Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events that leave victims with extensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Pasadena, California, it is crucial to understand the legal process and how a lawyer can help.
Contact M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with an experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience. We’ve won more than $400 million for our clients since opening our law firm doors in 2013.
We offer a free initial consultation, so call (877) 300-4535 today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Pasadena personal injury attorneys.
How M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Pasadena, CA
Our personal injury lawyers have helped countless people injured in motorcycle accidents in Pasadena, CA. If you were injured, we can offer legal counsel and fight for the compensation needed for your damages.
Here are some steps we can take to help:
- We will investigate your claim and determine who is responsible for the accident and your injuries.
- We will handle all communications with involved parties and their lawyers.
- We will engage in negotiations with the appropriate insurance company.
- We will fill out and file all paperwork within the prescribed deadline.
- We will represent you in court if we can’t come to an agreement with the responsible party.
For legal assistance, contact M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Pasadena, California?
Motorcycle accidents are a serious issue across the country, including in Pasadena, California.
A total of 6,084 motorcyclists died in nationwide crashes in 2021. Helmets are approximately 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths.
Twenty-nine percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2021 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 percent.
In single-vehicle crashes, the percentage of fatally injured motorcycle drivers with a BAC at or above 0.08 percent increased to 43 percent.
In 2020, there were 3,262 motorcycle accidents and fatalities in Los Angeles County, where Pasadena is located.
What is My Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Each claim is different, so there’s no way to put an exact number on what your claim is worth without knowing more. However, understanding the factors that may influence the value of your claim can be helpful.
The following are some of the primary factors that will affect your personal injury claim:
Severity of Injury
The severity of your injury plays a significant role in determining the value of your claim. The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential compensation. This includes medical expenses and any long-term effects on your health, the amount of pain and suffering you’ve endured, and any necessary future medical treatment, like physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Property Damage
The extent of damage to your motorcycle and any other personal property is another important factor impacting your claim. It is essential to obtain a detailed repair estimate from a reputable mechanic and to document the condition of your motorcycle and the accident scene with photographs and a police report.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your accident has resulted in an inability to work or a decreased capacity to earn the same wage as before the accident, this can significantly influence the value of your claim.
Documentation of your income prior to the accident, as well as any communication from your employer or doctor regarding your inability to work or changes in job responsibilities or salary, will be crucial in demonstrating these losses.
Whether the Victim Played a Part in the Accident
In some cases, you may have contributed to the accident by driving recklessly or negligently. If this is the case, the value of your claim may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. This is called comparative negligence.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Pasadena, CA?
Compensation from a successful motorcycle accident claim can include multiple types of damage awards, including economic and non-economic damages. Rarely, punitive damages may be awarded as well.
Economic damages are compensation for costs and expenses that occurred due to someone else’s negligent behavior, like:
- Lost income
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Physical property damage or loss
- Other out-of-pocket expenses that arise directly from the accident or injuries you sustained
Non-economic damages are a form of compensation covering losses that are not monetary in nature. They might include pain and suffering, physical disability or impairment, and reduced quality of life.
Punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoers and act as a deterrent to discourage similar activities in the future. In California, they are only awarded if the victim can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant engaged in oppression, fraud, or malice.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Motorcycle Accident in California?
Yes, you can still recover compensation for a personal injury claim in California if you are partially responsible. California uses a form of comparative negligence called pure comparative fault when determining damages in personal injury lawsuits.
Under this doctrine, your award is reduced according to the degree of fault you are found to have contributed to an incident.
For example, if you were riding a motorcycle and got hit by a driver who ran a red light, but you were speeding at the time, you may be found partially responsible for the accident – let’s say 20%. In that case, your award would be reduced by 20%, and you could collect the remaining 80% of your damages from the responsible party.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries are often more severe than car accident injuries because the rider has little protective equipment and is not in a closed compartment while operating their vehicle. When an accident takes place, riders bounce off objects or surfaces easily when thrown from the bike.
The most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include broken bones, whiplash and head/neck trauma, road rash and burns, spinal cord injury, internal organ damage, nerve damage, and bruising or soft tissue injury.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Pasadena, California?
Negligence is the main factor in most motorcycle accidents in Pasadena. The following represent some of the most common causes of these crashes.
Cars Making Unsafe Left-Hand Turns
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is cars making dangerous left-hand turns. These types of accidents occur when a car turns across a lane of traffic without seeing the oncoming motorcycle. Always be cautious of vehicles making left-hand turns at intersections and signal your intentions early on.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, or riding in between lanes of traffic, is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Although legal in California, this practice can be dangerous due to minimal space and lack of visibility.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed and reckless driving on the part of the motorcyclist and other drivers on the road are significant factors in motorcycle accidents. This behavior can lead to loss of control, making it difficult for drivers to react to sudden changes in road conditions or traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
One of the most preventable causes of motorcycle accidents is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Intoxicated drivers and motorcyclists are much more likely to crash than sober motorists due to impairments in reaction time, coordination, and judgment.
Road Hazards
Hazards like potholes, slippery surfaces, debris, and uneven pavement can cause accidents. Motorcycles are particularly susceptible to these hazards because they have a smaller contact area with the road and less stability than cars.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident in California?
To establish negligence in a motorcycle accident in California, four elements must be met:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff to exercise reasonable care and caution to prevent the victim from getting injured.
- Breach of duty: The defendant breached their duty of care by failing to act in a reasonably safe manner, such as by speeding, texting while driving, or failing to signal a lane change (if the responsible party was another driver).
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries and damages.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Pasadena can help you prove these elements and hold the negligent party responsible.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in California?
After a motorcycle accident resulting in injuries, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state of California. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
There are exceptions to this rule, so always speak with a Pasadena personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
A motorcycle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. That’s where a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Pasadena comes into play.
While no amount of money can make up for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, filing a claim for compensation can provide some much-needed peace of mind and financial stability. For help after a collision, contact M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer.
