Oroville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash in Oroville, CA

Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence in Oroville and the surrounding areas of Butte County. These accidents can result in severe injuries and even death, as riders are far more exposed than those in enclosed vehicles. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and recover compensation for your damages.

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Oroville motorcycle accident lawyer has been representing the wrongfully injured for over three decades. We understand the unique issues that motorcycle accident victims face and are prepared to help you maximize your entitled compensation.

Call our firm today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. However, the vast majority of motorcycle accidents are the result of someone's negligence. In many cases, these accidents are the result of a motor vehicle driver's negligence. 

Because motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see. This is especially true if the driver is not paying attention to the road. When a motor vehicle driver fails to see a motorcyclist, they may collide with them, causing serious and even fatal injuries.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Oroville include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts
• Poorly designed or maintained roads
• Inclement weather conditions

Motorcycle accidents can also be caused by the motorcyclist's negligence. For example, if a motorcyclist is speeding or is riding recklessly, they can lose control of their motorcycle and crash. In such cases, the motorcyclist may still be able to recover compensation. However, their damages may be reduced under California's comparative negligence laws.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have, they are far more likely to be severely injured or killed in a crash. Even when motorcyclists wear helmets and other safety gear, they are still at risk of sustaining serious injuries in a collision. In many cases, these injuries are life-altering and require extensive medical treatment.

Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain in accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Facial injuries
• Eye injuries
• Ear injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones/fractures
• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Internal injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Severe road rash/degloving injuries
• Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Burn injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Liability in motorcycle accident claims is typically determined by the same legal standard as most other personal injury claims: negligence. To hold another person liable for your damages, you must be able to prove that they were negligent in some way and that their negligence directly resulted in your injuries.

Some of the most common parties who may be held liable for a motorcycle accident include:

• Motor vehicle drivers: The vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent motor vehicle drivers. This is often because motorcyclists are far less visible than other vehicles and that many drivers do not pay attention to their surroundings. Common forms of motorist negligence that lead to motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Motorcycle manufacturers: In some cases, defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts can cause an accident. For example, a motorcycle may have a defect in its braking system that causes it to malfunction. When this occurs, the motorcycle manufacturer can be held liable for any accidents that result.
• Motorcycle repair shops: If a motorcycle repair shop fails to properly repair a motorcycle or does not notice a safety issue, they can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result. This is known as a repair shop's negligence.
• Government entities: In some cases, a government entity may be liable for a motorcycle accident. For example, if a motorcycle accident was caused by a dangerous or defective road, the government entity in charge of maintaining the road may be held liable.
• Other motorcyclists: In rare cases, another motorcyclist may be held liable for a crash. This is often due to the motorcyclist's reckless or negligent actions, such as excessive speeding or unsafe lane changes.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?

After a motorcycle accident, you will likely be contacted by the other party's insurance company. They may offer you a settlement that is far less than what you are owed. You should never accept a settlement without speaking to an attorney first. An Oroville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and help you navigate the process. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company and fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed.

Our firm can help you with your motorcycle accident claim every step of the way, including by:

• Investigating the accident and collecting evidence
• Working with experts to determine fault and the value of your case
• Filing all necessary paperwork and handling all legal details
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Oroville motorcycle accident attorney today at (530) 413-0245 to discuss your case. We offer free initial consultations.