I Was Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash on I-80, But I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet. Can I Still Recover Damages?
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, no matter their age or experience level. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash on I-80 and weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still be able to recover damages under California’s comparative negligence system.
Under the state’s comparative negligence rules, each party involved in the accident is assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading to the incident. These percentages directly affect the compensation amounts awarded. For example, if you sustained $100,000 in damages but were found to be 25% at fault for your injuries due to not wearing a helmet, your recovery would be reduced by 25%, leaving you still eligible to recover $75,000.
Don’t assume you don’t have a case after suffering injuries in a motorcycle wreck, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Our Solano County motorcycle accident lawyers can review your circumstances and walk you through your legal options.
Don’t settle for less. Fight for full compensation.
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$2,000,000 Truck Accident
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$1,850,000 Pedestrian Accident
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$1,800,000 Motorcycle Accident
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$1,750,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
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$1,495,000 Premises Liability
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$1,410,000 Premises Liability
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$1,300,000 Pedestrian Accident
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$1,000,000 Rollover Accident
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"Colby was professional, caring and listened carefully to what our son's desired outcomes were."
Our adult son was hit by a car while on vacation in San Rafael CA. We recieved the call the night before Thanksgiving 2022. We flew from MPLS to San Fransisco and got to the hospital where our son was. He was injured badly, after emergency brain surgery he was placed in a medically induced coma he woke up after three day's. We decided as a family to contact an attorney. We contacted Kuvara Law firm and talked with Colby. Colby assured us that the only interest she had was the well being of our son. She went above and beyond to navigate out of state insurance and an entire host of other issues. Our entire family would recomend Kuvara Law firm to anyone looking for representation.
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Beyond grateful with the service and support the professionals at Kuvara Law Firm offered me every step of the way in this process. I know being in a situation of need and not knowing where to begin is overwhelming and quite frankly a bit scary.
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Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the roads due to the lack of physical protection between them and other vehicles. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack seat belts, airbags, and structural barriers that provide a buffer during a collision. This means that in the event of an accident, motorcyclists often experience direct contact with other vehicles, the ground, or roadside obstacles. The velocity at which these crashes occur exacerbates the force of impact.
The potential severity of the resulting injuries underlines the importance of getting legal advice as quickly as possible after an accident. Our Solano County motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost income from missed work, and any lifestyle changes that your injuries require.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Some drivers refuse to share the road with motorcyclists. This disregard often stems from a lack of awareness, impatience, or outright bias against motorcycles and frequently leads to reckless and dangerous behaviors. When a driver’s negligence leads to a motorcycle wreck, the driver is generally liable for the injuries they cause.
Many motorcycle collisions are caused by:
- Failing to check blind spots. Drivers often neglect to properly check their blind spots when changing lanes. Motorcycles, being smaller than cars, can easily go unnoticed in a vehicle's blind spot, causing abrupt lane changes to result in severe collisions.
- Distracted driving. Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car systems can cause drivers to take their eyes and attention off the road. Even a moment of distraction may prevent a driver from seeing an approaching motorcycle.
- Tailgating. Following a motorcycle too closely limits reaction time for both the driver and the motorcyclist. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and tailgating creates a high risk of rear-end collisions, which are particularly dangerous for riders.
- Failing to yield. Some drivers ignore traffic rules regarding yielding the right of way, especially at intersections. This conduct frequently puts motorcyclists at risk, as riders rely on others to follow these laws to safely maneuver through busy areas.
- Speeding. Excessively speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to motorcyclists in time. High speeds also magnify the impact in the event of a collision and can significantly increase the severity of injuries for motorcyclists.
- Opening vehicle doors carelessly. Drivers or passengers sometimes open car doors without checking for approaching motorcycles. This sudden obstruction can cause motorcyclists to crash, swerve, or collide with the door.
You Deserve Fair Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay for your medical bills or make up for lost income linked to your injuries, especially if you won’t be able to work for an extended or indefinite period of time. Our team at Kuvara Law Firm can work tirelessly to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable. If the insurance companies refuse to offer an acceptable settlement, we are fully prepared to litigate and seek the best possible outcome in court.
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash, put our experienced trial attorneys on your side. Call (628) 240-1014 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you today.