Motorcycle Accidents | Monterey Personal Injury Lawyer (2024)

Motorcycle riders run a high risk of being involved in traffic accidents while on city or rural roadways or highways. Even the most experienced motorcyclists with proper training, experience, and constant vigilance are in danger of drivers that fail to see them or make traffic decisions while being distracted from paying attention to the roadways. Without the protection a passenger in a car has, injuries in motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur and often more severe. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, obtaining immediate legal advice can ensure that the evidence regarding the accident is secured so that you are not unfairly found liable for the accident and are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Motorcycle Accidents Resulting in Injury

According to a US study conducted by the Hurt Report, 75% of motorcycle accidents involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Although the remaining percentage of motorcycle accidents involves single-motorcycle incidents, they can still be the direct result of drivers in cars, trucks or other vehicles that have caused them to crash in order to avoid a collision. Motorcycle riders also run a greater risk of sufferingcatastrophic injuries incar collisions ortrucking accidents.

Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include bone fractures, spinal injuries, facial injury, concussions and brain trauma, even when helmets are worn. The likelihood that a motorcycle operator will be injured in a traffic accident is overwhelming; 98% in multiple vehicle accidents and 96% in single vehicle accidents. With such compelling statistics, insurance companies do their best to prove the motorcyclist was completely or partially at fault and minimize any payments for damages. At Swartz & Kennedy you can be confident that our legal team will work hard for you and will not be satisfied with any compensation below what you are entitled to recover.

Determining Liability

Determining who is at fault in motorcycle accidents is the first step in recovering damages for an injured motorcycle rider. An immediate investigation is often necessary before the evidence has been lost or destroyed. In fact, finding out who is responsible in these accidents is often more difficult than in car accidents. Motorcycle riders run the risk of being accused of causing the accident. Many insurance companies are aware of the unsafe practices associated with motorcycles by the public and often try to avoid liability of their insureds by placing blame on motorcycle riders. Common defense strategies attempt to capitalize on motorcycle riders' use of unsafe speeds, lane changing, lane splitting and other situations that shift blame away from car or truck drivers, especially in cases involving sports bikes. Often, these insurance accusations can only be defeated by an experienced legal team who investigates the accident as soon as possible and retains the best experts to prove the motorcyclist is not at fault.

Seeking legal advice immediately after a motorcycle accident can ensure the evidence of the other party's negligence is preserved and reduce the risk of being undercompensated. Our firm is experiences in dealing with all legal proceedings that can arise during your personal injury claim as well all the liability and damages issues that arise with a motorcycle accident case.

With a hundred years of legal experience and millions of dollars of recovery for our clients you can trust the experience, dedication, and hard work that Swartz & Kennedy delivers.Contact us today by calling(831) 373-3235 to discuss your case.

Motorcycle Accidents | Monterey Personal Injury Lawyer (2024)

FAQs

How much are most motorcycle accident settlements? ›

Common California Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts
Severity of AccidentAverage CA Motorcycle Accident Settlement
MinorApproximately: $10,000-$50,000
ModerateApproximately: $50,000-$150,000
SevereApproximately: $150,000-$500,000+
Sep 12, 2023

What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident in Texas? ›

In Texas, the average settlement for a motorcycle accident is around $200,000. That is many times the average settlement for an automobile accident, which is around $15,000. The reason motorcycle accident cases settle for so much money is the costly nature of the injuries a rider typically sustains.

Who is usually at fault in a vehicle motorcycle collision? ›

A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when another driver doesn't see a motorcycle rider.

What should you do if you are a victim of a motorcycle accident? ›

In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what you should do after a motorcycle accident.
  1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health. ...
  2. Contact the Authorities. ...
  3. Gather Information. ...
  4. Document the Scene. ...
  5. Seek Medical Attention. ...
  6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company. ...
  7. Consult with an Attorney.
Aug 21, 2023

How much are most personal injury settlements? ›

Here are the average settlement amounts for some of the more common types of personal injury claims in California:
  • Workers' Compensation Settlement: $5,000 – $20,000.
  • Car Accident Settlement: $20,000 – $30,000.
  • Motorcycle Accident Settlement: $50,000 -$150,000.
  • Pedestrian Accident Settlement: $40,000 – $100,000.
May 10, 2024

What makes a motorcycle totaled? ›

A motorcycle is considered totaled when it needs repairs that exceed its actual cash value.

How are personal injury settlements paid out in Texas? ›

Personal injury settlements in Texas are typically paid out in one of two ways: as a lump sum or through a structured settlement. A lump sum payment is the most straightforward payment and is paid in one payment.

What percentage does a lawyer get in a settlement case in Texas? ›

How Much Do Lawyers Take From Settlement In Texas? Personal injury lawyers in Texas typically charge a contingency fee of between 33% to 40% of the final settlement. Each lawyer's fee can range, so it's important you speak with your legal representative upfront about this cost.

What is the average settlement figure? ›

An average personal injury settlement amount is anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000. Be careful when using an average personal injury settlement calculator to give you an idea of what you may stand to collect. These numbers really depend on your individual case and are hard to predict without a professional.

What kills most motorcycle riders? ›

Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. The NHTSA reports that in 2021, 33% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, a higher percentage than for drivers of any other vehicle type.

What is the most likely place for a motorcycle accident? ›

Intersections. Intersections are a common location for motorcycle crashes. Most motorcycle accidents that occur at intersections are caused by: A motorist turning left across an intersection without seeing an oncoming motorcyclist (which is the most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist to be in)

Are motorcycle accidents worse than car accidents? ›

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe outcomes compared to car accidents. This is largely due to motorcycles having only two wheels, lacking safety features like airbags and seatbelts, and being significantly smaller than other vehicles on the road.

What not to do after a motorcycle accident? ›

A: It's important not to leave the scene of the incident after a motorcycle accident unless you are taken from the scene because you need emergency medical care. Once you report the accident, you should exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved and wait for emergency responders to arrive.

What happens to the body after a motorcycle accident? ›

Some common head injuries that motorcyclists suffer in motorcycle accidents include concussion, traumatic brain injury, coma, hemorrhaging, brain swelling, seizures and paralysis. Injured riders might experience confusion, disorientation, memory loss, depression, anxiety and loss of coordination and motor skills.

How long does it take to recover from a motorcycle accident? ›

Recovering From a Motorcycle Accident

Minor injuries such as scrapes, bruises, and mild sprains may only require a few days to a couple of weeks to heal. However, more serious injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma can take weeks, months, or even years to fully recover from.

What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident in Florida? ›

Get a free case evaluation

We specialize in personal injury claims. Most settlements for motorcycle accident victims fall between $10,000 to $250,000 although cases of catastrophic injuries often settle for over $1 million.

Do 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death? ›

According to motorcycle death statistics vs cars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.

What percentage of motorcycle owners crash? ›

Annually, around 89,000 motorcycle accidents are reported across the country, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Based on the number of licensed and registered motorcycles in the U.S., this means that around 1.01 percent of motorcyclists will get into accidents in a given year.

What percentage of motorcycle crashes result in head injury? ›

Roughly 37% of those deaths involve head injuries. Motorcycle helmet laws reduce fatalities, serious cognitive disabilities, and social costs. Yet many states have no helmet laws.

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