California Motorcycle Accident: What To Do After a Crash

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After a California motorcycle accident, it’s important to speak with a California attorney with experience handling motorcycle claims. Even if the rider suspects it might be their fault, the attorney can help the victim and family find solutions to cover medical bills and other costs.

Alex Tofer is the managing attorney and the founding president of Tofer and Associates, PLC based in Beverly Hills, California. In this interview, he explains everything you need to know about how to recover after a California motorcycle accident.

To learn more, contact attorney Alex Tofer directly by calling 888-981-5607 or by submitting a contact form on this page.

Who is usually at fault in motorcycle crashes?

In many cases, these accidents occur due to the negligence of the vehicle driver. This could be because the vehicle driver did not check a blind spot before merging. Since motorcycles are smaller, car drivers often forget to take an extra look for them. In other cases, the driver has misjudged the speed and distance of an approaching bicycle and turned in front of them.

Alex Tofer says that if they get a call from an injured motorcyclist, they will likely take the case, even if the motorcyclist appears to be at fault. If the motorcyclist has severe injuries, Tofer can explore ways to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. This is because in many accidents, the other driver is often at least 1 percent liable.

In California, is lane splitting legal?

Lane splitting is allowed in California as long as it’s done safely. Unfortunately, not every driver in the state knows this, so they may not react kindly when motorcyclists attempt to split lanes. However, many studies have shown that lane splitting is actually safer in high traffic areas as it helps reduces accidents where the motorcyclist is rear-ended.

What if you get into a motorcycle accident in California but you live in a different state?

You should always speak to an attorney in the place where the accident occurred. The attorney will be familiar with the local laws and regulations, and they can best investigate the accident and argue on your behalf. A local attorney in your home state may not be licensed to pursue a claim in California, and they would be at a severe disadvantage compared to a California attorney.

What kind of insurance do motorcycle riders need to obtain?

Make sure your motorcycle has been added to your automobile insurance, and make sure that you are the named driver of the motorcycle. If all these are true, your auto insurance should cover your accident.

However, as a motorcyclist, there is an important factor that you should understand. Since the motorcycle rider is exposed, if they get into an accident, they face an increased risk of sustaining severe injuries. This means that even if you only occasionally ride the bike, it’s a smart move to increase your coverages in the event that you need significant medical care. Attorney Tofer recommends purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, along with coverage of up to $25,000 per incident.

Are medical bills typically higher for motorcycle accident victims compared to victims of car accidents?

Yes. An average injury case involving a motorcyclist typically requires hospital treatment, an overnight stay at the emergency room, and a number of scans like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays. The average medical bills for a basic motorcycle accident tend to exceed $50,000. Insurance can provide for the rider and their family to make sure that their family is protected in the event of accident with someone who doesn’t have adequate auto insurance. This is what happens in nearly every motorcycle accident case. The exceptions are the cases involving commercial drivers. Those tend to be well-insured.

How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer about what to do after a motorcycle accident?

There is no charge to speak with most personal injury law firms, including Tofer Law Firm. There is no consultation fee, and there is no fee unless they win your case. Those costs are advanced to the conclusion of the case.

To learn more, contact attorney Alex Tofer directly by calling 888-981-5607 or by submitting a contact form on this page.

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