Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Why Choose Thompson Law’s Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?

At Thompson Law, our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience and a proven track record to ensure that justice is served. We dedicate ourselves to investigating your accident thoroughly to uncover the facts and determine the responsible party. Throughout the process, we’ll make sure you know your rights under Sacramento law and be there for you at every step of the way.

We gather strong evidence to support your claim, including:

• Eyewitness accounts
• Police report from the Sacramento Police Department
• Your personal statement about the accident
• Expert witness testimony
• Medical records
• Photos or videos from the scene
• Surveillance or dashcam footage

Every motorcycle accident is different, but we can fight for the best possible outcome for you. If you need help, reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION to get started.

What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover in Sacramento?

Victims of motorcycle accidents in Sacramento can get financial compensation, such as:

Economic Damages

These damages cover monetary losses caused by the accident, including:

• Medical expenses like hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, physical therapy, and medications
• Lost wages for missed work and future earning limitations
• Property damage for your bike and any other damaged belongings
• Other out-of-pocket costs like medical transport, home changes, or in-home care

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate the emotional and physical effects caused by the accident, including:

• Pain and suffering, including chronic pain or lasting physical discomfort
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you’re unable to do activities you once enjoyed
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression

Punitive Damages

If the accident happened due to reckless or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving or severe traffic violations, the court may award punitive damages to hold the ones at fault and prevent similar behavior from happening in the future.

Dangerous Intersections for Motorcycle Accidents in Sacramento

While it’s been reported recently that Sacramento is making changes to make their intersections safer, the risk of getting an accident is still prevalent among these roads. Here are the intersections considered dangerous in the area.

Here are some of the most dangerous:

• Stockton Boulevard & Fruitridge Road
• Howe Avenue & Fair Oaks Boulevard
• Broadway & 16th Street
• Arden Way & Watt Avenue
• Folsom Boulevard & Power Inn Road
• Franklin Boulevard & Florin Road
• Mack Road & Center Parkway

If you have ever been in a motorcycle accident at any of these intersections, we will support you in filing a claim. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW and let’s discuss how we can secure you fair compensation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Sacramento

Motorcycle accidents usually result in severe injuries because of the fact that riders don’t have the same protection as when maneuvering a car. There are no seat belts, airbags, or a reinforced frame. Even minor crashes can lead to life-altering injuries. Below are some of the most common injuries in Sacramento:

• Brain injuries:  Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries:  Spine damage could lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractured bones:  Broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are apparent in high-impact crashes.
• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding need immediate medical attention.
• Amputations:  Severe crashes can lead to limb loss, permanently changing the rider’s life.
• Facial injuries:  Broken jaws, dental damage, and facial fractures are likely, especially in riders who don’t wear full-face helmets.
• Severe lacerations:  Deep cuts can cause infection, excessive bleeding, and permanent scarring.
• Joint injuries:  Dislocated shoulders, torn ligaments, and knee injuries may call for surgery and long rehabilitation.
• Neck and back injuries:  Whiplash and herniated discs can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Road burn:  Sliding on pavement can cause painful abrasions, leading to infections or lasting scars.
• Chronic pain:  Nerve damage and soft tissue injuries can bring long-term discomfort.
• Disfigurement:  Severe crashes may leave riders with scarring or permanent physical changes.
• Loss of life:  Motorcycle crashes are, unfortunately, more prone to fatalities than car accidents.

Does Not Wearing a Helmet Impact a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?

Even though many motorcyclists know that helmets are required by law in Sacramento, the reality is that not all riders wear them. According to this analysis, over 50% of riders involved in accidents weren’t wearing helmets.

In Sacramento, riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course and carry adequate medical insurance. However, even though it’s not mandatory, the use of helmets can still help in strengthening your injury claim.

On the flipside, not wearing a helmet can change the outcome of your compensation, moreso if you got a head injury. For injuries unrelated to the head, helmet wear usually doesn’t affect the result.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s carelessness (whether or not you were wearing a helmet), reach out to Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW. Our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers will be here for you.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Sacramento

Being in a motorcycle accident is overwhelming, and your health should always come first. There are a few steps you should take to ensure your safety and strengthen your case for compensation:

• Request immediate medical attention and report the accident to the police.
• If you are injured, it’s important to receive treatment right away.
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries if you can.
• Get the name, contact details, insurance information, and the license plate number of the other driver.
• If there were bystanders, ask for their contact information.
• Do not say anything that could be used against you later.
• If you’re injured or unable to gather evidence, call our experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney immediately.
• If an insurance adjuster calls, have them contact your lawyer instead of making a statement yourself.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another person’s negligence, you might be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Thompson Law will investigate your case and fight for a fair outcome. Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION to learn more about your rights.

Get the Legal Help You Need

At Thompson Law, we have the skills and expertises to secure a fair compensation so that you’re able to afford the needed medical treatment, as well as any financial or personal impact you got from the accident. Rest assured that our motorcycle accident attorneys in Sacramento are committed to helping you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve; medical expenses, lost income, and other costs.

Sacramento follows California’s statute of limitations, which means time is limited. Call our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys now at Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW to make sure that you file a personal injury claim on time.

FAQs About Sacramento Motorbike Accidents

What if my motorcycle accident claim is denied?

It can be frustrating when your motorcycle accident claim is denied, but don’t assume it’s the end of the road. Insurance companies often deny claims in an attempt to minimize payouts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take action. First, review the denial letter to learn why your claim was rejected. Next, gather all the supporting evidence. If your claim was wrongfully denied, our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers can appeal the decision, negotiate with the insurer, and take legal action if necessary.

How do I prove fault in a motorcycle accident?

In order to prove that the party was the reason for your crash, you need to have strong evidence, such as:

• Police reports documenting the accident.
• Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash.
• Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage (if available).

Accident reconstruction specialists might also be brought in to analyze the scene and provide an expert opinion on how the crash happened. If the other driver broke traffic laws or was negligent, that can help strengthen your case.

Can motorcycle modifications affect my claim?

Motorcycle modifications can play a significant role in how your claim is handled. While safety modifications, such as upgraded lighting or better brakes, are generally not an issue, performance modifications can be a different story.

For example, changes like removing mirrors, altering the brake system, or tampering with the exhaust could be used against you. Insurance companies might argue that these modifications contributed to the accident or made your injuries more severe.

Why are expert witnesses important in motorcycle accident cases?

Expert witnesses give valuable insights that can strengthen your claim. Some key experts are:

• Accident reconstruction specialists:  These experts can analyze the crash site and provide detailed reports to determine fault.
• Medical professionals:  Doctors and other healthcare providers can explain the severity of your injuries and how they will affect your life moving forward.
• Mechanical engineers:  If a motorcycle defect or malfunction was a factor in the crash, these experts can examine the bike and provide opinions on any mechanical issues.

These experts help build a strong case, which gives you a better chance of receiving compensation you deserve.

Can a motorcycle passenger file a claim for injuries?

Yes, if you were a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a crash, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries just like the rider.

If another driver was responsible for the accident, you can file a claim against them. If the motorcycle operator was at fault, you might be able to seek damages through their insurance. Compensation can cover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

Even if the rider shares some of the blame, Sacramento’s comparative negligence laws allow you to still recover damages based on the percentage of fault. If you were a passenger in a motorcycle accident, our experienced attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate the legal process and fight for fair compensation.