Elk Grove and Sacramento County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcyclists face unique dangers every time they share the road with larger vehicles. Even when riders wear helmets and other protective gear, a collision with a car or truck can result in devastating injuries. When a motorcycle accident is caused by a negligent driver, injured riders have the right to pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. The Elk Grove and Sacramento County motorcycle accident lawyers at O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm represent injured motorcyclists throughout Sacramento County and are committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Representing Injured Motorcyclists Throughout Sacramento County
Motorcycle accidents frequently occur on Interstate 5, Highway 99, Highway 50, and local roads throughout Elk Grove and Sacramento County. Many crashes happen because drivers fail to notice motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or violate a rider’s right-of-way.
O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm represents clients injured in accidents involving:
- Left-turn collisions
- Lane change accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk or impaired drivers
- Unsafe road conditions
- Hit-and-run accidents
Every case begins with a thorough investigation to determine how the accident occurred and identify all parties who may be responsible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result from careless or reckless driving. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, drivers have a responsibility to remain alert and share the road safely.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Driving under the influence
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Poor road maintenance
- Defective vehicle components
Determining the exact cause of the collision is essential for establishing liability and building a strong personal injury claim.
Serious Injuries Require Significant Compensation
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries that require extensive treatment and lengthy recovery periods. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
Victims may require surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term medical care. A successful claim should account for both current expenses and future financial needs.
Seeking Full Compensation for Your Losses
If another person’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Insurance companies sometimes rely on unfair stereotypes about motorcyclists in an effort to reduce or deny claims. O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm works to present the facts, protect clients’ rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact Elk Grove and Sacramento County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, obtaining experienced legal representation can make an important difference in your recovery. The Elk Grove and Sacramento County motorcycle accident lawyers at O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm are prepared to investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Ten Necessary Steps after a California Automobile Crash
A significant difference in your ability to recover a sufficient amount of compensation to reflect the full range of your economic and quality of life damages can be made by what you do (and don’t do). Here are some tips on the steps you should take when you’ve been in an auto accident:
- DO put on your flashers. If possible to do so safely, move your vehicle off the road.
- DO take a moment to check the condition of any passengers in your car, then in other vehicles involved. Seek medical attention immediately if you need it.
- DO call the police to request for an officer to be dispatched to the scene. If an ambulance is needed, let the dispatcher know.
- DO get the contact info, registration, and insurance info from owners, drivers, and passengers in all vehicles. Get contact info for any witnesses.
- DO take photos of the accident scene. Include all vehicles, showing the point of impact and damages to vehicles. If possible, include a photo of some geographic marker or street sign that will make location identification easier.
- DON’T examine with other people involved who was at fault for the accident or how it happened. Do not apologize for anything. A simple polite apology may be wrongly construed as an admission of guilt.
- DON’T give details about the state of your injuries. You could not realize immediately that you’re hurt because adrenaline could be masking the pain. Also, some injuries are not immediately apparent.
- DO call the O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm and speak to an experienced Elk Grove car accident lawyer.
- DON’T allow an insurance company representative to take a recorded or written statement from you. Do not sign anything for the other driver’s insurance company. Do not provide authorizations for medical records unless your attorney tells you to. Refer the insurance adjuster to your lawyer.
- DO be honest about your injuries. Understand that the insurance company will usually hire an investigator to determine if you are actually suffering the impairments you claim.
The Best Attorney for Your Car Accident Case
Choose an accident lawyer who is an expert in personal injury and wrongful death claims, not a general practice attorney. A lawyer who does only this type of work has the skills, experience, and reputation with insurance companies that can maximize your recovery. Check the attorney’s ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo.
Select a law firm that is known as being highly experienced and who have the best possible ratings. Attorney John M. O’Brien has the highest possible peer rating with Martindale-Hubble, 5/5 or AV Preeminent, and a perfect 10 (superb) Avvo rating.
Free Consultation at the O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm
At the O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, we know how to help and we understand what you are going through.
We are a results-oriented law firm, committed to obtaining justice for every client we represent.
We care about our clients and are always prompt in returning phone calls and emails. We keep you in the loop at every stage of the process.
You pay us nothing until your compensation check is issued and if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. The time to file your claim is limited, so contact the Elk Grove car accident attorneys at the O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.