Call Toll Free (661) 327-0601 En Español

Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle crashes killed 5,286 people in the U.S. in 2016, according to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle in an accident. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents are caused by careless drivers of passenger vehicles.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, call Faulkner Law Offices today. Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys will aggressively pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Why Choose Our Firm?

At Faulkner Law Offices, we are not intimidated by large insurance companies and their teams of lawyers. We are willing to take your case to trial if it means gaining the maximum possible compensation. Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers have been representing injured clients since 1974, with a focus exclusively on personal injury matters. We have a courtroom success rate of more than 90%.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Motorcycle accident cases are different than automobile collisions. Riding a motorcycle is perceived to be inherently risky, and insurance companies will attempt to show the rider to be at least partially at fault for the crash. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you pursue the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

California ranks among the states with the highest numbers of motorcycle accidents. Consumer Safety reports that motorcycle crashes statewide hit a record high in a recent year, with 480 fatalities and more than 11,780 riders involved in accidents.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) states that:

  • Motorcycle fatalities nationwide increased by 5.1% from 2015 to 2016.
  • In 2016, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.
  • Motorcyclist deaths represented 15.1% of all traffic fatalities in California in 2016.

What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

As stated in The Anatomy of a Motorcycle Crash, an article published by NHTSA, more than 80% of all police-reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death for the rider. Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, less stable, and less crashworthy than passenger vehicles. They lack the protective characteristics of an automobile, including a roof, door beams, airbags, and seatbelts.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Drivers turning left into the path of a motorcycle at intersections
  • Drivers failing to perform a head check and missing motorcycles in their blind spots
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol
  • Potholes and dangerous road conditions
  • Debris or obstacles in the roadway
  • Slippery road surfaces caused by inclement weather

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcyclists are far more likely to be seriously or fatally injured in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants. Injuries commonly sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

  • Leg and foot injuries, including fractures and amputations
  • Arm fractures
  • Road rash
  • Internal organ damage
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Eye and facial injuries

Contact Us for Help

Even when a motorcycle crash is caused by another driver, insurance companies will often try to assign fault to the motorcyclist. The fact is that many collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle are the fault of the other driver.

If you have been hurt in a serious motorcycle accident, get in touch with Faulkner Law Offices as soon as possible after the crash. Our Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve, either in or out of court.