Northern California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Experienced Legal Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Chico, Roseville, & Sacramento

When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Northern California, it is essential that they fully understand the circumstances and peculiarities surrounding motorcycle accident cases. The Northern California motorcycle accident attorneys at our Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, and surrounding Northern California offices have extensive experience handling such claims and possess a thorough knowledge of personal injury law and motorcycle accident litigation.

Mr. Larry Buckley has been riding for years, and this experience provides him with the unique insight necessary to establish the facts of the case and protect your rights. He routinely receives referrals from other attorneys for motorcycle accident cases, such is his reputation. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help you file suit against the defendant to recover damages.

Call the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our motorcycle accident attorney in Northern California!

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims & the Importance of Proving Negligence

Like trucking accident cases, claims involving motorcycle accidents are unique. While trucks have a greater potential to cause damage and thus require a higher standard of duty on behalf of truck drivers, motorcycles are at greater risk of receiving damage, (and motorcyclists' injury).

Though motorcyclists and motorists share the same rights and privileges, motorists should show greater care to motorcycles because motorcyclists are at much greater risk of injury in the event of an accident. If a motorist was negligent or reckless and caused injury, they can be held accountable for damages.

Though each case is different, motorcyclists can typically recover damages for medical bills, future medical expenses, loss of wages, future loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. It may also be possible to recover punitive damages if the defendant can be shown to have acted woefully negligent or egregiously. If your loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident, please accept our condolences. In the event of a wrongful death claim, the dependents or spouse of the decedent can also recover damages relating to funeral expenses, loss of household income, and pain and suffering.

Proving Fault & Establishing Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Obtaining the best possible recovery on behalf of our clients depends entirely on establishing liability in their case. The motorcycle accident attorneys at our Chico, Roseville, and Sacramento law offices work with top experts in their fields to analyze the circumstances surrounding a case and determine fault.

We routinely work with biomechanical engineers, physicists, accident reconstruction experts, accident investigators, forensic analysts, and even economists to discover the facts surrounding a case and determine appropriate compensation for damages. We go to great lengths to support our clients' cases and are committed to providing exceptional, honest, informative legal counsel and aggressive representation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Cars making left-hand turns
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving under the influence
• Lane splitting
• Stopping suddenly
• Motorcycle defects

Unfortunately, many preventable motorcycle accidents occur due to the actions of inattentive and reckless motorists. Drivers frequently fail to show motorcyclists due care on the road—failing to follow at a safe distance, turning left in front of a motorcycle, changing lanes into a passing motorcycle or a lane already occupied by a motorcycle, or simply failing to be aware of motorcycles—and their negligence can have catastrophic results.

As a motorcyclist, riding defensively, wearing protective gear, making yourself visible, and providing escape avenues in case of an encroachment into your space is essential. However, it's also important to ride safely for the environment. Remember, hazards that may pose no danger to an automobile, such as a pothole or slick puddle, can potentially result in a crash on a motorcycle.

Strategies for Preventing Motorcycle Accidents in Northern California

These strategies may include:

• Slow down
• Never ride between traffic or parked cars
• Don't drink and drive
• Make sure to keep up with your motorcycle's maintenance
• Never share a lane with another vehicle
• Keep an eye out for road hazards

Understanding the Duty of Motorists to Motorcyclists

A motorist has a legal obligation to abide by all traffic laws and show due care to pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists, including motorcyclists. Like pedestrians and bicyclists, motorcyclists are more vulnerable than vehicle occupants and are at greater risk of injury in the event of an accident. Because of this inherent risk factor, motorists should show greater care to motorcyclists than fellow motorists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per vehicle mile, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be killed than automobile occupants. These numbers plainly illustrate the risks faced by motorcyclists and the need for due care on the part of motor vehicle operators.

Contact Our Northern California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we work with our clients through every step because we have an unwavering commitment to customer service. If you are seeking qualified, experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in the Chico, Roseville, and Sacramento areas who can handle cases in State and Federal Court statewide, then our firm is for you.

Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today to meet with our Northern California motorcycle accident lawyer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

I was injured in a motorcycle accident, but I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still recover damages from the other driver?

It depends. Even though it is against California law to operate a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, it is possible to get compensated for your injuries. However, not wearing a helmet does make it much more difficult to get compensated for a head injury. If you sustained a head injury in a motorcycle wreck, you must be able to show that your head injury would have occurred even if you had been wearing a helmet. This can be done with the help of an attorney, expert witnesses, and other resources our firm can help you secure.

I've been in a motorcycle accident, and the at-fault party does not have insurance. What are my options?

You have two main options when you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident by a motorist who does not have auto insurance: you can file a claim for compensation with your own insurance company or you can file a lawsuit against the negligent party. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we can help you determine your legal rights and options so you can pursue the path to recovery that works best for you and your family.

What types of damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident?

You are owed any damages you experience due to the driver who hit you after being hurt in a motorcycle accident. Because your damages will be unique to your case, you will be owed compensation unique from any other motorcycle accident claimant’s. However, there are some standard forms of damage that most claimants pursue, including past and future medical treatment costs, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.

I wasn't wearing a helmet — can I still recover damages?

Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is a bad idea. It puts you in severe danger of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in even a low-speed wipeout. It also puts your motorcycle accident claim in jeopardy if the other driver can prove that you didn’t have a helmet on when you were hit. Your liability would likely go up, which makes the likelihood of getting full compensation for your injuries goes down. Even if you are riding through a state that does not require motorcycle helmet use whenever your ride is in operation, you should put on a fitting motorcycle helmet anyway. You won’t regret it.

I was in a traffic accident when a car turned left in front of me while I was riding my motorcycle — who is at fault?

A majority of motorcycle accidents caused by a driver of a passenger vehicle are caused by those drivers turning left in front of an approaching motorcyclist. The root problem in many cases seems to be that drivers are “blind” to motorcycles because they’ve trained their eyes to look for and recognize the larger frames of cars, trucks, and SUVs. If you were hit by a driver who was turning left and you had a green light to go straight, then they are almost certainly fully at fault for your crash, which means you can sue them for 100% of your damages.

How does weather affect motorcycle safety in California?

Weather conditions can significantly impact motorcycle safety, with factors like rain, fog, and wind presenting unique challenges. Northern California's diverse climates, from frequent coastal fog to mountain snow, require motorcyclists to adapt their driving strategies accordingly. Wet roads can reduce traction, while fog can limit visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

We advise riders to check weather forecasts before heading out and to adjust their riding gear to match current conditions. Reflective clothing and properly functioning headlights can improve visibility, while caution in poor conditions helps ensure safer rides. Our firm is well-acquainted with how these weather factors can influence accident claims, and we're prepared to address these variables throughout the legal process.

What are common injuries in motorcycle accidents?

Common injuries in motorcycle accidents often include broken bones, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries. Riders may also suffer from spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and lacerations due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Even at low speeds, motorcyclists can be thrown from their bikes, leading to serious head, neck, and back injuries. Additionally, injuries to the legs and feet are frequent, as these body parts are often exposed or pinned during a crash.

Related Articles:

• Some common causes of motorcycle accidents that our attorneys often see.
• Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries: Your Rights, Your Risks, and How to Avoid Harm
• An Overview of California Motorcycle Accident Law
• Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Defective Parts: The Most Commonly Defective Motorcycle Parts
• Motorcycle Lane Splitting May Be Legal But It Is Extremely Unsafe
• Motorcycle Safety Tips for Spring