Buttonwillow Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Practice Areas Buttonwillow Lawyers Buttonwillow Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Buttonwillow, CA, the lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark are here for you. Our goal has always been to help our clients receive financial compensation from the at-fault party and from the insurance company/companies. 

We are experts in litigation when it comes to motorcycle crash cases. Feel free to reach out to us for yourself or on behalf of a loved one who has been injured. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, which means you will likely need help with medical bills both now and in the future. Again, Chain | Cohn | Clark is here for you.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in California

According to a study from the University of California, Berkley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center: 

• “Motorcycling is popular in California; the state recorded the second highest number of motorcyclist fatalities in the nation in 2018.”
• “Of all motorcyclist fatalities in 2019, 6% (or 28) of motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. This is an improvement from the 6.6 % unhelmeted fatality rate in 2018.”

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been in a Buttonwillow motorcycle accident, the best course of action is to contact an attorney before dealing with insurance companies. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we understand how much you may be hurting physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Motorcycle accidents can lead to lifelong injuries and disabilities, and it’s likely that you don’t have disability insurance to rely on. We can help you regain the compensation you are owed.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Buttonwillow, CA

Knowing the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help keep you much safer on the road. A little knowledge can take you a long way. The following are some of the most common causes of California motorcycle accidents:

• Hazardous speeds: In 2017, speed was the primary crash factor in 32% of California’s fatal and injury crashes. Driving too fast makes it harder to avoid potential oncoming collisions. A motorcyclist shouldn’t push their acceleration to the limit just because they can.
• Cars that don’t yield the right of way: Drivers often don’t yell at motorcyclists because they don’t know they are supposed to, or in some cases, because they don’t even see them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorists making left turns cause 42% of all motorcycle accidents.  
• Improper turning: In 2019, over 400 people were killed in accidents involving improper turning. Lane splitting is legal in California, which makes it incredibly important to remember to use your signal when switching lanes.
• Distracted drivers: Activities such as texting and driving or even eating, drinking, conversing, grooming, and fiddling with the radio can all lead to motorcycle accidents. Distracted drivers often don’t hit the brakes in time. 
• Roadway hazards and defects: Motorcyclists are unable to easily roll over large potholes. And loose gravel and downed trees can be just as dangerous. The city of Buttonwillow might be responsible in instances like this.

Road Failures

Roads may have issues due to their inherent design, construction, or maintenance. 

Design issues are often seen in busy intersections, near areas of natural growth, or where the road has unusual angles. 

Construction issues are usually the result of cheap materials or errors in execution.

Maintenance is the major reason for roadway failures. Roads are often torn apart over time by ice and other forms of erosion. 

According to the NHTSA, 20% of car accidents result in injury or death, compared to the much higher 80% for motorcycle accidents.

Driver Error

Drivers often hit motorcyclists in intersections when they fail to see a motorcycle coming while they are making a left turn. Sometimes, motorcyclists crash into open doors after a driver has parallel parked and is exiting the vehicle. Other times, a tired driver behind the wheel will have slow reflexes.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When a collision happens, motorcyclists are out in the open, along with any passengers. Unlike in a car, there is no metal shell to protect them and helmets aren’t always enough to prevent serious injury. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists are covered below.

Neck/Spine Injuries

When a car or truck pins a motorcyclist to the ground or to another vehicle, it is likely that the motorcyclist’s spine will sever, potentially resulting in permanent paralysis.

Brain or Head Injuries

In the course of an accident, a motorcyclist can fly off their vehicle, doing damage to their head even if they are wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries can alter a victim’s life forever.

Broken Bones

Breaking a wrist or hand is common in a motorcycle accident, as many motorcyclists will try to break their fall. And more serious fractures can occur if the fall is not broken.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available in Buttonwillow?

The legal path you take will determine what types of damages you receive. The best way to protect yourself after a collision is by carefully documenting the results of the accident and saving all receipts, medical bills, etc.

You may be eligible to receive compensation for:

• Property damage
• Physical pain 
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of consortium (also known as loss of companionship)

At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we can help you recover compensation for any and all of the above losses. Our knowledge, experience, and skills can take you all the way through a successful court case.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What is California’s motorcycle helmet law?

Motorcyclists are mandated to wears helmets in California. According to Vehicle Code Section 27803, it is unlawful for a motorcyclist or passenger to drive without a helmet. 

When should a motorcycle accident victim seek help in Buttonwillow?

Working with a motorcycle injury lawyer in Buttonwillow is an important first step to take after an accident. We will review everything related to the case, including police records, photographs, and your own medical records. And we only collect a fee if we win your case. We will also collect witness testimonies and speak with crash specialists to give your case the full effort it deserves.

Why should I contact a motorcycle lawyer in Buttonwillow?

We are here in Buttonwillow to discuss your motorcycle accident with you no matter what brand of vehicle you drive. We have achieved incredible results for our clients. If you are already in the middle of your case, we can make your transition from working with your current lawyer to working with our firm as smooth as possible.

How long do I have to file a Motorcycle lawsuit in Buttonwillow?

You have two years from the date of the crash to begin your suit. This fits within the statute of limitations set by California law. 

Choose the Professional Buttonwillow Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark

Buttonwillow, CA is a great place to ride motorcycles. However, Buttonwillow does see its fair share of motorcycle accidents because of careless motor vehicle drivers. If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Our Buttonwillow motorcycle lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark can help you determine if you have a case to pursue. Give us a call at (661) 616-9829 or visit us at 1731 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5220 today.