Oakland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

With more than 20 years of dedicated experience serving communities around the Bay Area, the attorneys at Callaway & Wolf have developed an insight in dealing with the perceptions held against motorcycle enthusiasts when they have an injury claim. Having been a former motorcycle owner and rider himself, law firm Partner Boone Callaway has handled a wide variety of motorcycle accident cases across the City of Oakland and San Francisco Bay Area.

The Oakland motorcycle accident attorneys at Callaway & Wolf have had extensive experience with motorcycle injury claims over the last two decades, and they understand the importance of a thorough investigation. For any injury claim, handling the investigation process immediately after the accident is critical, and the firm will do what it takes to recover all key pieces of evidence. Whether it is sending investigators to measure skid marks on the road, taking scene photographs, gathering available video, or hiring investigators to interview witnesses, the attorneys at Callaway & Wolf are prepared to handle the case. Depending on the facts of the case, supplementary professional support may be required, such as hiring experts to reconstruct the accident or testify in other areas such as visiblity, and the firm has the resources to obtain these. 

Risk Factors Associated With Motorcycle Accidents

We all know that motorcycle riders are susceptible to a much greater risk of accidents when on the road. People driving cars don’t look carefully enough. Even as motorcyclists do whatever they can to protect their safety, they still run the risk of being injured as a result of a careless driver. Motorists who drive while drowsy, under the influence of an intoxicating substance, or are distracted by their phone can cause serious harm to riders. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders also face road rage from other drivers.  Some drivers resent lane splitting, and will even deliberately drive in a way that makes it unsafe for cyclists.  People who drive too closely to motorcyclists fail to recognize that a motorcycle does not have the same stopping capabilities as a regular car. When the back tire of a rider is hit, even when going at low speeds, the rider can suffer serious injuries. 

Another major risk factor motorcyclists face is that of a catastrophic injury. Even when under the use of a well-built helmet and protective gear, motorcyclists do not have the protections of a metal frame that car & truck drivers have come to depend on for safety. Even a low speed impact can easily result in devastating injuries, that can lead to permanent disability, the inability to return to work, and even death. 

Available Compensation Following a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Every motorcycle accident will be different, and establishing liability will therefore be different in every case. Nonetheless, when the accident was caused as a result of another’s negligence, the victim has the right to seek monetary compensation from the liable party. Again, depending on the specific facts of the case, a victim will be able to recover damages that can range from past medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and even loss of quality of life.  Many drivers in California have the minimum liability insurance for injuries: $15,000 per person.  So it is important for cyclists to have their own uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage.

Although taking legal action immediately after every case is critical to the protection of important evidence, in many cases, it is recommended for victims to wait until their injuries have fully stabilized or healed before a claim is settled or tried in court. This is because many victims often suffer injuries that continue to develop with time, resulting in the need for future medical treatments. Once a settlement has been accepted, it is final. By waiting for the injury to fully develop, or obtaining a medical prognosis, the victim may be able to recover compensation for future medical expenses. 

California’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

The deadline for which a personal injury claim must be settled or filed in the State of California is two years from the date of the injury. It should be noted, however, that claims that involve the negligence of a public agency, such as State, city or county, the statute of limitations will usually be six months from the date of the incident. 

Speak to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Oakland, CA

If you or a loved one has suffered a motorcycle accident in the City of Oakland or Bay Area, filing a claim can help bring justice to the case. Obtain legal counsel by getting in touch with our motorcycle accident lawyers in Oakland at Callaway & Wolf. With more two decades of dedicated experience, the attorneys at Callaway & Wolf have the resources needed to aggressively seek compensation from the negligent part. Contact Callaway & Wolf today at 510-603-4988 and obtain a free, no-obligation consultation. 

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