Motorcyclist are 10 times more likely to be injured and 35 times more likely to die than passengers in a car crash. With the increase in popularity or motorcycles, there are more and more motorcycle accidents each year. In the past, most motorcycle accident cases involved young riders (18-25) on sport bikes. But recently, I have seen a trend to more and more motorcycle accidents involving riders over 40 and in my case over 50 years old.
Most cases we handle involve "Failure to Yield" or "Left Turn" cases (CVC 21801a) in which a car turns directly into your path at an intersection, "Unsafe Lane Change" cases which occur on the freeway, or "Exit" cases, where a driver exits a driveway into you or your path. But we also take on the difficult cases- where the Traffic Collsion Report alleges the motorcyclist is primarily at fault for riding at Unsafe Speed (CVC 22350) or for making an "Unsafe Lane Change" (CVC 21658a).
As a former Traffic Judge pro tem in California Superior Court- motorcycle attorney Tom Reinecke can answer your legal questions and provide you with answers.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need the Best Motorcycle Lawyer. Attorney Tom Reinecke has been recognized as the "Top Gun" of motorcycle accident attorneys in Southern California. The Reinecke Law Firm are Real Lawyers that get Real Results. We are not a referral service. We have offices serving Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego.
For more information about what you should do after a motorcycle accident, see our motorcycle accident information page or call us at (800) 275-8326.
IMPORTANT - Never, ever give a written or recorded statement to any insurance company withourt contacting a motrocycle accident attorney first. The questions asked by the insurance company are designed to have you either admit liability or admit to being partially at fualt for causing or contributing to the accident. YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT- CALL AN ATTORNEY.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents
Q: I was hit by another vehicle while riding my motorcycle. What should I do?
A: First and most importantly, seek medical attention if you were injured in any way. You many not feel pain until a day or two after the accident. If there were witnesses to the accident, try to write down their names and phone numbers at the scene so that you can contact them later on. In addition, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to your motorcycle or other property. Keep track of your medical expenses and other monetary losses you incurred, such as lost wages, because of the motorcycle accident. Finally, contact an attorney who has experience with personal injury cases, specifically motorcycle accident cases, to discuss your legal options for recovery.
Q: What can I receive for my injuries?
A: Every case is different. The exact type and amount of compensation you might receive depend on your individual situation. For example, the amount you receive varies depending upon how severely you were injured; whether you are working and what type of job you have; whether your injuries are permanent; and whether you are married, among other factors. As a general rule, you are entitled to recover for any of the following expenses: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, probable loss of wages in the future, property damage, loss of relationship with your spouse and other out-of-pocket expenses due to your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents - An Overview
Riding motorcycles is a popular activity and total motorcycle registrations increased 51% between 2000 and 2005. In 2006, Americans bought over 1.1 million motorcycles. Despite their popularity, the inherent nature of motorcycles makes riding them a potentially dangerous undertaking. Unlike cars and other vehicles, motorcycles offer drivers and passengers no protection. There is nothing between the rider and the open road other than the clothes the rider is wearing and possibly a helmet. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, an experienced personal injury attorney at The Reinecke Law Firm in Serving All of Southern California, California can explain your legal options.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents, like all accidents involving motor vehicles, can be caused by a number of different factors. While an accident can be the fault of the motorcycle driver, many times, other drivers cause accidents involving motorcycles. Because of a motorcycle's relatively small size, many drivers of passenger cars and trucks do not see motorcyclists. Even if they check their mirrors before changing lanes or turning, the motorcycle may be in the car's blind spot, and an accident may result. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options for recovery.
Motorcycle Litigation Basics
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have many questions about your legal options. Can I recover money for my medical expenses? Can I still bring a lawsuit if I partially caused the accident? You may have never been involved in a lawsuit before and not know where to start. The following information provides a general overview about motorcycle accident cases. An experienced personal injury attorney can answer your specific questions and provide guidance about how to proceed.
Motorcycle Defects and Recalls
A defect in a motorcycle or one of its parts can cause serious accidents. For example, a defective helmet might not provide the protection it is intended to, resulting in more serious head injuries. A defect in the brakes may not allow you to stop in time to avoid an accident. If you suspect that your motorcycle has a dangerous safety defect, you can report this defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a federal agency tasked with investigating alleged defects, issuing safety standards for vehicles and requiring manufacturers to recall vehicles that do not meet federal safety standards. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by a defective part, an experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal options.
Helmet Laws
Many states have mandatory helmet laws that require motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets while operating or riding on a motorcycle. These laws generally specify the type of helmets that have been approved for use by a state agency. If you have questions about whether your state has a helmet law or whether your failure to obey that law will affect your ability to recover damages in a motorcycle accident case, contact an attorney to discuss your particular situation.
Motorcycle Accidents Resource Links
American Motorcyclists Association
An organization that pursues, protects and promotes the interests of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Bikers Rights Online
Devoted to motorcycle riders' rights, this site includes articles, studies and a review of helmet laws that is searchable by state.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. For over 30 years, the Institute has been a leader in finding out what works and does not work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce injuries in the crashes that still occur. The site features vehicle ratings, safety facts and publications.
Motorcycle Consumer News
An advertising-free, multi-faceted resource for the motorcycling public.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
A motorcyclist rights organization based in Washington, D.C.
