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San Jose Motorcycle Accidents
In heavily populated San Jose, it is no surprise that heavy traffic and congested freeways such as the 101, the 880, and the 280 all too often result in motorcycle accidents. Estimates reflect over 400 motorcyclists lost their lives on California’s roads in 2017. Distracted driving, road rage, tailgating, and improper lane changes all contribute to the high risk for motorcyclists even before factoring in mechanical issues and impaired drivers. Even with the proper equipment, safety attire, and practicing safe riding behaviors San Jose riders run the risk of serious or fatal injuries when involved in an accident. Treating these injuries can become incredibly expensive, so if you were injured in a San Jose motorcycle accident you should speak to an attorney to find out if you are entitled to compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
San Jose Motorcycle Accident Causes
San Jose, with its year-round mild weather, large number of sunny days, and beautiful location is especially popular with motorcyclists, but this higher population of motorcyclists also results in a high amount of accidents and injuries.
Motorcycles are more likely to be overlooked by larger vehicles on the roads, resulting in dangerous driving and accidents. Heavy traffic, negligent driving behavior by motorcyclists and other motorists, and poorly maintained roads all increase the risks for the large motorcyclist population. Injuries commonly occur due to:
- Distracted driving behaviors such as texting while driving;
- Improper, unsafe, or illegal lane changes;
- Failing to properly check side and rearview mirrors;
- Dangerous left hand turns in front of a motorcyclist; and
- Motorists pulling out of parking lots or other smaller roads without first looking for oncoming riders.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident?
San Jose motorcyclists are at greater risk for catastrophic or fatal injuries because of their bike’s smaller size compared to other vehicles – even when taking all proper safety precautions. Serious physical trauma often occurs to the:
- Head;
- Neck;
- Tendons;
- Ligaments;
- Back;
- Internal organs; and
- Skin
have permanent or long-lasting consequences for bikers, as well as rack up exorbitant medical bills.
If you can show your motorcycle accident and resulting injuries were caused by someone’s negligence –you may be able to recover provable damages. This is not limited to other motorists – liability may also extend to manufacturers and repair shops. Riders can recover compensation for damages including:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost income; or
- Permanent and long-term accommodations or expenses they must incur due to their injuries.
You may also be able to recover for emotional or physiological trauma like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
Negligence can be hard to establish, and it can be difficult to make successful arguments for damages such as mental anguish which have no fixed price tag. To navigate these uncertain waters, you should speak to an experienced San Jose motorcycle accident attorney and let them help you show you deserve compensation.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a San Jose Motorcycle Accident?
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in San Jose or the surrounding area, there are a few simple steps you should take as soon as possible that will benefit your health and any legal claims you may pursue.
Get Medical Treatment
Though many motorcycle accident injuries are obvious, for some injuries like closed head injuries symptoms do not present for a significant period of time after they occur. You should consult neurologists or other specialists in addition getting medical care as soon as possible after an accident has occurred even if you do not believe you were injured. It is also important for your future personal injury claim that you be examined by a medical professional, follow any and all treatment recommendations, and abide by all instructions. Attend all follow-up appointments and retain copies of all records and expenses related to treatment of your injuries.
Collect Evidence
It is important for you to gather relevant evidence and other information to establish fault in an accident and document your injuries. Witnesses may not remember clearly what they saw after time passes and accidents are cleared, so get witness contact information and photograph the accident and your injuries if possible. Cooperate with police and get a copy of their accident report, photograph all damage to your motorcycle, and keep wage records if you cannot work. An experienced San Jose motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you on information that could help your case.
Speak to a San Jose Motorcycle Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, speak to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Daneshrad Law without delay. San Jose motorcycle attorney Alan Daneshrad has spent years representing motorcycle accident victims like you and has recovered millions of dollars through skilled, tailored advocacy. You deserve to focus on your physical recovery while our knowledgeable attorneys work diligently to prove your claim and recover the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.
If you want to seek compensation for your injuries, the Daneshrad Law attorneys have the right combination of knowledge, experience, and compassion that you want in an attorney litigating your San Jose motorcycle accident claim. Call us today at (888) 881-3529 or fill out our online case evaluation page to schedule your initial case review. Your no obligation consultation is free and you pay nothing until after we win your case. Let our attorneys review the unique circumstances of your case and help secure the best possible outcome for you.