FRESNO MOTORCYCLE CRASH ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED RIDERS
Help for Riders
The automobiles being manufactured today are like cocoons of safety for their drivers and passengers. Modern cars and trucks come equipped with many safety devices, including seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and reinforced frames. Unfortunately, motorcycle safety hasn’t evolved the same way. Motorcycles are naturally dangerous. First of all, the rider doesn’t have a chassis protecting them in a collision with another vehicle. Also, motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on California’s roadways, making them harder to be seen by other motorists – particularly at intersections.
While motorcycles aren’t necessarily more likely to be in an accident, their accidents do tend to result in more serious injuries, and more fatalities. Recent federal government statistics show that motorcycle accidents result in 35 times more fatalities than car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a motorcycle, it is vital that you contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
The Law Offices of Rick D. Banks have been representing Fresno motorcyclists for over 15 years and have won our clients substantial settlements. Call us today at (559) 222-4891 for a free consultation.
Skills and Hazards in Fresno
Because they only have two wheels (sometimes three), operating a motorcycle requires a great deal more skill than driving a car. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recommends that all riders, especially new riders, take motorcycle safety and training courses. Visit www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety to find out more about CHP Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP) courses.
In addition to motorcycles offering the rider less protection and less visibility, cycles are less stable and more vulnerable to road hazards. Even small debris like gravel, rocks, or tire fragments can cause a rider to lose control their motorcycle.
Liability
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are the result of the driver of another vehicle not seeing them. Operators of all motor vehicles have a duty of care to be observant and aware of their surroundings. If you are involved in an accident with a negligent driver, you could be entitled to compensation for any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages while recuperating
- Physical therapy
- Property damage (cost of repairing or replacing motorcycle)
- Permanent disability
In the unfortunate event that a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, the victim’s loved ones may eligible for wrongful death damages, including:
- Medical expenses accumulated prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering of victim prior to death
- Loss of future income
- Loss of benefits (medical, retirement, etc.)
- Loss of support
- Loss of companionship and affection
Because a motorcycle accident often results in worse injuries than a car accident, medical bills tends to be quite a bit higher, sometimes more than the responsible party’s insurance policy limits. In such a case, being represented by a skilled Fresno vehicle accident attorney is extra important. At the Law Office of Rick D. Banks, our expert legal team isn’t afraid to take on insurance companies or go after a responsible party’s assets to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Call us today at (559) 222-4891. We will fight for you.
