A motorcycle is a wonderful form of transportation and is a great way to take in the scenery of California’s coast in the communities around San Jose. However, not all drivers share the road responsibly, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
When you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you deserve to focus on recovering. A San Jose motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can assist you by negotiating with the insurance company and other lawyers, calculating damages, and, if necessary, protecting your rights in a courtroom. Contact the Valero Law Group today to begin reviewing the details of your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Wreck
Injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle can be relatively more severe than in other vehicles due to the motorcycle’s smaller weight and the lack of restraints and protection for the rider, such as seat belts, airbags, and roll cages. The types of injuries will vary depending on the context of the collision, but the harm that bikers commonly experience after a crash often includes:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
When another driver is at fault, the amount of compensation that a biker receives will be tied to the losses they sustain. This may consist of items such as past and future medical expenses, costs of rehabilitative devices, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and any loss of income due to an inability to perform the same work as before the accident. The dollar amounts of some of these items can be difficult to determine, but an experienced motorcycle wreck attorney in San Jose can help an injured person calculate and seek an appropriate level of damages that will fairly and fully compensate them for the losses they incurred.
Motorcycle Regulations
California has several rules and regulations in place that impact how motorcyclists should ride. A San Jose attorney with experience handling motorcycle wrecks can help an injured person understand laws relevant to their situation and the impact the laws might have on their case; however, some of the laws it is good for all riders to be aware of include:
- California Vehicle Code § 27801 provides that the handlebars on a motorcycle cannot be positioned such that the grips are over six inches above the rider’s shoulder, and that the motorcycle’s seat must be low enough that the rider can reach the ground with their feet while sitting
- California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires that all people riding a motorcycle, regardless of age, whether the driver or passenger, must wear a helmet meeting the safety requirements established by law
- California Vehicle Code §21658.1 unlike most other states, California allows motorcyclists to drive between two lanes of traffic; however, they must still be careful to do so in a manner that does not degrade the safety of either the cyclist or the people in the surrounding cars or vehicles
It is important that all cyclists be aware of and comply with these rules because they are intended to promote the safety of the rider and their passengers. Additionally, compliance with these rules can lessen the chances that the motorcycle rider is found to be at fault for an accident, which in turn will increase the rider’s likelihood of securing a sufficient recovery for their injuries.
Contact a Motorcycle Crash Attorney in San Jose
Motorcycle wrecks can result in serious injuries. When you are involved in an accident while riding, you deserve an attorney who cares about getting you the help you need and will do their best to help you protect your legal and financial right to recover for your losses so you can focus on healing.
Call a San Jose motorcycle accident lawyer today to find out what they can do in your situation. Our team is always available, can arrange for transportation for you, or can even come directly to you if you are unable to easily get around.
