San Fernando Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
With winding highways, year-round pleasant weather, and beautiful views all around, it’s no surprise California is paradise for people who love the thrill of the open road on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, if you’re involved in a crash while on two wheels, these benefits are small consolation when you are faced with the pain, financial burdens, and emotional trauma that often result. The skilled San Fernando motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law understand how difficult the aftermath of accidents can be and that you need compensation quickly – that’s why we begin working immediately after you hire us to get you the check you need without any unnecessary delays. Contact us today to see why Robert, Gary, and their 40 plus years delivering 95+% success for clients are the team you want in your corner.
Am I at Risk for a Motorcycle Accident in San Fernando?In 2019, a motorcyclist was killed in San Fernando in an accident on an offramp of the 118 freeway. Even though this small city of just over 24,000 people is fairly safe, its proximity to the massive, dangerous 5, 118, 210, and 405 freeways puts riders at risk every time they get on their motorcycles. The high speeds, poor road conditions, countless distracted drivers, and prevalence of traffic law violations like illegal lane changes make roads in and around San Fernando dangerous even for motorcyclists who exercise the utmost caution when riding.
Common Causes of Motorcycle AccidentsMotorcycle accidents pose extreme hazards for those involved. According to the NHTSA, riders who are involved in an accident are 28 times more likely to die and 6 times more likely to be injured than occupants of a standard motor vehicle. These facts hold true even if riders are behaving safely, have a well-maintained motorcycle, and are wearing the full amount of recommended protective gear and clothing. Unfortunately, the truth is that motorcycles are no match for passenger vehicles or commercial trucks when it comes to collisions, which can occur in almost any way imaginable.
Distracted DriversDrivers who don’t give the road their full attention are one of the most prominent factors in motor vehicle accidents today. Close to 80 percent of drivers in the United States openly admit to texting and driving at least upon occasion – a practice that is illegal in California and creates the presumption of negligence. However, distracted driving is a much broader category that includes many activities drivers perform in their vehicles which can cause accidents, including:
- Applying makeup
- Manipulating screens, radios, and vehicle controls
- Shaving
- Operating the steering wheel with a knee or foot while doing other activities
- Other Unsafe and Illegal Behaviors
In addition to distracted driving, a number of other behaviors behind the wheel can result in lack of proper focus on the road or prevent drivers from actively looking for motorcycles around them when operating a vehicle. Many are also illegal, which again creates the presumption the driver was negligent. It’s common for San Fernando motorcycle accidents to occur from:
- Failing to properly yield
- Making illegal lane changes
- Dooring – opening a car door without checking for oncoming motorcycles
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving while intoxicated
After you prove that the defendant in your case acted negligently and harmed you, they are liable for damages you can prove resulted from your motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents can cause life-changing, catastrophic injuries for those lucky enough to survive them and destroy even the most carefully planned financial futures. Courts understand this and may award compensatory damages to make you whole for injuries such as:
- Property damage
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident while riding, you know collisions can severely disrupt your physical health, your emotional well-being, and especially your finances. The strain of paying costly medical bills and repairing your bike can make you think you can’t spare the money to hire an attorney to help you pursue compensation; think again. The experienced San Fernando motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law believe everyone deserves the opportunity to seek damages from the party who injured them. That’s why we only take cases on a contingency fee basis – it means you pay us nothing until after you’ve been paid. Get in touch with us today to learn more and get started!