to your lawyer. It is helpful for an attorney to look at the whole picture so that they can more accurately value your case and make sure you are fairly compensated.
Can I Still Get Compensated if I Caused the Motorcycle Accident in California?
In California, you can still ask for compensation in a motorcycle accident case as long as you aren’t entirely to blame. This is called pure comparative negligence. It means that you are not barred from bringing a lawsuit as long as you are not 100% responsible.
However, if you do share some responsibility, your damages are reduced by that percentage. A jury will decide what percent each party bears. So, for example, if you are 75% responsible for causing the accident and another person is 25% responsible, you can recover 25% of your total damages.
California’s system is relatively victim-friendly compared with those in place in most other states. Nonetheless, the at-fault party can reduce their liability for the accident if they successfully blame you. Our goal is always to minimize your liability and unfair blame so that you can recover the most compensation.
Damages in a La Jolla Motorcycle Accident Case
The value of your motorcycle accident case is made up of damages. Damages are a civil remedy that usually includes money. Economic and non-economic damages are generally available, and punitive damages could be available in rare cases as well.
In most of our motorcycle accident cases, we request compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Necessary medical devices
- Cost of pharmaceuticals
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Sometimes it is difficult to calculate emotional losses because no receipt or bill states the value. A lawyer will help you understand the monetary value of this trauma based on their experience with similar cases. This will be a benchmark for starting negotiations and understanding fair and unfair settlement offers.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a La Jolla Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
You shouldn’t feel alone after getting into a motorcycle accident, even though many people around you may not understand what you are going through. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers is on your side and ready to help. We know how to negotiate with difficult insurance companies and navigate court procedures so that you can focus on healing.
Call us today to set up a free consultation with an experienced La Jolla motorcycle accident lawyer and learn more about our services. There are no hidden fees in this opportunity to learn about our lawyers and your legal rights. Plus, we charge a contingency fee which means you don’t pay unless we win or settle your case. We look forward to hearing from you.
