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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Experienced Attorneys Handle San Diego Motorcycle Accident Cases

San Diego is one of many major cities in California with an extensive road network. While these roads make transportation more manageable, they are some of the most dangerous ones in the state. For example, interstate 15 (Miramar Way to Scripps Poway Parkway) has the deadliest blackspot in San Diego County. It is a five-mile stretch that bikers tend to use. The nature of roads in San Diego makes motorcycle accidents quite common. In fact, these accidents account for about 23% of road fatalities in California every year.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, our experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer at Eugene Bruno & Associates is ready to help. Our firm has helped many people in your situation and knows what it takes to increase your chances of a favorable ruling. Call us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).

Understanding the San Diego Legal Process in a Personal Injury Case

The legal process in a personal injury case is crucial for seeking justice and fair compensation after an accident or injury:

  • Initial Consultation: Meeting with a San Diego personal injury attorney to discuss the case details and assess legal options.
  • Investigation: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the extent of damages or injuries.
  • Filing a Claim: Formal submission of legal documents to initiate the personal injury claim process against the defendant(s) or their insurer.
  • Negotiation: Negotiating with the opposing party or insurance company to reach a fair settlement without going to trial.
  • Lawsuit, if Necessary: Filing a lawsuit in civil court if settlement negotiations fail to resolve the case.
  • Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, witness statements, and other relevant information to prepare for trial.
  • Settlement or Trial: Resolving the case through a negotiated settlement or proceeding to trial where a judge or jury determines the outcome based on presented evidence and arguments.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Motorcycle accidents are hazardous and could result in significant damage. The chances of a fatality in a motorcycle accident are an average of 28 times more likely than in a car accident. Statistics show that motorcycle accidents have an 80% injury or fatality rate, while car accidents have just 20%.

There are many reasons why motorcycle accidents are so dangerous. For instance, motorcycles are less stable because they are on two wheels compared to cars with four wheels. Besides, motorcycles don’t provide sufficient protection for occupants like vehicles do — no roof, airbags, cabin, or seat belts to secure and protect the rider in case of an accident. When a motorcycle stops or crashes suddenly, the rider will continue to propel at the speed they were moving.

If the rider doesn’t crash into the car or another object, they will continue flying in the air before landing. These circumstances cause severe injuries and often leave riders bedridden or deceased.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in San Diego. Some of them include the following:

  • Speeding: This is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When a motorcycle goes at high speed, the rider will have little time to prevent collisions.Besides, high speeds often injure the rider severely — the higher the speed, the more severe the injuries.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is driving under the influence. Car drivers driving under the influence can fail to notice bikers and knock them down. Motorists who cause accidents due to drug influence may face both criminal and civil liability.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: A driver collides with a biker when they fail to check their blind spot when switching lanes. It is every motorist’s duty to signal others when changing lanes.
  • Car Doors: A significant number of motorcycle accidents occur when a driver opens the door of their parked vehicle in the path of an oncoming rider. In such cases, the driver is held liable for damages as they endanger the safety of other road users. Dooring motorcycle accidents can be tragic, especially if the rider is going at high speed.
  • Lane Splitting: When you drive between two traffic lanes, you will be lane splitting. This practice can endanger a rider’s safety, especially if there is oncoming traffic. Inexperienced riders can also have challenges navigating lanes.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents often leave the rider with severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident are:

Motorcyclist Protection and Comparative Fault in San Diego and California

In California, comparative fault allows compensation in proportion to each party’s degree of fault. If a plaintiff is found partially responsible for an accident, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Fault is determined based on evidence and legal arguments, impacting the amount of damages awarded. Examples include cases where both drivers fail to yield or where one driver speeds and another fails to signal. Understanding comparative fault is crucial, as it can affect the outcome of personal injury claims, influencing the fairness of compensation based on the degree of responsibility assigned to each party involved.

Motorcyclists owe themselves a duty of care by prioritizing protective measures. This includes wearing DOT-approved helmets and using protective gear such as jackets, gloves, and boots to mitigate injury risks in accidents. Adhering to traffic laws and speed limits enhances safety, reducing the likelihood of collisions. Using visible clothing and reflective materials improves visibility to other motorists, especially in low-light conditions. Embracing these practices enhances personal safety and demonstrates responsible riding behavior, minimizing the severity of injuries and promoting a safer riding environment for motorcyclists and others on the road.

Forms of Compensation Available in San Diego for Injured Motorcyclists

Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to receive compensation for their losses, such as:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers current and future costs related to injury treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
  • Lost Wages: Reimburses income lost due to inability to work during recovery, including future earnings impacted by disability.
  • Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the injury.
  • Property Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged vehicles or other property.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: Includes expenses for physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, or necessary adaptations to accommodate disabilities.
  • Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the defendant and deter similar future behavior.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Despite feeling overwhelmed upon getting into an accident, it is essential to remember to take specific steps when an accident occurs. Keep an emergency contact saved in your phone. Carry a printed card with the steps in your wallet or glove compartment. Use a checklist or note-taking app on your smartphone. Stay calm by taking deep breaths and systematically following each step:

  • Ensure Safety and Call 911: Check for injuries and move to a safe location. Call emergency services for medical assistance and police presence.
  • Exchange Information: Obtain contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details from all parties involved, including witnesses.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Note road conditions, weather, and traffic signs.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation promptly to document injuries and begin treatment.
  • Contact a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Consult with an attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents to understand legal rights, handle insurance claims, and pursue compensation for damages.

Contact Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, the attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates are ready to help. With a 99.7 percent success rate and over 40 years of combined experience, we can help you determine your next legal action and represent your interests in court.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) today to schedule your free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in San Diego.

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