Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Oxnard

Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured in Motorcycle Accidents in Ventura County

While it only takes a second to be injured in a motorcycle accident, the consequences can last a lifetime. If you have been hurt while riding your motorcycle in California, you need an experienced attorney to protect your interests. At Crane Flores, LLP, we have the knowledge and experience to stand up to insurance companies and help you get the compensation you deserve.

California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

With its mild weather and beautiful scenery, California is a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, we also have some of the highest motorcycle accident rates in the country. In 2018, 488 motorcyclists were killed on California’s roadways.

Motorcycle riders tend to suffer more serious injuries than victims of most other vehicle accidents, even truck accidents. While motorcyclists in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Ventura are required to wear helmets under California law, there are no seatbelts or airbags to protect them.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Head injuries: Head trauma is the most common injury in a motorcycle wreck. Injuries can range from a concussion to permanent brain damage.
• Disfigurement: Motorcycle accidents can lead to disfiguring injuries, including burns, facial scars, and accidental amputations.
• Fractures: Motorcycle crash victims are often thrown from their bikes, leading to broken legs, fractured shoulders, cracked ribs, and other injuries. The force of the crash or the driver’s contact with the road may also damage tendons, joints, and muscles.
• Spinal cord injuries. Motorcycle riders can suffer a broken back or neck. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent or temporary paralysis.
• Road rash. Injuries that occur when unprotected skin hits the pavement are often called “road rash.” Serious skin abrasions require extensive medical treatments and can result in permanent scars.

All of these injuries can lead to costly medical bills and many hours of missed work time. Victims can also suffer emotional trauma in the wake of a serious crash. No matter what type of personal injury you have, we can help you fight to recover the compensation you need to handle the challenges in your future. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering from your motorcycle accident injuries, and lost wages.

California Motorcycle Helmet Laws

The helmet laws in California are simple; if you're riding a motorcycle, you need to wear a US DOT compliant motorcycle helmet. Additionally, when choosing a helmet to wear, you should make sure the helmet fits snugly and make sure you have it securely fastened when riding. A loose fitting helmet won't be able to protect you as well as a snug one, and if you don't securely fasten it, then it may pop off your head in the event of a collision.

If you choose to not wear a motorcycle helmet and unlawfully ride a motorcycle, you can be stopped by police and be issued a ticket. You can get a fine of up to $250. It's also worth noting that if you were to get into an accident while you aren't wearing a helmet, it could affect the amount of compensation you could receive. This is because if you chose to not wear a helmet while riding and were injured, it can be argued that you contributed to your injuries by not following the law and properly protecting yourself.

When Negligence Leads to Motorcycle Accidents

Just like pedestrian accidents, most motorcycle accidents can be attributed to careless car drivers.

Below are a few common examples of how negligence can lead to motorcycle accidents:

• Failure to yield: Because of a motorcycle’s small size, drivers must check carefully before turning or changing lanes.
• Failure to recognize a motorcycle: If drivers are talking on the phone or otherwise distracted, they often don’t see motorcycles until it is too late.
• Tailgating: Rear-end motorcycle accidents are often caused by drivers who follow too closely or misjudge the time it takes to stop their vehicle.
• Left-turn collisions: Drivers can cause serious accidents when they veer into the path of a motorcycle while turning.

Motorcycle accidents have other causes. For example, motorcycles are particularly susceptible to crashing on poorly maintained roads, which may have potholes, uneven pavement, or other dangerous conditions. In these situations, you can seek compensation from the government entity in charge of maintaining the road. A small percentage of motorcycle accidents are attributed to problems with the rider’s bike or safety gear. When a motorcycle defect is to blame for the accident, you can pursue damages from the maker of the bike.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Injury Case Worth?

It’s not unwarranted for you to want to know the exact amount you can expect to receive, especially when you feel as if justice needs to be served. Hospital bills may be swiftly piling on and you’re probably wondering how and if you will be able to recover the compensation you need to return to your normal life.

The good news is that there is no set amount you will receive and that every case is different. The fact that each case is different allows you to be able to use the expertise of a motorcycle accident attorney to help you receive the maximum compensation for your case, instead of a set payout amount. All too often we hear about individuals who choose not to work with an attorney and then end up receiving compensation that is much less than they need to cover their damages.

These are all things that you can recover additional compensation for following your motorcycle accident:

• Past & future medical costs
• Past & future lost wages
• Past & future pain and suffering
• Past & future disability

While it may seem crucial for you to receive the expected value of your case immediately, our clients are often glad they waited, instead of settling early, because:

• The client wasn’t aware of how serious their injuries were
• The client didn’t understand the amount of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation their injuries required
• The client wasn’t aware they would need to take time away from work to recover
• The client didn’t understand the impact the accident would have on their mental health

Don’t let the negligence of another person change the way you live the rest of your life, and absolutely do not settle for less compensation than you deserve. Call us today before accepting an offer from your insurance company, we would love to discuss your options over a free consultation.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case after a motorcycle accident in California is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to take legal action against the at-fault party. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time period, you could lose your right to recover compensation.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your claim is against a government entity, such as if a government vehicle was involved in the crash, you must file a claim within six months. Additionally, if the injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated at the moment of the accident, the statute of limitations could be paused until the disability is lifted.

It’s crucial to act quickly after a motorcycle accident to ensure all necessary deadlines are satisfied and your rights are protected. We can assist you in navigating the legal process and ensure your case is filed in a timely manner.

Contact Crane Flores, LLP Today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a skilled and dedicated lawyer by your side. With more than 50 years of combined experience, the Oxnard motorcycle accident lawyers at Crane Flores, LLP, work hard to help you obtain full and fair compensation.