Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Placer County, CA
Michael Rehm – (916) 233-7346
For many people, there’s nothing better than hopping on the bike and feeling the wind in your face, especially in a place as beautiful as Roseville, California in Placer County. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and they’re often quite severe for motorcycle riders. Every year, thousands of motorcycle riders are injured in riding accidents. In Roseville alone, 46 motorcyclists were injured or killed due to motor vehicle accidents in 2018. Because cyclists have less protection on a motorcycle than in a car, injuries for motorcycle riders are often more severe than those injured in automobiles. Even when motorcycle riders wear helmets and protective gear and follow all safety rules while driving, devastating accidents can happen. Recovering from a motorcycle accident can take weeks or months, and you may have injuries that last a lifetime. If someone else is the cause of your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Bikers have a reputation for being reckless drivers who do not always follow traffic rules. However, this is a misconception. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by forces other than the biker. Three of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Careless car/truck drivers. Many accidents happen because a person in a car is on their cell phone, driving while impaired, or speeding. Motorcycles can be difficult for a driver to see, and automobile drivers may also not be paying enough attention to everyone on the road. Many accidents happen because of turns and lane changes where drivers do not see a motorcycle.
- Damaged roads. Potholes and loose gravel may not seem like a huge hazard, but they can cause accidents resulting in major injuries to a motorcyclist.
- Defective parts. Motorcycles and motorcycle parts are subject to recalls and manufacturer defects just like automobile parts. Just a single faulty part can cause significant damage to the motorcycle and its driver.
California Helmet Law
In California, everyone driving and riding on a motorcycle must be wearing a helmet. The severity of head injuries is drastically reduced by wearing a helmet every time you ride. Not wearing one can also result in a ticket and fines. In the worst case, not wearing a helmet can increase the possibility of significant brain injury and the lifetime of care that will be required from just one motorcycle accident.
Even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, you may still be entitled to some compensation. If the driver was at fault for the accident, but you were not wearing a helmet, both parties are partially at fault for the injuries. Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, your financial judgement may be reduced, but not eliminated.
Contact Attorney Rehm Today
Attorney Rehm has years of experience handling cases involving injuries from motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders have unique needs that are different from other drivers affected by an accident. It can be difficult to prove that fault lies with the other driver if the attorney is not experienced with motorcycle cases. Attorney Michael Rehm can help you recover your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (916) 233-7346 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your rights, and the rules of the road, and how it all affects your case and life from here.