The Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed represents motorcycle accident victims in San Pablo. Getting rear-ended on a motorcycle is among the worst types of accidents you could be involved in. Even relatively minor collisions can leave you facing serious injuries, but my firm can help you recover. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, especially if you’re hurt. For minor accidents, you might not need a lawyer. But for most rear-end collisions, injuries are serious, and getting help can make a big difference.
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but having one can be crucial when you’re facing serious injuries or more complicated liability issues. My San Pablo team can:
- Figure out who’s responsible by piecing together what happened.
- Collect evidence and put it together for a strong case.
- Handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
We’re here to make things easier for you and guide you through the process. If you’ve been in a rear-end motorcycle accident in San Pablo, you need things to be simplified and we take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders.
What Should You Do After Being in a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident?
It’s pretty easy to see how a rear-end motorcycle accident could happen to you when you’re riding, given the many distractions and other factors that drivers usually have. But the question isn’t why these accidents happen, it’s how you should respond. When you’re in one, it’s important to take the following steps to protect a potential claim:
- Call for help – Always call 911 to report the accident, if you’re able. EMTs can respond to the scene and give you medical care, and police should also be dispatched. They’ll make a report and gather information from everyone involved.
- Document the accident scene – Use your phone to take pictures or videos of everything: your motorcycle, the vehicle that hit you, your injuries, skid marks, road conditions, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Visual evidence is very powerful for a claim.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance details. If the driver is uncooperative or doesn’t have insurance, tell the police, as they can help gather the necessary information.
- Be careful with statements – When you’re talking to police or insurance reps, be very careful with your statements. It’s best to just stick to the facts and not go into detail. Also, don’t admit fault or post about the accident on your social media or anywhere public. This can be used against you.
Protecting your health and safety is the most important thing after you’re in one of these accidents. Taking these steps goes a long way in forming the foundation of your potential claim, but remember, it’s likely that you’ll be dealing with pretty immediate injuries. That makes everything tougher.
Who’s Usually Liable in a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident?
Even though it’s fairly easy to understand who’s usually liable in a rear-end motorcycle accident, it’s still important to look at the overall process–because every accident is different. Generally, though, liability falls on the person or group whose negligence caused the crash. Negligence is a legal concept that requires showing that:
- Someone had a duty to act in a safe way, but they failed to do so. This failure caused the accident and your injuries.
In rear-end motorcycle accidents, the driver that rear-ends you is usually going to carry most of the responsibility for covering your injuries and losses. However, not all accidents are straightforward. So, other might share some liability, like:
- Other drivers or motorcyclists not directly involved in the collision
- Pedestrians
- The San Pablo city government if there were bad road conditions or malfunctioning signage
- Construction workers or companies if road work contributed to the accident
- Parts manufacturers if there was a brake failure or something similar
Figuring out who’s responsible is critical to making sure you get the full compensation you deserve. Our team in San Pablo knows how to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and find every party that might be liable so you can get the most out of your claim.
What is the Claims Process Like After a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident?
You never want to be involved in any type of motorcycle accident, let alone one as serious as a rear-end collision. The reality, though, is that these accidents are fairly common throughout San Pablo, particularly during busier times of the day or year. That said, you typically have two main legal options for filing an injury claim when you’re in one of these accidents:
- Filing an insurance claim – This option can lead to a quicker settlement. However, insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so their offer may not fully cover your losses.
- Filing a lawsuit – Filing a lawsuit means your case will be decided by a judge and jury. This route takes more time and effort but can result in a more fair outcome, since it’s impartial.
Both methods let you recover “damages” for your losses, which can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages from missed work or lost earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering for physical injuries
- Emotional distress for any stress or anxiety relating to the accident
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries are fatal
- Punitive damages, in certain cases of intentional negligence
Understanding these options and factors is crucial for making the most out of your claim. But more importantly, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline means you won’t be able to recover damages.
What Causes Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents in San Pablo?
Rear-end motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to the actions of other drivers. In San Pablo, heavy traffic and busy streets make these types of accidents more likely. But it’s important to be prepared, so here’s some of the more common causes:
- Following too closely – When drivers follow motorcycles too closely, they may not have enough time to react if the motorcycle suddenly slows down or stops.
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting, eating, or talking to passengers can easily miss important traffic changes, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol or drugs can slow a driver’s reaction time and impair judgment, increasing the chances of a rear-end accident.
- Speeding – Driving too fast makes it harder for drivers to stop in time if a motorcycle slows or stops unexpectedly.
- Mechanical failures – Problems like brake failure can stop a driver from stopping quickly enough to avoid a crash.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions, like potholes, debris, or wet surfaces, can affect a vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
No matter the cause, rear-end motorcycle accidents can leave you seriously injured. If you’ve been in an accident in San Pablo, our team is here to help you with the legal process and guide you through your recovery.
Free Consultations for San Pablo Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Victims
Being in a rear-end motorcycle accident is stressful and can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you’ve been injured, my experienced team at NWR Law is here to support you. We’ll help you understand your legal options and work hard to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the support you deserve.