Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, founder of InjuredBikers.com 800-816-1529.

The number of Automobile accidents involving motorcycles is much Less than the number of accidents involving trucks and cars, making it difficult to locate a law firm which has more than occasional experience in assisting motorcycle crash victims and their families. At the Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez,
Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez and his legal team have handled over 1000 case in our over 21 years of practicing law.

CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Killed or injured in motorcycle accidents in Kern County in 2013. Although it’s been reported that motorcycle fatalities were down 7 percent nationally and 13% in the state of California, there’s still a significant issue with bike accidents throughout the state. We’re familiar with the unique factors that lead to motorcycle accidents, in addition to the challenges to regaining full compensation after a crash.

COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA

For motorcyclists in California, it is important that you know the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents. Recognizing the factors and situations that most often lead to crashes can increase the probability of avoiding them. An ounce of knowledge can go a long way in reducing the level of risk. According to police reports, studies, and state-specific crash statistics, these are the most common motives motorcyclists end up in auto accidents in California:

In 2014 (the latest year data is available), speeding caused the vast majority of vehicle operator injuries in California, with 49,400 people hurt. When drivers speed, they are more likely not to stop in time to prevent a rear-end collision. Driving too fast for conditions also raises odds of drivers losing control of their vehicle and causing a collision.

Automobile failing to yield the right-of-way. Drivers might fail to afford the right-of-way to motorcyclists because they either do not see them, don’t understand the law, or because they’re negligent. Other motorists making left-hand turns places motorcyclists particularly at risk and accounts for 42% of all motorcycle accidents. Drivers might fail to appear carefully enough for motorcycles or misjudge the space of a motorcyclist before making a turn.

Although speeding causes the maximum number of automobile injuries, improper turning causes the most deaths. Making improper or illegal turns caused 22,801 driver injuries and 539 deaths in California in 2014. Improper turns, such as illegal U-turns, can cut off a motorcyclist and end in serious injuries and death.

Driver distraction. Engaging in illegal habits like texting and driving, eating or drinking, conversing with passengers, fiddling with the radio, or personal grooming increases the probability of causing a motorcycle accident. Distracted driving often results in severe crashes because drivers don’t hit the brakes or try to avoid a collision.

A motor vehicle may have the ability to roll over or maneuver around roadway defects such as potholes, but motorcyclists cannot. Defects like loose gravel, uneven shoulders, debris, fallen trees, and other road problems can pose serious risks to motorcyclists. The city of Bakersfield might be responsible for these accidents whether it should have known about and repaired the roadway defect.

At The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez, we have helped dozens of injured motorcyclists exercise their rights and protected large settlements and jury verdicts in California. We have the ability to confront negligent or reckless drivers, careless road maintenance crews, bike manufacturers, property owners, and any other party that might share liability for your recent accident. If negligence played a part in your crash, then discuss your legal options with a experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm.

CALIFORNIA HELMET LAW

California has a “universal” motorcycle helmet legislation. Every motorcycle operator in every city in California should wear an approved helmet. The law applies to operators and passengers, regardless of age. The California Vehicle Code Section 27803 mandates that motorcycle helmets must meet regulations under the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. According to the statute, it is against the law to operate or ride a bike without an approved helmet.

Motorcycle helmet in California can cause a legal violation and citation, punishable with a fine. It can also negatively affect a claim if you get into a motorcycle accident. The defense might use lack of helmet wearing against you to assert that you contributed to your head, brain, neck, or back injury because you chose not to wear a helmet. California courts might lower your compensation award by a certain percentage if it deems that you were”comparatively negligent” for your injuries because you broke the law and did not wear a helmet.

To have a case against You for comparative negligence, the defense would have to show your lack of helmet wearing contributed to the seriousness of your injuries. If your injuries don’t relate to your head or brain, this can be tricky to prove. The defense might use tactics such as bringing up data that prove wearing
a helmet reduces the risk of injuries. If you broke the helmet law in a recent motorcycle accident, hire a Bakersfield personal injury attorney experienced in bike accidents that will assist you stand up against possible helmet-related defense strategies.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Motorcycle accidents can cause a variety of injuries to motorcycle riders and their passengers. Motorcyclists are almost entirely vulnerable to injuries in a
collision, without a metal shell to protect them. Even with a helmet and protective body gear, motorcyclists can suffer serious and life-threatening injuries. In our years representing motorcycle accident victims in California, some of the most common accidents our Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyers have seen include:

Bone fractures. It’s common to break bones in a vehicle-motorcycle collision. Motorcyclists are most at risk of bone fractures in their lower extremities but may suffer fractures within their wrists or arms from trying to break a fall. More serious fractures like skull or spine fractures are also possible.

Head and brain injuries. The mind is at great risk of injury in a motorcycle collision, since the operator can fly from the bicycle and strike their head on the road or another object. Helmet or no helmet, the skull and brain can endure severe or permanent injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can weigh on a victim for life.

Injuries to the neck, back, and can occur depending on the factors of the collision. If a motor vehicle runs over a motorcyclist or pins him/her to a different car, it can sever the spine. Spinal cord injuries can result in lifelong, untreatable paralysis below the point of impact.

No matter what type of Injury you suffered in a California motorcycle accident, talk to our lawyers. Taking legal action against a responsible driver or other party could result in payment for your injury-related hospital bills, medical costs, disability, lost wages, and much more. Rodriguez & Associates can handle minor to catastrophic injury claims in Bakersfield. We work hard to help our clients get restitution for their own injuries.

COMPENSATION FOR BAKERSFIELD MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Securing financial Compensation for your motorcycle accident damages depends on the legal actions you take. Documenting important facts about your accident, such as the name and insurance information of the other driver and photos of injuries, can significantly help your situation. The more evidence you gather about your situation, the better. You might be eligible to recover for:

• Hospital bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering

When You receive Medical care for injuries, the next step is to contact a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez. Ask us how much your motorcycle accident claim may be worth during a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We could help recover for economic losses as well as non-economic losses, such as pain and discomfort. The skill of your attorney can make a big difference in the quantity of pain and suffering damages you receive from a California jury — especially if you suffered a catastrophic injury such as brain damage or spinal cord injury.

AT THE LAW OFFICE OF NORMAN GREGORY FERNANDEZ, We’re in business for one reason: to help injury victims in every way we can. To this end, our legal team combines our focus on getting the best Results for the client together with caring and helpful support at each step of The legal procedure. Our firm is conveniently located in downtown Bakersfield, in The oldest freestanding brick construction in the county. We’re available for Weekend and evening appointments, charge no fee for consultations and talk both English and Spanish. To contact us, please call 800-816-1529 to schedule a complimentary
Consultation with one of our qualified Bakersfield motorcycle crash attorneys today.