Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Ride with Confidence, Recover with Assurance
For many Californians, motorcycles are more than just a mode of transportation. However, the thrill of the open road comes with risks, as motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries. When misfortune strikes, and someone’s negligence causes an accident, hiring a California motorcycle accident lawyer is essential.
At Gonzalez & Jones, APC, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and in the courtroom. Whether it’s dealing with your injuries, navigating the insurance claims process, or trying to negotiate fair compensation, the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming. Fortunately, that’s where we come in. Our legal team understands California motorcycle accident law. We’re committed to providing support and legal advocacy to motorcycle accident injury victims in Hollister, San Juan Bautista, Salinas, Gilroy, Los Banos, Monterey, Castroville, and San Benito County.
We recognize that every motorcycle accident is different, and so are the needs of each client. By combining our legal experience with a genuine concern for your well-being, we want to support your full journey toward recovery.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Hollister
While every motorcycle accident is different, they tend to fall under a few general categories. Here’s a look at some common motorcycle accident types we encounter in Hollister and surrounding areas.
- Left-turn accidents. A frequent scenario is where a vehicle making a left turn collides with a motorcycle going straight. These often occur at intersections, typically because the driver doesn’t see the motorcyclist or misjudges their speed.
- Rear-end collisions. Motorcycles stopping quickly or cars failing to notice a slowing motorcycle can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Collisions with fixed objects. Striking objects like guardrails, poles, or debris in the road can cause serious accidents, particularly at high speeds.
- Road hazards. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, loose gravel, and other hazards can be dangerous for motorcyclists.
- Door opening accidents. “Dooring” accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens their vehicle door into an oncoming motorcyclist’s path. This can happen as a result of lane splitting or when a parked car opens its door in the path of a biker.
Our goal in any of these types of accidents is to minimize your stress and anxiety. We want you to concentrate on your recovery while we help you pursue justice from the responsible party.
Common Motorcycle Accidents Causes
The term accident is a misnomer because almost all motorcycle accident injury claims result from the negligence of one or more parties. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents we represent clients for in Hollister.
- Driver inattention. Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, especially when a driver fails to check their blind spots.
- Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time for motorcyclists and other drivers, thereby increasing the chance of a crash.
- Driving under the influence. Impaired driving, whether it’s by alcohol or drugs, significantly raises the risk of accidents.
- Lane splitting. California is one of the only states where lane splitting is legal, but drivers may not anticipate a motorcyclist riding between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes. While lane splitting might be legal here, it is risky and can lead to a crash.
- Inexperienced riders. Lack of experience can make riders handle the motorcycle incorrectly or can lead to errors in judgment, particularly in challenging road conditions or heavy traffic.
- Weather conditions. Rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions can impair visibility and road grip.
- Vehicle defects. Mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire problems, can be hazardous for motorcyclists.
- Aggressive driving. Actions like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage can escalate and put motorcyclists at risk.
It’s common to have more than one accident cause. For example, someone might be speeding while driving under the influence. Identifying all liable parties is critical to getting justice because you won’t receive any compensation without proving who was at fault.
The Elements of Negligence and Comparative Liability in California
To prove liability, you must demonstrate the four elements of negligence—duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
The first step is to establish that the defendant (usually the other driver) owed you a duty of care. On the road, every driver must operate their vehicle responsibly and follow traffic laws. Since this applies to every driver on the road, it is the easiest element to prove.
Next, you must show the defendant breached this duty of care. Examples of a breach of the duty of care include distracted driving, failing to yield the right of way, reckless driving, and more.
The third element is causation. You must tie the defendant’s breach of duty to the accident. If the other driver was driving under the influence but didn’t cause the accident, you haven’t met this element yet.
Finally, you must demonstrate that the accident resulted in tangible damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In other words, you must experience some losses to receive compensation.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This rule states that you can still recover compensation, even if you are primarily responsible for the crash—but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if a jury finds you 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of your damages. If they find you 90% at fault, you will only receive 10% of your losses.
That is why hiring a California motorcycle accident lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation is important. The other driver’s insurance company will try to do anything possible to attach the largest percentage of liability on you, thereby reducing their financial payout.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in California
Another important aspect of pursuing a motorcycle insurance claim is ensuring you file a lawsuit in time. Under the personal injury statute of limitations in California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within the allotted time, the court could dismiss your case.
While two years is the norm, there are some exceptions. That’s why speaking to a lawyer is crucial to ensure you do not inadvertently miss the filing deadline.
Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Gonzalez & Jones, APC
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Hollister or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced legal team at Gonzalez & Jones, APC. We believe in providing each client with the individualized representation and support they deserve. We focus on quality, not quantity. You won’t be just another name or case file when you hire our firm. We’ll be there for you every step of the way, whether that means settling out of court or taking your case to trial.
Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the aftermath of a motorcycle injury claim. Let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Call us at 408-848-2208 or use our online contact form to set up your consultation.
