Heading into the night after a motorcycle accident on Northern California roadways can be daunting for motorcycle motorists and their loved ones. Riding on these gorgeous routes of San Mateo County can definitely instill a feeling of freedom, however, a rider is just as vulnerable to the road injuries that can cause major interruptions to life when riding with a motor vehicle. Knowledge of legal rights, methods of recovering and how to proceed in the aftermath of the accident will provide you with a fair chance. Teamwork with a competent San Mateo Motorcycle Accident Attorney will ease the task, dealing with complexities of the insurance procedures and solving problems regarding ownership and compensation.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in San Mateo County
Spanning the entire San Francisco Peninsula, motorcycle travel has its unique legal and physical circumstances. Motorcycles have no protective barrier between the rider and the vehicle engine, unlike passenger vehicles, meaning that motorcyclists are likely to absorb the entire impact of a crash.
Common Causes of Collisions: Drivers don't stop when required at intersections, suddenly changing lanes on an overcrowded freeway such as US-101 or Interstate 280, distracted driving and turning a car with cars on the opposite side of the street.
Environmental and Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and even slippery roads during the rainy season, are a bigger risk for two wheelers than for four-wheel vehicles.
Myths and Bias: There are several myths surrounding motorcyclists and how fast they drive and their recklessness in driving that the rider may face. One must be accurate and unbiased while making insurance claims.
Tornado of traffic safety law in California, including its unique motorcycle lane-splitting laws, can greatly determine an accident's responsibility assignment.
There are some measures you should take promptly after enduring a motorcycle accident.
The first things that should be done after a crash are important for the safety and financial security of everyone who is part of the crash.
Consider Getting a Medical Examination: Although the injuries may not seem very serious, there is always a possibility that head injury, soft tissue damage, or internal bruising occurs.
A quick medical examination will provide a record of events connecting the injuries to the accident.
Thoroughly Document the Scene | Take several pictures or videos of the locations of the vehicles(s), damage to the property, skid marks, road conditions, and road hazards where they exist and can be seen. | |
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Obtain Contact Information | Obtain contact information from all drivers involved and independent witnesses who do see the event. | |
Notify Law Enforcement | Inform law enforcement that a formal report should be filed; it will serve as an important foundational document since the police report is an objective officer's report. |
Be Cautious with Statements | It is important to not speak with insurance adjusters until you are well-informed about your case, since statements can be misunderstood right from the start. | |
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There are some long-term recovery and compensation issues to consider.
Emergency medical costs don't account for all of the costs incurred in a physical injury. A comprehensive strategy takes all of the healing and lifestyle changes into account.
Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: These include additional surgical procedures required after an accident, hospital and emergency room visits, prescription drugs and any additional medical equipment that may be needed following the accident, such as mobility equipment.
Impact on Income: supplements lost income as part of time off work as well as the possible decrease in earning capacity due to disability from work caused by injuries.
Non-economic: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life's pursuits, disruption in family relationships.
Finding the balance between getting back on track after having been injured and meeting claim deadlines is tough. With having good attorneys by your side, such as those in Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, you can be assured that your insurance and legal issues are all taken care of while you recover from your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if the insurance company for the other driver contacts me?
Generally, it is advised to speak with politeness and caution. You don't have to give recorded statements right away, without knowing what you're entitled to or without speaking to a lawyer first.
How to determine liability in a motorcycle crash?
Fault is determined based on the physical evidence, witness statements, police reports, and traffic laws. California's system of "comparative negligence" may provide for reduction or withholding of payments based on the percentage of blame determined for each party involved.
When is the deadline to make a claim after an accident?
California has a general statute of limitations for personal injury claims of two years from the day of the incident. Shorter time periods apply, however, when public entities and/or government vehicles are involved.
Conclusion
A motorcycle accident is something that will change one’s life forever, but one does not need to go through this process alone. Knowledge of local traffic laws, being specific and adopting an informed approach in dealing with the situation, and keeping track of one’s medical records is key. Through legal assistance from Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP, a rider will get all the tools necessary for healing and relieving themselves of their fear of riding.
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