Santa Barbara Motorcycle and Bike Riders Face Serious Risk of Injury
The safety of bike and motorcycle riders in Santa Barbara and throughout California is an ongoing concern, often leading to catastrophic losses that require legal action to obtain compensation. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the number of motorcycle crash deaths in the state increased by 11 percent from 2015 to 2016 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). The number of bicycle accident deaths also grew over that time, by 8.1 percent. If you’ve been injured in either type of accident, you will want compensation that fully addresses the harm you’ve suffered.
Motorcyclists and bicyclists share certain vulnerabilities in common. Except for helmets, they are completely unprotected from impact by larger vehicles. They are subject to being toppled over in a collision or if they are run off the road. And they are harder to maneuver in poor weather, particularly in wintertime conditions, which can result in slips and slides. Other drivers are not always on the alert for two-wheel vehicles, which may dart in an out of traffic and perhaps make illegal turns. Especially for bicyclists, there is the added danger of being harder to see at night, even with reflective apparel.
As a consequence, injuries suffered by motorcyclists and bicyclists tend to be serious and at times are catastrophic or fatal. While riders sometimes contribute to causing their injuries by not observing traffic rules and restrictions, the law allows them to seek compensation from others who may be responsible.
A personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain damages after a serious bicycle or motorcycle accident. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could receive financial compensation for:
- Damage to your motorcycle or bike
- Hospital and other medical bills
- Rehab and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages or salary
- Reduced ability to work and earn a living (known as earning capacity)
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement, including loss of a limb
The value of your case depends in part on your ability to document your expenses and losses. This means you should collect and save items such as pay stubs, any kind of invoice or statement for medical and rehab services and related matters (such as transportation to and from appointments), and the cost of having your motorcycle or bicycle repaired. Your attorney will need these to build your case for compensation.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle or motorcycle accident in the Santa Barbara area, it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer experienced in handling vehicle accidents. At Patterson Law in Santa Barbara, we are a small firm offering personalized attention and the willingness to fight to get the compensation you need and deserve. Call 888-479-4589 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
