In motorcycle accidents, the cyclist often ends up with serious injuries because they have significantly less protection than the occupants of the car. A negligent driver who causes a crash can inflict catastrophic or even deadly trauma to a motorcyclist.
If someone’s negligence caused you or a loved one harm in a recent motorcycle collision, it is essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney to manage your case. A Modesto motorcycle accident lawyer could explain your legal rights, determine a reasonable and just amount of compensation, and work to secure the recovery you need to compensate you for your injuries.
Understanding Liability for Motorcycle Crashes
Negligent drivers who fail to exert proper care when operating their vehicles may be held liable in motorcycle crash cases. Distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, unsafe lane changes, speeding, and reckless driving are among the most common causes of serious motorcycle collisions.
To establish another party’s liability in a motorcycle accident, you must prove the four legal elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party had a legal duty to operate their vehicle responsibly and follow traffic laws to prevent harm to others
- Breach of duty: That party failed to meet that duty through carelessness, recklessness, or inaction
- Causation: Their breach of duty directly caused the crash and your injuries
- Damages: You suffered measurable, compensable harm
After a motorcycle wreck, a Modesto attorney could evaluate your injuries, assess your long-term medical needs, and pursue fair compensation for both current and future expenses.
What Damages Can You Recover for Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries, including road rash, fractures (especially to the legs, arms, and ribs), head, spine, and facial trauma, as well as internal injuries (organ damage and internal bleeding). These injuries can lead to serious disabilities requiring long-term rehabilitation.
Victims of motorcycle wrecks may be eligible to receive compensation for various damages, including:
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing the motorcycle, helmet, and other personal property
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the collision
- Loss of consortium: Damages awarded to the victim’s spouse or family for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy
- Medical expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and future medical treatments
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Addresses the reduced ability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, and everyday experiences
- Lost wages: Includes income and benefits lost during recovery and projected loss of earning potential due to long-term or permanent disability
- Disfigurement and physical impairment: Covers permanent physical changes, including scarring, amputation, or chronic physical impairment
In tragic cases involving a fatality, a Modesto motorcycle collision attorney could help families pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills incurred by the deceased, lost financial support and benefits, and emotional losses, including loss of companionship and guidance.
Speak With a Modesto Lawyer About Your Motorcycle Crash Case Today
Motorcycle wreck cases are complex and require a thorough investigation to establish fault. A Modesto motorcycle accident lawyer could manage every aspect of this process, from collecting and analyzing evidence to consulting expert witnesses and identifying all liable parties. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn how we could help you pursue your claim.
