Carlsbad Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Carlsbad Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle collisions can lead to catastrophic injuries that can be deadly or lead to life-altering paralysis. If you suffered injuries on the road as a result of another driver’s negligence, you can be compensated for your injuries with the help of a Carlsbad motorcycle accident lawyer.

Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates can be a valuable resource if you have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver. Our attorney can assess your injuries and handle the negotiations, so you receive fair compensation for your injuries and lost wages.

Why Choose Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates

Choosing the right Carlsbad personal injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim. At Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates, we offer a client-focused approach to all our cases. Our unique blend of knowledge and resources ensures that your case receives the careful attention to detail you deserve.

Our founding attorney brings over 20 years of experience in litigating serious personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. With his background as both a lawyer and a medical doctor, our lead attorney possesses an in-depth understanding of medicine and the legal complexities involved in personal injury cases.

This rare combination of skills allows him to advocate for you with a level of medical and legal insight that few attorneys in California can match. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who understands California law and is committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We can fight for your rights with unwavering commitment.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Despite motorcycles representing just 3% of all registered vehicles and covering only 0.7% of vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists represented 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022. Helmet use is a key factor impacting motorcycle fatality rates.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a variety of serious injuries, often due to the lack of protection for riders. Common injuries include road rash (serious abrasions from skin coming into contact with pavement), fractures and broken bones, limb injuries, and head trauma. Head injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.

Motorcycle accidents often lead to internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible. Spinal cord injuries can lead to short-term or long-term disability, as well as paralysis.

The serious nature of motorcycle collision injuries often means that the injured motorcycle rider is unable to immediately return to work. If you have concerns about lost wages, a motorcycle injury attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve. Our skilled motorcycle injury attorney in Carlsbad, CA can help you navigate the legal process to secure reimbursement for your lost wages and medical bills that resulted from the collision.

Proving Fault Following a Motorcycle Accident

One of the first steps following a motorcycle accident is to establish who is at fault for causing the accident. California is an at-fault state when it comes to automobile collisions, meaning that the person who caused the accident is financially liable for any damage or physical harm that they caused.

The team at Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates understands how to gather evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for causing the accident. Common forms of evidence include witness testimony, police reports, statements from the injured party, video footage, photos, and other forms of evidence.

Without legal representation, you could be vulnerable to false accusations. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits, and they may not be willing to provide fair and timely compensation for your injuries if you do not have an attorney.

If the case cannot be settled through negotiations with the insurance company, our attorney can file a personal injury claim in court. Our lawyer understands how to present a compelling case and prove the extent of your injuries during trial.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle accidents in the Carlsbad area can occur for various reasons. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents here and across the country. More than 3,000 people in the U.S. lose their lives due to distracted driving every year. When a driver takes their attention or eyes off the road even for just one second, they may hit a motorcycle or force them off the road. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding: Driving well over the speed limit reduces the ability of drivers to react quickly to changing road conditions. Speeding can make it difficult to see upcoming traffic on hilly or winding roads. When weather conditions are unsafe, drivers have a responsibility to choose driving speeds that are appropriate for the current driving conditions.
• Lane changes: Car and truck drivers do not always take care to check blind spots before changing lanes. When a car moves into a motorcycle’s lane, it can hit the motorcyclist or force them off the road, which can cause serious or life-threatening injuries. Drivers who cause collisions by not looking before changing lanes may be financially liable for any damage or injuries they cause.
• DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly impair a driver’s ability to see and react to other cars and motorcycles on the road. Alcohol can encourage dangerous and reckless driving behaviors. Intoxicated drivers who cause motorcycle accidents may face both criminal and civil consequences.
• Dooring: Bicyclists and motorcyclists face serious dangers when a driver suddenly opens their car door. The resulting impact can severely injure bikers.
• Sudden stops: When drivers follow too closely, they may not have enough time to react if the vehicle ahead comes to an abrupt stop. This lack of distance can result in severe collisions, especially for motorcyclists who have less protection than those in larger vehicles. Tailgating poses a significant danger to motorcyclists.
• Left-turn accidents: Left turns are risky for everyone, but they’re particularly dangerous for motorcyclists due to their smaller size and reduced visibility. When making a left turn, motorcyclists need to be extra vigilant, especially if their view of oncoming traffic is blocked by larger vehicles.
• No-contact accidents: Cars do not need to come into contact with motorcycles to cause accidents. If a biker sees an unavoidable collision, they may lay down their bike to avoid it. The driver who forced the motorcyclist to take evasive action can still be held responsible for their injuries.

Motorcycle accidents in California can happen for various reasons. When negligence is at play, injured riders need to pursue their legal options to get the compensation they’re owed.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

Your motorcycle settlement will largely be based on the severity of your injury and the financial loss you suffered due to the accident. These amounts can range considerably. The at-fault driver or their insurance carrier may try to offer low settlements that do not cover your losses. However, an attorney can work to hold them accountable by negotiating on your behalf for a favorable settlement award.

Who Is Responsible for Compensating Me for My Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident?

California is an at-fault state when it comes to vehicle collisions. The person who caused the accident is financially liable for any physical damage or bodily injury they cause. Your attorney can look for compensation from the driver’s insurance carrier. If the driver is underinsured or uninsured, your lawyer can take the matter to court by filing a personal injury claim.

What Can My Motorcycle Accident Settlement Cover?

Your settlement can cover a wide range of areas, including medical bills, projected future cost of medical treatments, lost wages, projected future lost wages, reimbursement for vehicle damage, and even pain and suffering in certain circumstances. By working with an experienced motorcycle injury attorney, you can be compensated for any financial losses you suffered due to the accident.

How Much Do Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

The amount motorcycle accident attorneys charge in California can vary. However, reputable personal injury attorneys are paid through contingency fees. This means that they are not paid until their client is paid, either through a settlement agreement or a trial award. The percentage that the attorney takes is disclosed early on through the attorney-client agreement.

What Should You Do if There Is a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and believe that someone is injured, your first step should be to call 911 to report the accident. Stay away from moving traffic if possible and wait for EMS and police to arrive. Even if you do not believe you are hurt, consider letting paramedics check you for injuries that you may not be aware of. If someone else caused the accident that left you injured, consult with an attorney to see what remedies are available.

Schedule Your Motorcycle Accident Consultation Today

If someone caused your injuries in a motorcycle accident, you do not have to live with the financial consequences of their negligence or misconduct. Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates can look into your case to find the ideal form of compensation for your injuries.

With experienced legal representation, you may be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the accident. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.