Woodland Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A good Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorney understands that for many, riding a motorcycle isn’t just a hobby or a past time, it is a way of life. However, while riding these kinds of bikes can be freeing, they do come with a multitude of risks. So much so, that motorcycle accidents are all too frequent and can put your life at serious risk.

Here, the law firm of Barry P. Goldberg explains what you need to know when it comes to motorcycle accident law and how to protect yourself if you unfortunately get in this situation.  If you want additional information, do not hesitate to reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney serving the Woodland Hills community.

 

It is safe to say that motorcycle riding is much riskier than driving a car. Why’s that?

Decreased visibility to other cars on the road

• Motorcycles are smaller than the average car, meaning they can zip around the highway easier. Due to this, they are more likely to be riding in other driver’s blind spots and aren’t as visible as they should be.

Flying debris is everywhere

• What may seem small and insignificant on the road to a SUV driver can be incredibly dangerous to a cyclist. Simple things like wet pavement, uneven road surfaces, flying debris like rocks or newspaper, can cause a driver to lose control and crash.

Less stability

• Motorcycles only have two wheels, making them a lot less stable than a typical car with four wheels. This makes sudden braking and swerving risky.

Exposed to the elements

• There are no windows and doors to protect a driver from the road. Add this to the fact that there also aren’t seatbelts and airbags, and motorcycles are incredibly dangerous.

Liability VS. Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

The majority of motorcycle accidents due to negligence of other drivers, not the bike rider. However, this doesn’t mean that liability doesn’t come into play, especially when it comes to wearing a helmet.

Helmet use

While state rules differ on the use of a helmet when riding a motorcycle, a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorney from our firm would recommend you always do so, even if you are going two minutes down the road. You simply cannot be too careful, and if you are in an accident, wearing a helmet exponentially decreases your risk for injury. This also goes for your passengers!

When it comes to motorcycle accident personal injury claims, it is easy for an experienced Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorney to prove the other driver’s negligence. This is defined as doing something that doesn’t follow by the rules of the road, say speeding, driving through a red light, not using their lights, or driving drunk. Not wearing your helmet doesn’t mean you were negligent, as most of the time, your injury was caused by another person’s actions.

Riding a motorcycle can be fun, exhilarating, and liberating. However, it is exceptionally dangerous and if you have been injured by the negligence and behavior of someone else, you have a right to compensation you deserve. As a victim of a personal injury suit, you are eligible for compensation for any and all medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, and even money to repair your bike.

Motorcycle Accident Law FAQ: How can I win my motorcycle accident case?

Motorcycle accidents typically involve serious injuries that result in long term or permanent damage to the body. Another driver of a car or truck is to blame for a great many of these accidents. The expenses associated with a motorcycle accident can balloon well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Questions of liability and expenses resulting from harm caused are just a few of the reasons why it is important to protect your right to recover compensation in the wake of a motorcycle accident.

By working with a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident law firm in order to promptly file a motorcycle accident claim, you will place yourself in an informed and supported position. In addition, filing as soon as possible will allow your Woodland Hills motorcycle accident law firm the ability to promptly gather necessary evidence to support your case. If you have recently been harmed as a result of a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact Barry P. Goldberg in order to explore your options and begin the process of filing an accident claim.

What Could Make a Successful Motorcycle Accident Case

A successful motorcycle accident claim will largely rest on the ability of your Woodland Hills motorcycle accident law firm to prove that the harm you suffered resulted from another’s negligence or recklessness. In legal terms, negligence generally refers to another’s failure to exercise a duty of care which meets the standards of a reasonable person. In the case of a motorcycle accident, examples of negligence could include failure to signal, failure to stop, drunk driving, distracted driving, or speeding.

As the plaintiff, the following should generally be established in your case in order for it to succeed:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care.
• The defendant failed to adhere to this duty of care.
• As a result, an accident occured, and you were injured.
• Due to your injuries, you have suffered financial losses that are not attributed to any other cause.

If the above can be proven, your claim may ultimately be successful.

When You Are Also At-Fault

In general, if you are partially to blame, you may be able to recover damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, you may be partially at fault. If it is believed your fault totals 30 percent of the accident, you would lose 30 percent of the compensation you would otherwise be entitled to. Issues of comparative and/or contributive fault are treated differently in different states. Your attorney will be able to speak with you about how any fault on your behalf may affect the outcome of your case.

Protect Your Rights

Motorcycle accident cases are considered to be challenging due to the common misbeliefs and stigmas against the riders. The most effective way to protect your rights and pursue a successful claim is to have an experienced Woodland Hills motorcycle accident law firm on your side. As your legal options may become more limited over time, please consider scheduling a consultation today.

You deserve to have your rights protected, and our lawyers are here to help you do just that. Barry P. Goldberg has many of years experience in winning motorcycle accident lawsuits, and we will strive to help you with yours. If you have any questions or are interested in a consultation with a compassionate Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorney, please contact our office today!