A top-rated Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer like those at Bisnar Chase is ready to fight for you and your case. Our skilled personal injury attorneys have won over $800 million for our clients over the last 45 years and have established a 99% success rate.
Motorcycle riding is a prevalent pastime. However, many negligent drivers out on the road fail to check their blind spots for oncoming riders or pay proper attention. Because of this, hundreds of innocent bikers each year become the victims of motorcycle crashes.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Bisnar Chase’s Riverside personal injury attorneys at (951) 530-3711 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Our team includes acclaimed motorcycle injury attorneys who have won millions of dollars for victims, specifically in motorcycle crash cases. Trust our seasoned lawyers and legal team to get the best compensation after your accident. If we don’t win, you won’t pay.
Riverside Motorcycle Accident
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?
The (SOL) statute of limitations in California is two years for personal injury claims. Filing your claim quickly is essential in protecting your rights and ensuring you can go after compensation from the defendant(s).
“Personal injury law: Two years from the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, then it is 1 year from the date the injury was discovered.”
Compensation for a Riverside Motorcycle Accident
The compensation you can get will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the other driver’s fault. A motorcycle accident lawsuit can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to 7-8 figure settlements.
You may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:
Medical expenses: This includes the cost of your hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medications.
Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages for the time you were unable to work.
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced due to the accident.
Property damage: If your motorcycle was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Death: If someone is killed in a motorcycle accident, survivors may be able to recover damages for their loss of companionship, support, and financial assistance.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Riverside, California, it is essential to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and advocate for you in the insurance claim or lawsuit process.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
In California, contingency fees are allowed in most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. A contingency fee is the percentage of the final settlement the client owes the attorney if the case is successful. The percentage is typically between 33% and 40%, but it can vary depending on the case.
The attorney does not get paid anything if the case is unsuccessful. This means you do not have to pay anything out of pocket for legal fees, even if the case goes to trial. Contingency fees are a fair way for people who have been injured to get legal representation without having to pay upfront legal fees.
If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you should speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What Do I Need to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
- Check for injuries: The first thing you need to do is check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Move to a safe location: If you can, move to a safe place away from traffic. This will help to prevent further injuries. If possible, take photos or video before you move the motorcycle as it can be used for evidence in your case.
- Exchange information: Once you have moved to a safe location, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including their name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
- Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, you should still call the police. The police will come and take a police report of the accident, which will be vital if you file a lawsuit.
- Get follow-up medical attention: Even if you don’t think you are injured, getting follow-up medical attention as soon as possible is important. Sometimes injuries such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
- Take pictures and video: This evidence will be used in your injury lawsuit and could be vital to how much compensation you can recover.
- Do not admit fault: Even if you think you are at fault for the accident, it is important not to admit fault to the other driver, the insurance companies or the police as this could damage your case.
What Abilities Should the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Have?
- Experience with motorcycle accident cases: The lawyer should have a deep understanding of the laws and procedures involved in these types of cases and be familiar with the unique challenges motorcycle riders face.
- Proven Skills: The lawyer should have the skills to investigate and build a strong case, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, using experts in reconstruction scenes, and negotiating with insurance companies.
- Communication: Nothing is worse than a lawyer you can’t get ahold of. Most plaintiffs who switch attorneys do so because of poor communication.
lawyer. - Awards and recognition: A seasoned attorney with a proven track record will be able to showcase their honors and awards to give you trust in their ability.
Motorcycle Accidents in Riverside, California
Because motorcycles have practically no protection for their riders, accidents involving them are usually severe and often fatal. Sometimes reckless driving by bikers can cause an accident. But in many cases, crashes are caused by the negligence of other motorists.
The stats show how serious a motorbike collision can be for the victim.
The following are reports across recent years showing accident accidents and statistics from the Riverside area and further afield. This list provides a snapshot of the dangers, but many other incidents have occurred.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics:
- Every year, about 5,000 riders die, and another 90,000 suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents across the United States.
- Out of 8.6 million registered motor vehicles, the fatality rate for motorcycle accidents was 58.33 per 100,000 bikes.
- In many cases, alcohol and speeding are factors in motorcycle accidents. Out of 449 motorcycle riders killed, 29% had a BAC of .01+, 24% had a BAC of .08+(legally intoxicated), and 15% had a BAC of .15+
It is common for local motorcycle accidents to result in severe or even fatal injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents in Riverside:
- As of September 1, 2023, a 29-year-old biker was killed in Riverside, California’s most recent motorcycle accident at Arlington Avenue and Rutland Avenue. The motorcycle was involved in an accident where he collided with an investigator from the Riverside County District Attorney’s office driving while on the job. Uncertainty surrounds the accident’s specific cause and whether speed played a role in the tragedy.
- In a crash in 2012, rock star and Riverside native Mitch Lucker died from the injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident while riding his Harley Davidson, aged just 28 years old.
- The Press-Enterprise reported that a motorcycle incident left one dead and another critically injured. The rider suffered catastrophic brain injuries after being hit by a car while waiting to make a turn.
- A motorcyclist was killed in a fatal crash at Arlington Avenue and Pegasus Drive in Riverside after a driver failed to see the bike. The collision knocked the rider off their bike, and they were subsequently hit by two other vehicles, one of which failed to stop.
- A Riverside motorcyclist died in a crash while transitioning from the 60 Freeway to the 91 Freeway in 2021. The 51-year-old collided with the barrier.
Top 7 Most Common Causes of Riverside Motorcycle Collisions
Like many other types of traffic accidents, motorcycle accidents can happen in a split second. It only takes a moment of distraction or inattention. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Riverside include:
- Driving while distracted.
- Failing to yield to motorcycles.
- Inexperience in driving or unlicenced.
- Road debris, uneven pavement, potholes, and animals.
- Running a red light or stop sign at an intersection.
- Dangerous or defective roadways and poorly designed street intersections.
- Reckless or aggressive driving.
- The failure to look for motorcyclists before changing lanes, turning left, or entering traffic.
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Exceeding the speed limit or driving unsafely for the traffic, roadway, or weather conditions.
Severe crashes happen across the Inland Empire every day. If you or a loved one was injured or killed due to driver negligence or dangerous road conditions, contact the Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase to get the justice you deserve.
Most Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists in Riverside, California.
- Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street: This intersection is considered one of the most dangerous in Riverside County and has a high number of accidents involving motorcycles.
- Ynez Road and Winchester.
- Gilman Springs and Bridge Street.
- Other dangerous intersections in Riverside County include those at Arlington Avenue and Rutland Avenue, Alessandro Boulevard and Meridian Parkway, and Van Buren Boulevard and Jurupa Road.
Major Trauma in Motorcycle Accidents
Traumatic injuries in motorcycle accidents are one of the most common types, and they can happen to anyone. While most people involved in a motorcycle accident will end up with a few bumps, bruises, and some scrapes, there is always the chance that someone could be killed or suffer major trauma.
It is essential to ensure that the person does not move around too much, as this could cause additional blood loss and internal injuries, especially back and neck trauma.
Helmets reduce the risk of major trauma like head injuries by 85-90% and provide critical protection from brain injuries. They also offer neck and facial protection from chin straps and handlebars.
Eye protection is another important safety feature that many riders overlook and if you suffer major trauma to your eyes, it can be permanent.
Motorcyclists Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death for motorcyclists. Motorcycle accidents can result from a number of factors, including buzzed driving, speeding while highly impaired, and drug-impaired driving.
In addition to causing serious physical injuries, motorcycle accidents while under the influence can also result in long-term neurological damage and severe bone features as well as leading to long-term disability.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcyclists are twice as likely as car drivers to be killed in an accident.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
The following safety tips will help even the most seasoned motorist stay proactive to potential dangers on the road:
- Avoid blind spots: Inattentive drivers may not notice that you have pulled up alongside them. Avoid riding where motorists cannot see you near the back corner of their vehicles.
- Maintain a safe speed: You must obey the speed limit and slow down when traffic is congested or the roadways are slick.
- Use caution when lane splitting: While it is officially legal to split lanes in California, it can prove problematic in some situations. Drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists passing them between lanes of traffic. (You can read more on the legality of lane splitting in our blog: Lane Splitting in California
- Stay sober: Riding a motorcycle while under alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous to you and surrounding motorists. Intoxicants dull a rider’s reflexes and impair their cognitive and motor functions.
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear: California law requires the use of helmets. Riders and passengers should also protect their legs, arms, and hands with proper attire and accessories such as leather gloves and boots.
- Take safety courses: Riders recently receiving skill training are less likely to be involved in accidents.
Some of the items listed above are recommendations from authorities to help riders avoid accidents. But some of the points are also legal requirements.
Following California’s road laws will allow your attorney to file a successful motorcycle accident lawsuit in Riverside on your behalf.
If you do not follow the law and share some fault for the accident, we may still be able to help according to the comparative negligence laws in California. This point of the law states that you can still recover compensation if you share some level of blame for an accident.
What To Do If You're Involved in a Riverside Motorcycle Crash
Even the safest riders can be involved in an injury accident. What you do immediately after an accident can affect your ability to receive compensation for your losses.
- Ensure you notify the authorities immediately, typically the Riverside Police Department or Sheriff.
- Remain at the scene of the crash.
- Gather contact information from everyone involved and eyewitnesses.
- Take photos of the vehicles and accident site.
- See a doctor right away.
- Seek out the legal resources to protect your rights.
If you are badly injured, collecting evidence at the scene is difficult. Try asking someone else to do it for you. Even if that is impossible, our legal team will build a strong case for you.
Reaching out to our Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers will guarantee your best chance of receiving maximum compensation. Getting your injuries documented is very important, no matter what happens at the scene. Without medical records or proof of treatment, proving your pain and suffering can be impossible. Even if your injuries are minor, you should see a doctor.
The solid legal documentation will benefit you and your case when the time comes. Our Riverside injury lawyers have helped countless clients across Southern California. We know how to fight for you, no matter how complex your case is or becomes, and we will never give up.
Respected trial lawyers Brian Chase and John Bisnar discuss the evolving challenges associated with motorbike crash cases, and how our firm will win your motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Proving Driver Liability in Motorcycle Crash Cases
Ensuring you have an experienced Motorcycle Lawyer is essential when proving and winning your case. The most effective way to prove who was at fault in your accident is to trace your incident to an act of negligence:
- Did the driver fail to check their blind spot?
- Did the driver fail to signal for a lane change?
- Was the driver influenced by drugs, alcohol, or another substance?
- Did the driver have a vehicle malfunction that could have been prevented via routine maintenance?
Many crashes result from drivers failing to properly check their mirrors or blind spots and failing to see an approaching motorcycle.
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you have grounds to believe that the opposing driver is at fault, and you and your Riverside accident lawyer can use this in a court of law.
Additionally, if the accident was caused by a product defect of the opposing vehicle, you may press charges against the manufacturer via a class action lawsuit. Filling a class action lawsuit can not only deliver you the compensation you deserve but can also save lives by preventing defective vehicles from staying on the road.
Riverside Motorcycle Accident Compensation
With over 45 years of representing clients in Riverside and the Inland Empire, Bisnar Chase has the experience you need to win your injury case. Our 99% success rate and high approval rating have made us the number one personal injury law firm in the Riverside County area and a force to be reckoned with concerning Southern Californian auto insurance companies.
When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Riverside, you can receive a recovery for expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Emotional trauma
- Damages to your bike
- Lost wages
Every case is different, and the amount you could recover will depend on the severity and results of your accident. Contact our Riverside motorbike crash attorneys for expert advice on the amount you could recover and the best steps for your case.
Bisnar Chase has a track record of winning motorcycle accident cases across Southern California. In one recent victory, attorney Gavin Long represented a motorcyclist injured after being hit by a car. The defense team offered a settlement of $125,000, but Gavin took the case to trial and secured a $5.3 Million jury verdict.
Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial
It’s a common belief that insurance companies put their customers first. This notion is not always true. Many insurance firms are entirely concerned with their bottom line and make lowball offers to injured motorcycle accident victims.
Regardless of the offer on the table, you should talk it over with your lawyer first before signing anything. The reason for this is that, more often than not, the settlements that are offered by the insurance companies do not fully cover your injuries and losses.
The attorneys at Bisnar Chase are expert negotiators and can often increase settlement offers so that they more accurately reflect your pain, suffering, and losses.
Settlements are quicker and safer because jury decisions can be unpredictable. But sometimes, defense teams refuse to make reasonable settlement offers. Our firm has the resources to take your case to trial when that happens. Not all attorneys are willing to go to trial, but our team has plenty of courtroom experience. We will take your lawsuit as far as it needs to go for you to receive maximum compensation.
Riverside Motorcycle Accident FAQs
It is important to choose the right lawyer for your case after an accident. We aim to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. But if you have any questions that have not been answered, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Choose an attorney that protects you from out-of-pocket costs with only a contingent fee. Bisnar Chase offers a free consultation with no obligations and provides a no-win no fee promise if you sign with us. If we don’t win for you, you will not owe us anything.
We recommend contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations requires a claim to be filed within two years of an accident, but contacting us sooner than later will allow us to preserve evidence and build a stronger case for you.
Every case is different, and a lawsuit could take any amount of time, depending on its circumstances. It may be a matter of weeks if a settlement can be agreed, or years if it involves a trial and a lot of preparation. Contact us to find out more about the potential timeline for your case.
At Bisnar Chase we offer superior representation. We do not worry about the competition, we only care about doing right by the client. Our firm has a 99% success rate with $800M+ won for our clients. We are skilled, compassionate, and have decades of experience handling motorcycle accident claims. Contact us to find out more.
Contact a Riverside Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Many motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Without a steel frame, seat belt, or airbag to protect them, riders can suffer life-altering injuries in even low-speed collisions. Victims can pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim in such cases. A successful claim can result in support for medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering.
When a victim is killed in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, their family may file a wrongful death claim to receive support for their losses. At Bisnar Chase, we believe that at-fault parties must be held accountable. A successful wrongful death claim can result in support for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future wages, loss of inheritance, pain, and suffering, loss of emotional support, and other related damages.
We are here to help you secure the justice you deserve. We have been in business for more than 45 years, helping thousands of clients and maintaining a 99% success rate. Our firm is dedicated to holding wrongdoers accountable and winning maximum compensation for injury victims.
Contact our experienced Riverside motorcycle accident lawyers now. Call (951) 530-3711, use the live chat feature on our website for 24/7 assistance, or click here to email us and arrange a free consultation.
