How Are Motorcycle Accident Claims Different From Car Accident Claims?
Being involved in any type of vehicle accident can be devastating. Accidents involving traditional passenger cars can present challenges when it comes to securing compensation, but most people are familiar with the accident claims process in these situations. However, motorcycle accident victims can experience additional challenges when filing injury or property damage claims. Here, we want to discuss the main differences between a motorcycle accident claim and a car accident claim in California.
The Unwarranted Biases Towards Motorcyclists
If you are a motorcycle operator, then you are well aware that there are those who hold motorcyclists with disdain. Some people think that motorcycle riders are inherently more dangerous on the roadway than others, but this is simply not true. However, these unwarranted biases can spill over into accident claims.
This is one of the main differences between a motorcycle accident claim and a traditional vehicle accident claim. Motorcyclists who are injured as a result of the careless or negligent actions of other drivers have to deal with insurance carriers who may try to shift the blame onto them and say that they were operating recklessly.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento can help overcome these unwarranted biases by conducting a complete investigation, determining liability, and handling all negotiations related to the case.
The Injuries are Often More Severe
Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows us that there were around 13,000 total motorcycle accident injuries during the latest reporting gear across the state. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are much more exposed on the roadway than other types of motorists. This means that injuries are typically more severe when an accident does occur. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to sustain broken or dislocated bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage or internal bleeding, significant scarring or disfigurement, and more.
Because of the severity of these injuries, motorcycle accidents often result in much higher payouts than insurance carriers are comfortable with. Insurance carriers do not like having to pay large sums to injury victims, and they will do what they can to keep from having to do so. This can lead to additional complications for an injured motorcyclist.
Working With an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident Case
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver on the roadway, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. It is very difficult for injured individuals to go up against aggressive insurance carriers on their own. An accident attorney will be able to help with every aspect of these claims. They will work diligently to determine liability and handle negotiations in order to recover the following types of compensation:
- Coverage of all medical bills caused by the motorcycle crash
- Lost income if a crash victim cannot work while recovering
- Any household out-of-pocket expenses caused by the accident
- Property damage expenses for the repair or replacement of the motorcycle
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
An attorney will also be able to fight back against any claim that the motorcyclist caused the accident instead of the other driver. This state operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means that an injured motorcyclist will still be able to recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the crash.