Earlier today I was contacted by a new client who was hit while riding his motorcycle. It wasn’t his fault and his injuries are serious. We should be able to help.
The facts of his collision are similar to a motorcycle accident case we handled a few years ago. Here are the facts…
Client Loses Leg After Being Hit While Safely Riding His Motorcycle
Our client was out for a relaxing late morning motorcycle ride on the winding Big Bear highway near Big Bear, California. He was doing everything right.
He was riding his motorcycle at a safe speed and in a very careful fashion. He was alert and cautious always watching for “the other guy”.
Without warning, a vehicle coming downhill and from the opposite direction crossed over the double yellow center lines and struck our client from the side. Our client sustained major injuries which included left side injuries, head trauma and a severed left leg just below the hip.
The driver who caused this collision was arrested and prosecuted criminally and convicted of violating California Vehicle Code 23153(A) which is driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a result of his conviction, the defendant was also ordered to serve jail time and also pay restitution to our client.
Most of you know that I’ve been riding and racing motorcycles for most of my life. And if you follow my blog posts, you also know that I have zero tolerance for negligent drivers who cause motorcycle accidents and injuries.
We took our passion for riding and focused it towards helping this injured client. At the same time the criminal case went forward, we filed a civil case against the careless driver and aggressively litigated the matter. Eventually, before trial, we were able to obtain a $2,000,000 settlement and stipulated judgment for our client.
Here’s a short video about this case…
Special Note to Motorcycle Riders
As you know, the bike you’re riding is much smaller than most cars and trucks. When a collision happens, you have little, if any protection.
According to recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures, the number of motorcycle fatalities continue to increase each year. The economy, rising gas prices and aging baby boomers result in over a million bikes being purchased each year in the United States.
Speeding is the number one cause of fatal motorcycle accidents. Most fatality collisions take place on undivided highways.
As a rider who’s “been there and done that,” my take is that these increased numbers reflect a combination of a lack of rider education, training, inattention, excessive speed and/or third-party negligence (the driver of another car or truck was careless and caused the accident). Crowded roads and drivers using smart phones and texting probably doesn’t help either.
Even while I write this blog post my knees hurt from years of abuse on the motocross tracks. But that’s OK. I’m lucky. After all, if that’s my biggest motorcycle related injury, then I guess I don’t have too much to complain about.
Look, if you are a motorcycle accident victim and have a legal question, please give us a call. We’ve been helping motorcycle victims since 1986 and chances are, we can help you too!
Related Blog Posts…
Proud Members of the Motorcycle Injury Trial Lawyer Association
Motorcycle Accidents and Damages in California
SMILE, TWIST THE THROTTLE, BUT BE CAREFUL- Motorcycle Accidents Happen Way Too Often!
Motorcycle Accident Involving Large Truck- $375,000 Settlement
Testimonials…
Our client shared the following frank thoughts… “Although the outcome wasn’t what I hoped for and I don’t think it could ever of been, I most certainly appreciate your efforts. You cannot place monetary values on the tragedies I have suffered nor can you on all the assistance and support everyone has given.”
– Terry B.
You can read more client testimonials here. You can also click here to read testimonials from other lawyers across the United States here. Other case results can be reviewed here.
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