According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, fatal motorcycle accidents continue to rise. The sad truth is that the streets are simply not safe for bikers. Keep reading to learn about how unsafe the roads are – and why they are unsafe – and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have a motorcycle accident case to discuss.
Statistics from the NHTSA
The NHTSA reports that from 2017 to 2018 there was a 6.3% increase in motorcycle fatalities. What is worse is the fact that California ranks among one of the states with the highest number of motorcycle accidents in the country. In fact, for the last decade we have either been the state with the most fatal motorcycle accidents or in second or third place. This is not a distinction we want.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycle accidents can have many causes. The unfortunate truth is that they are often the result of a car not being willing to share the road with a motorcycle. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents including distracted drivers, bad weather, drugged or drunk drivers, hazardous road conditions, dooring, improper lane sharing, and speeding.
You May Be Eligible to Recoup Compensation for Damages Caused by the Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the value of your personal injury claim will vary based on a number of factors. You can expect to receive compensation for a wide range of damages, depending on the specific accident and your injuries. You may be eligible for compensation related to medical care and personal care, pain and suffering, lost income, scarring, and emotional distress.
How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, then the way to make a claim is similar to the way you would make a claim if injured in a car accident. You would fill out a claim request with the insurance provider of the at-fault party. Their insurance company will then investigate the claim to determine if their insured is in fact at fault. If they determine that their client is at fault, then they may make a settlement offer.
It can be tempting to accept this initial offer but it is almost never the right choice. The insurance company has a very different goal than you do – they want to pay as little as possible for the claim. The adjuster will look for ways to show that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or that you are actually at fault.
Getting help with fighting this type of misinformation is just one of the reasons that it is worth talking to a personal injury attorney. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to request a free legal consultation to determine what your best option may be.
