I’ve Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego, CA – Do I Need a Lawyer?
David Muñoz | November 4, 2021 | Motorcycle Accidents
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, over 20,000 people were injured or killed in auto accidents in San Diego in 2018. Of those, over 1,700 were motorcycle accidents.
When a motorcycle rider is involved in an accident, the injuries and property damages are often much more severe than that of a car or truck. Motorcycles are smaller by design, and they don’t provide the same level of protection to the driver or passenger.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, it can be hard to know what to do.
Here are some of the things that you need to know:
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Speed is the biggest factor in traffic accidents. Other factors involved include:
- Drivers that run red lights or miss stop signs
- Improper signaling
- Alcohol or drugs
- Road rage
- Distracted driving
- Defective equipment
- Failure to see a rider
The unfortunate reality of motorcycle accidents is that drivers of larger vehicles don’t always pay close enough attention to the vehicles around them.
Motorcycle Crashes Cause More Severe Injuries
When someone is in an auto accident with a car or truck, they may face extensive injuries with long-term impacts.
Motorcyclists are at risk of these same injuries, but the results are often much more severe. There is no protective outer frame to help keep a motorcycle rider contained and protected. Therefore, it is much easier for them to be critically injured in an accident.
Examples of common motorcycle injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Strained muscles in the back or neck
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
If another driver was at fault for the accident, a motorcycle rider can pursue compensation for their injuries through an insurance claim or personal injury case.
However, these kinds of cases can be complex. It’s easy to accept a lowball settlement when you don’t have a legal representative with a thorough understanding of the value of your case.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you evaluate all current and future expenses, including lost wages, medical bills, and therapies, while also pursuing adequate compensation for your pain and suffering.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Personal injury lawyers can be quite helpful when you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. They understand the evidence that is necessary in an effective personal injury case. They also know how to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
A legal professional will:
- Help you understand your rights
- Speak to witnesses
- Gather police reports and photographs of the scene
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File necessary paperwork within the legal timelines
- Collect accident-related medical documentation
Calling a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is the best way to support your claim for damages. The longer you wait to talk to an attorney, the more difficult it can be to collect evidence.
Should I Call an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?
Ultimately, you may not need to contact an attorney after an accident if injuries or property damage were minor.
However, keep in mind that some physical symptoms and injuries can be masked by the adrenaline rush of being in an accident.
Even if you’re not sure whether you were injured, it’s always a good idea to seek out medical care and legal advice after you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. This can help you make an informed decision about the best paths to pursue adequate compensation if you decide to file a case or an insurance claim.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in San Diego Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000