With the exception of their helmets, motorcycle operators and riders do not have a protective covering that surrounds them in the event of an accident. Therefore, motorcyclists who are involved in an accident can suffer very serious injuries. This is especially true in high-impact collisions where the motorcyclist falls off the bike and onto the ground or another vehicle. In many instances, motorcycle accidents happen because of roadway hazards and other defects that are located on roadways or in parking lots and parking garages.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that resulted from a roadway defect, it is essential that you seek knowledgeable legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate your case, determine if you have a viable claim and if so, pursue a claim against the responsible person or entity. Your attorney could then pursue the monetary compensation that you deserve for the injuries you suffered in your motorcycle accident.
Types of Roadway Defects
Roadway defects come in various shapes and sizes. Common defects and hazards that exist on roadways – and that can lead to motorcycle accidents and serious injuries – include the following:
● Potholes
● Deep cracks in the macadam or concrete
● Grooved pavement (especially on active construction sites)
● Debris and other objects in the middle of the roadway (such as debris from a nearby construction site)
When a motorcyclist encounters a roadway hazard or defect, he or she could be thrown off the bike and fall to the ground, sustaining serious injuries in the process. Potential injuries suffered by victims of motorcycle accidents include traumatic head and brain injuries, bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred because of a roadway hazard or defect, you might be able to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the responsible person or entity. Cities, counties, and other municipalities have a duty to maintain roadways in a safe condition at all times for the benefit of roadway drivers. In addition, construction sites are responsible for maintaining their work areas in a reasonable, careful, and safe manner.
When a motorcycle accident can be traced to a roadway defect that was caused by one or more of these entities, you could pursue a claim or lawsuit against that entity. You should keep in mind, however, that when a municipality is a potential defendant in a personal injury case, there are often notice requirements that come into play prior to filing a lawsuit. An experienced California motorcycle accident attorney will be able to file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf in a timely manner.
Talk with a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a California motorcycle accident, it is important that you have a knowledgeable attorney in your corner as soon as possible. An experienced Orange County motorcycle accident attorney will be able to file a claim on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance company and pursue the monetary compensation and damages that you deserve for your injuries.
