Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Motorcyclists, more than any other motorists on America’s roadways, are particularly vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident.  Sadly, the safety of motorcyclists is compromised not only by the lack of protection offered by motorcycles but also by the failure of many drivers to pay due attention to motorcycles.  The purpose of this page is to provide general answers to questions about motorcycle accidents commonly asked by clients of Drivon, Turner & Waters.  For answers to your specific questions, please contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Stockton, California, also serving San Joaquin County, Sacramento, and surrounding communities, today.

• Do I need to hire a lawyer if I’m being offered a settlement by the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
• What are my options if an unidentified vehicle caused me to swerve off road by cutting me off and then driving away?
• What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
• What sorts of injury claims typically result from motorcycle accidents?

Do I need to hire a lawyer if I’m being offered a settlement by the at-fault driver’s insurance company?

Many motorcyclists believe that they can save themselves time and effort by simply accepting a settlement offer made by the at-fault driver’s insurance company; however, these offers are typically insufficient to cover the expenses incurred by the injured victim as a result of the accident.  Remember, insurance companies intend to turn a profit, and they have a team of investigators whose job it is to find flaws in the victim’s claim and reduce their settlement offer accordingly.  An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can reconstruct the accident and build the strongest case possible on behalf of the motorcyclist, countering the insurance company’s findings and pursuing the full measure of compensation to which the injured party is entitled.

What are my options if an unidentified vehicle caused me to swerve off road by cutting me off and then driving away?

This is a scenario that occurs all too often, leaving many motorcyclists to feel helpless and frustrated.  However, it is possible, through the assistance of a qualified attorney, to pursue damages through the uninsured motorist coverage provided by your insurance policy.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

The negligence of the other driver is measured independently of whether you were attired with a helmet and other safety gear at the time of the accident.  While the state of California mandates that motorcyclists wear helmets while operating their vehicles, your lack of a helmet most likely did not cause the accident.  It may well have contributed to your injuries, which may in turn impact the amount of damages for which you are eligible, but it does not in itself compromise your right to seek compensation from the negligent party.  Our motorcycle accident lawyers, serving Sacramento, San Joaquin County, Stockton, and surrounding California communities, would be pleased to evaluate your case and inform you of your legal options if you were injured while not wearing a helmet.

What sorts of injury claims typically result from motorcycle accidents?

Motorcyclists are, by nature of their vehicles, more susceptible to serious injury in the event of an accident than any other type of motorist.  Because motorcyclists are afforded no external protection aside from their own safety gear, they are more likely to be thrown from their vehicle in a collision and, therefore, suffer serious damage to their heads, necks, spinal cords, and other internal structures.  As a result, many motorcycle accident victims suffer long-term and even lifelong injuries, including paralysis and amputation of limbs.  Of course, in the most tragic cases, the accident victim may suffer a wrongful death. 

Contact Our Sacramento, Stockton, and San Joaquin County, California-area Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been involved in a catastrophic motorcycle accident, our lawyers in Stockton, California, can help.  Serving Sacramento, San Joaquin County, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Modesto, Turlock, and communities throughout California, the attorneys of Drivon, Turner & Waters have the experience and skill to handle even the most complex motorcycle accident cases.  Contact our law office today to schedule an evaluation of your potential claim.