Man Injured in Fresno Motorcycle Accident
A man was injured in a Fresno motorcycle accident on the morning of April 20, 2019. The incident occurred along the off-ramp to Fresno Street of southbound Highway 99 near downtown Fresno. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a man was riding a Yamaha motorcycle along the highway when he crashed into the rear of a Mercedes-Benz, propelling him over the vehicle. Officials said the man was transported to a local hospital and was listed in moderate condition. He was reported to have suffered a possible forefoot fracture and abrasions to his body from the crash.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Knowing the common reasons for motorcycle collisions can help prevent them in the future. These include:
- Bike Defects: When a poorly manufactured or designed motorcycle part leads to the accident injury or death of another, the manufacturer may be held financially liable for damages resulting from the use of the defective product.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired motorists who cause collisions with motorcyclists may face both criminal and civil liability.
- Road Defects: Lack of road signs and signals, debris, and potholes can all increase a motorcycle rider’s chances of losing control and crashing. When this happens, the government entity responsible for the maintenance of that road may be held liable for subsequent losses.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road or weather conditions reduces a driver’s chance of reacting in time to avoid a crash.
- Sudden Stopping: An abrupt stop or following too closely can lead to a rear-end accident. This can result in severe injury or death to a motorcycle rider.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: When a motorist fails to signal or check his or her blind spot when switching lanes, he or she runs the risk of crashing into a biker.
- Vehicle Doors: When a motorist opens the door of their parked car in front of an oncoming biker, this may result in a car wreck.
Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Collision
To recover personal injury damages in a motorcycle crash, an injured biker must be able to prove the negligence on the part of another driver or entity. This includes:
- The negligent party owed the motorcyclist a duty of care
- The responsible party breached that responsibility through a negligent act
- It was the negligence of the at-fault party that caused the motorcycle accident
Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
Those injured in a motorcycle accident may be able to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party so that they are compensated for the harm they have endured. There are two types of damages, noneconomic and economic damages. Economic damages consider reimbursement for past and future medical bills as well as past and future lost wages. Noneconomic damages are those intangible losses an injured person has suffered such as the inability to enjoy life, emotional distress, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be sought but are awarded under certain circumstances. They are intended to punish the at-fault party for an egregious act and prevent them from engaging in such behavior in the future. To learn more about damages that may be claimed in a motorcycle accident case, watch the below video.
How a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Recovering after a motorcycle accident can be a painful process. This is especially true when mounting medical bills and time away from work is involved. An injury lawyer can help in times like these by negotiating with insurance companies and coming to terms on a settlement for damages incurred. If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, the attorney can take the case to civil court.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. A motorcycle accident can result in debilitating injuries for those involved. Such trauma can be life-altering and may require a lifetime of rehabilitation to treat. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by the fault of someone else, I am here to provide you with free, friendly case advice. Please phone me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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