Motorcycle Accident Lawyer San Bernardino
San Bernardino
If you are in a motorcycle accident, you are likely to experience some type of injury. That injury could change your life forever. In addition to having high medical bills, you could lose your career or have permanent disfigurement. No matter what consequences you suffer, you deserve compensation.
Here at Bauman Law APLC, we can help you. Our firm works hard to represent motorcycle victims. A San Bernardino motorcycle accident could improve your situation.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents so Serious?
In San Bernardino County in 2019, a motorcyclist was killed when he collided with a semi-truck. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only story with a sad ending. Many other motorcycle accidents have similar outcomes.
There is a reason for this. When you’re in a car accident, you have some protection. The vehicles are designed for safety. Your seat belt keeps you from exiting the car, and crumple zones minimize the impact.
However, motorcycles lack such protection. Although riders can wear helmets and other safety gear, that gear only provides minimal protection. Whether they are in an accident with another vehicle or they hit an object, the potential for injury is high. The impact can cause death or serious injury.
The Prevalence of Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen all too frequently. In 2016, San Bernardino motorcycle accidents resulted in 100 injuries and deaths.
These accidents occur for multiple reasons. However, one of the most common reasons is driver negligence. While motorcycle riders tend to air on the safe side, this is not always true of car drivers. All it takes is a distracted driver to sideswipe a motorcycle while changing lanes. At other times, drunk driving is the cause.
But driver error isn’t always the reason for motorcycle accidents. Sometimes, the fault is on someone else’s shoulders. For example, a local government might fail to repair a large pothole. If a motorcyclist doesn’t see the pothole in time, they could find themselves with injuries.
Because motorcycles only have two wheels, they are more likely to crash when they come into contact with debris or other road hazards. When construction crews leave objects on the roads, innocent motorcycle riders could drive over them and lose control.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
Most accident victims experience shock. After all, any type of collision is a scary one. However, it’s important not to panic. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of receiving compensation for your accident.
1. Pick Up the Phone and Call the Police
If you can get to your phone, call the police immediately after your accident. They will ask you if you need an ambulance; be sure to answer the question with care. Even if your injuries don’t seem life-threatening, they may be serious. If you suspect anything is wrong, you should seek medical attention.
Whether or not you are injured, the police will come to the scene. They create a police report, and that police report could help your case. In the report, they write details about the accident. They include who is responsible for the accident and what they found at the scene. Often, a court will trust the police report more than they will trust your account.
2. Exchange Information
If possible, exchange information with the driver. Write down their license plate number, full name, address, and phone number. You should also collect their insurance information.
It’s equally important to collect the information of any potential witnesses. If you file a claim against the driver, the witnesses could support your story.
3. Contact a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Some accident victims make the mistake of waiting to contact a lawyer. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to call. Insurance companies and others tend to stereotype motorcyclists. They may be quick to blame you when the other driver was responsible for the accident.
Once you call a motorcycle accident lawyer, they can help you handle the situation. If you go through the insurance company, the attorney can help you get a fair payout. Even more importantly, they may be able to file a personal injury claim on your behalf.
The claim could change your life. If another individual’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You could receive money for your pain and suffering, as well as expenses that resulted from the accident. Contact us at Bauman Law APLC to learn more.