Experienced Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys
Have You Recently Experienced a Motorcycle Accident in Fresno, California?
Goldberg & Loren specialize in assisting clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents.
We understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
But with our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will diligently fight for your rights and work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need – Contact the Law Offices of Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fresno, California.
Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno
Fresno, California, has seen a rise in motorcycle accidents in recent years, with numerous causes contributing to these accidents. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include failure to yield, drunk driving, speeding, and following too closely.
The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, which includes fatalities in crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, experienced a 16% increase between 2020 and 2021. [1]
Motorcycle riders often face a higher risk of severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and internal organ damage. These injuries often come with significant medical expenses and long-term medical care needs.
Negligent drivers are typically responsible for motorcycle accidents, and motorcycle riders rarely escape the accidents unharmed. For this reason, experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are necessary to ensure motorcycle accident victims receive fair compensation.
If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident in Fresno, California, contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Goldberg & Loren to ensure you receive legal counsel and a reasonable settlement.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately quite common on the roadways in Fresno. There are several types of accidents that riders tend to be more susceptible to due to the negligence of other drivers. These accidents include:
- Head-on collisions - Head-on collisions occur when another vehicle veers into the oncoming lane and collides with a motorcycle rider.
- High-speed accidents - High-speed accidents commonly happen when a driver is traveling at excessive speeds and loses control of their vehicle, resulting in a collision with a motorcycle.
- Lane-change crashes - Lane-change crashes happen when a driver abruptly changes lanes without checking for other vehicles, resulting in a collision with a motorcycle rider.
- Left-turn accidents - Left-turn accidents usually happen at intersections when a driver misjudges or ignores the motorcyclist's right of way and makes a left turn in front of them.
- Rear-end collisions - Rear-end collisions occur when a driver follows a motorcycle too closely and is unable to brake in time, resulting in a collision with the motorcycle's rear end.
Table of Contents
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Motorcycle Accidents in Fresno
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Types of Motorcycle Accidents
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
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Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
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Statute of Limitation for Motorcycle Accidents in California
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Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
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Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Fresno Today
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycles are less visible on the road than other vehicles, which may contribute to accidents. Motorcycle incidents in Fresno can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Driver negligence - Driver negligence is one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents in Fresno. Drivers who do not pay attention to their surroundings or are distracted while driving are more likely to cause an accident. This includes drivers who fail to use turn signals, drive aggressively, exceed the speed limit, or disregard other traffic laws.
- Dangerous road conditions - Poorly lit roads and other dangerous road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Potholes, slick roads, or debris on the roadway can cause a motorcycle rider to lose control of their bike and lead to an accident.
- Alcohol and drug use - Alcohol and drug use are also major causes of motorcycle accidents in Fresno. Driving under the influence increases the chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident as it affects one's ability to drive safely.
- Mechanical defects - Mechanical defects can also cause motorcycle accidents. A malfunctioning part or a defective tire can lead to an accident if it fails while the motorcycle is in motion. Motorcycle riders should always conduct regular inspections and maintenance of their bikes in order to avoid such accidents.
- Lack of safety equipment - Motorcycle riders who do not wear proper safety gear such as helmets, eye protection, and reflective clothing are more likely to be seriously injured in an accident.
Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can result in severe injuries that may take several months or years to recover from. Even with protective gear, motorcyclists are vulnerable to catastrophic injuries due to the lack of a vehicle enclosure.
When an accident occurs, the injuries sustained can have a significant impact on the victim’s well-being and financial stability. In Fresno, there are several injuries that motorcyclists commonly sustain due to accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
These types of injuries can have a significant impact on victims and their loved ones, which can affect their quality of life, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairment. Symptoms of TBI may include:
- Chronic headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional instability
- Memory loss
Long-term effects may lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis, and a lifetime of treatment and rehabilitation. Medical care for TBI can be expensive, and treatment typically involves extensive rehabilitation, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
The cost of ongoing medical care, combined with lost income due to time off work, can put a significant financial strain on victims and their families.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage is one of the most severe injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident. The impact of a collision can cause the organs inside the body to shift or rupture, leading to life-threatening complications. Depending on the force of the impact, riders may suffer injuries to major organs like the:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Spleen
Internal organ damage requires immediate medical attention, and victims may require emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding and repair any ruptured organs.
Once stabilized, patients may need ongoing care for their injuries, including close monitoring and follow-up appointments with specialists.
The cost of treating internal organ damage can be expensive, and many victims may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time.
This can add further financial strain on top of the medical bills, putting victims and their families in a difficult situation.
Road Rash and Severe Injury
Motorcycle accident scenes often involve road rash and muscle damage, which can have a serious impact on a victim’s life.
Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin comes into contact with the rough pavement during a crash, resulting in abrasions and scrapes. [3]
The severity of road rash can range from minor cuts and scrapes to deep lacerations that require skin grafts. It can also lead to permanent scarring and nerve damage.
Road rash can cause muscle damage, and this can result in long-term pain and discomfort and may require physical therapy or surgery to repair the damage. Severe muscle damage can also lead to nerve damage, which can be permanently disabling.
Proper medical care is essential for the proper healing of road rash and muscle damage. Treatment may involve:
- Cleaning and dressing the wounds
- Close monitoring to prevent infection
- Skin grafts for severe cases
Patients may also require physical therapy or other ongoing care to manage pain and ensure proper healing.
Other Common Injuries
In addition to the catastrophic injuries discussed in our previous content, motorcycle accidents can also result in other common injuries. Among the most frequently experienced injuries, we find:
- Dislocations - Dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position. This can lead to nerve damage, chronic pain, and long-term limitations on mobility.
- Fractures - Fractures can range from minor to severe, but all require immediate medical attention. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the victim may experience limited mobility, chronic pain, and long-term complications.
- Muscle strains - Muscle strains can be painful and may take weeks or months to fully heal. However, with proper medical care and rehabilitation, most victims can expect to recover fully.
- Spinal cord injuries - Spinal cord injuries can have life-altering consequences, including partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.
- Whiplash - Whiplash is a common injury in motorcycle accidents and can result in chronic neck pain, headaches, and mobility limitations.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you secure the financial compensation you need to cover your expenses resulting from the accident.
Statute of Limitation for Motorcycle Accidents in California
The Statute of Limitations for motorcycle accidents in California allows for a two-year window for filing a claim.
This means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. It’s essential to file your personal injury claim within this time frame, or you risk forfeiting your right to compensation.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
In the state of California, victims of motorcycle accidents may be eligible to recover damages from the negligent party. Damages may include:
- Loss of wages - Motorcycle accident clients may be compensated for lost wages if they are unable to work due to an injury sustained in the accident.
- Medical expenses - Victims of motorcycle accidents may be able to receive financial recompense for medical expenses related to their injuries, including doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation therapy.
- Pain and suffering - Victims of motorcycle accidents may be able to receive monetary compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish experienced due to their injuries.
- Property damage - If a motorcycle is damaged in an accident, victims may be able to receive compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful death - If a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident due to another's negligence, surviving family members may be eligible to recover damages for their loss.
Our experienced injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren in California can help victims take legal action, recover damages and ensure they receive a fair settlement for their injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Fresno Today
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Fresno understand the complexities of these types of claims and are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys have decades of experience in successfully navigating motorcycle related cases, and we will provide an aggressive representation for your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Sources:
[1] California, S. O. (n.d.). California Traffic Safety Quick Stats | Office of Traffic Safety. California Traffic Safety Quick Stats | Office of Traffic Safety. https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/
[2] Facts About TBI. (2024, April 29). Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion. https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
[3] Agrawal, A. (2008, March 3). Friction Burns: Epidemiology and Prevention. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188131/
Have you been injured on a motorcycle in an auto accident in Fresno, California? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact us to see if you have a case!
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