San Jose Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In a collision, a motorcyclist’s body absorbs the brunt of the impact—there’s no steel frame or airbags to shield them. As a result, catastrophic injuries are far more common than in car accidents, often leading to extensive medical bills, long recovery times, and emotional tolls.
Unfortunately, San Jose is familiar with such accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the city had 141 fatal and injured victims of motorcycle crashes from 2019 to 2022.
Recovering after a motorcycle accident can feel like trying to climb a mountain with one arm in a sling. How do you juggle hospital visits, physical therapy sessions, and mounting expenses while filing a claim and dealing with insurance adjusters? That’s where we step in.
At The Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve spent nearly 50 years championing the rights of injured motorcyclists. From hit-and-runs to collisions caused by distracted drivers, we’ve seen it all; and we know how to go through the road to justice. Our San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys work tirelessly to gather evidence, prove liability, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
When it comes to motorcycle accident cases, you need a lawyer who understands your situation and turns their compassion into action. We don’t just fight for the sake of receiving compensation; we fight for your future. Here’s why we’re the team you want in your corner:
- A Legal Team as Unique as Your Case: Every motorcycle accident is different, and so is our approach. Your dedicated team of lawyers, case managers, and support staff works tirelessly to craft a strategy that fits your case like a glove.
- You Talk, We Listen: We get it—this is your life, recovery, and future. That’s why we tailor our strategies to your goals. You’ll always be heard and never be left wondering what’s next.
- Risk-Free Representation: The last thing you need is another financial worry. That’s why we operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. You don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
- Where You Are, When You Need Us: From sunny Long Beach to the sprawling Arizona desert, our offices and virtual consultations ensure you’re always connected to the support you need.
- Proven Results, Real Impact: 50 years. 100,000+ cases. $2 billion recovered. We’re not just experienced—we’re experienced in winning.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t let the process overwhelm you. Call us at 866-537-2488 for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life. You focus on the journey to recovery; we’ll handle the roadblocks.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
Larry H. Parker – San Jose, CA Office
Address: 2880 Zanker Rd Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +14088989510
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Imagine riding to work when a speeding driver hits you. In a split second, everything changes. You’re left facing mounting medical bills, missed paychecks, and the overwhelming complexity of handling insurance claims. This can seem like recovery is impossible.
How do you manage your case while focusing on healing? What happens if the at-fault party refuses liability or tries to pin the blame on you? And how do you counter their arguments effectively?
That’s where a skilled personal injury lawyer becomes your greatest ally, providing expert guidance and relentless support to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. They will manage your case’s legal aspects while you focus on improving.
Here’s how we make a difference:
- Say Goodbye to Legal Headaches: Deadlines, paperwork, and negotiations? Consider them handled. We take care of the complex legal jargon so you can focus on healing.
- Building a Winning Case: From collecting evidence to securing expert testimony, we create a rock-solid case to prove liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Uncovering Your Case’s True Value: Nothing is overlooked: Medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress. We ensure every aspect of your damages is accounted for.
- Fierce Negotiators on Your Side: We’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies. Whether it’s securing a maximum settlement or taking the fight to court, we don’t back down.
- Taking the Stress Off Your Shoulders: Recovery should be your top priority. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on getting back on your feet.
- Your Champion in the Courtroom: If settlement talks don’t yield justice, we’ll be your unwavering advocate in court, fighting tirelessly for the outcome you deserve.
- No Upfront Costs, No Risk: Our contingency fee structure means you only pay if we win your case. Justice shouldn’t come with a financial barrier.
Don’t face this journey alone. Contact us today, and let’s take the first step together toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We’ll handle the hard work so you can focus on moving forward.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries You May Face
Motorcycle crashes often lead to devastating, life-altering injuries due to the lack of physical protection riders have compared to occupants of other vehicles. These injuries can include:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impair memory, cognition and even alter a person’s personality. Helmets reduce risk but don’t eliminate it entirely.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Spinal injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically changing a rider’s ability to live independently.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in crashes, often requiring extensive surgeries, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
- Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions caused by sliding on pavement can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: Impact trauma can harm vital organs, leading to life-threatening situations that require immediate medical intervention.
- Amputations: Some injuries are so severe that limbs cannot be saved, forcing riders to adjust to an entirely new way of living.
- Death: Tragically, motorcycle accidents often result in fatal outcomes, leaving families devastated.
Recovery from these injuries—physical, emotional, and financial—requires resilience, support, and, often, skilled legal advocacy to ensure justice and compensation for the challenges ahead. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to us.
Why Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen?
Did you know that collisions with moving vehicles are the most dangerous for motorcyclists, causing 56.8% of motorcycle fatalities and 55.9% of injury crashes in 2021? The unique vulnerabilities of motorcycling and external factors make these accidents particularly devastating. Here’s why:
- Helmet Use
Helmets save lives. Yet, despite their proven effectiveness, some riders choose to forgo helmets, often with tragic consequences. A single decision can mean the difference between walking away from an accident or sustaining life-altering injuries. - Distracted Driving
A moment of inattention can be catastrophic, whether from a texting driver or a distracted rider. With approximately 3,000 annual fatalities linked to distracted driving, motorcyclists are at an even greater risk because they’re harder to see and less protected than cars. - Dangerous Lane Behavior
Reckless lane-splitting, unsignaled lane changes, and weaving through traffic are dangerous practices that increase the likelihood of collisions. While these behaviors may seem like time-savers, a misjudged maneuver can lead to devastating outcomes. - Speeding
Speed kills—literally. Speeding reduces reaction time, increases stopping distances, and diminishes vehicle control. For motorcyclists, speeding exacerbates the risks, as higher crash forces dramatically increase the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities. - Drinking and Riding
Alcohol and motorcycles are a deadly mix. Impaired riders have slower reflexes, poor judgment, and decreased coordination—key skills needed for safe riding. - Weather and Road Hazards
Uneven pavement, wet roads, gravel, and poor visibility can spell disaster for motorcyclists. Unlike car drivers, riders are directly exposed to the elements, making even minor road hazards potentially life-threatening.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention. Whether you’re a rider or a motorist sharing the road, vigilance, responsibility, and respect for safety measures can make all the difference.
Who Can I Sue in a Motorcycle Accident?
In a motorcycle accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to receive compensation for your incurred damages. However, before doing so, you must clearly demonstrate that another party’s actions or negligence directly caused the crash to be able to sue against them.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the basic level of care that a reasonable person would in the same situation. If this lapse causes harm, the person can be held accountable.
For example, imagine a drowsy driver suddenly veering into your lane—a reckless act that leads to a collision with a motorcyclist. Their actions are negligent because a reasonable person would avoid driving while fatigued, knowing the risks. If their carelessness caused your injuries, they can be held liable for the damage and disruption they caused in your life.
To build a successful claim, you’ll need to prove:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act to avoid harming others.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to uphold that responsibility through careless or reckless behavior.
- Causation: Their actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: The incident resulted in measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Moreover, a strong case relies on clear, convincing evidence, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Police or accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the scene
- Expert testimonies
You’ve already endured the pain, stress, and financial toll of your accident—the last thing you need is the added burden of legal complexities. At our motorcycle law firm, we take care of everything. From gathering critical evidence to building a compelling case, we handle the hard work so you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery.
Can I File a Claim If I Wasn’t Helmeted During the Collision?
In California, it’s required by law for all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets. It might complicate your claim if you weren’t wearing one during your accident, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
You can still pursue compensation if another driver was at fault, but the insurance company might argue that not wearing a helmet made your injuries worse, reducing your payout. California uses a pure comparative negligence system, so if you’re partly at fault, your settlement will be reduced by that percentage.
For example, if a drunk driver hit you and you weren’t wearing a helmet, the insurance might claim that your head injuries would have been less severe if you had. If the investigation finds you’re 15% at fault for not wearing one, you could still recover 85% of the damages.
While the insurance company may try to use your lack of a helmet against you, skilled motorcycle crash lawyers can fight back, showing that the other driver’s negligence was the real cause of your injuries.
What Damages Are Available for Accident Victims in Long Beach, CA?
After a motorcycle accident, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. You may be able to seek compensation through two main types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. Each type addresses different aspects of the pain and loss you’ve experienced.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for the tangible financial losses resulting from your injuries, including:
- Medical Bills: This includes everything from initial care to future treatments, surgeries, or therapy.
- Lost Wages and Income: You shouldn’t suffer financially because you couldn’t work due to your injuries. You can get compensated for the time you missed at work or any reduced earning capacity.
- Disability Costs: If your injury limits your ability to earn money in the future, this helps cover the impact.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy or other recovery services can also be covered.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes things like travel to medical appointments or any medical supplies you need.
- Nursing or Personal Assistance: These costs can be included if you need ongoing help with daily tasks due to your injuries.
- Funeral Expenses: Compensation can cover funeral costs in tragic cases where a loved one is lost.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses are financial. Non-economic damages are about getting compensated for the emotional and mental toll an accident takes on you, including:
- Physical Pain: Chronic pain or long-term suffering from injuries deserves compensation.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: If your injuries leave permanent scars or changes in appearance, these can be factored into your compensation.
- Loss of Quality of Life: If your injuries prevent you from doing things you once loved, like hobbies or activities, that’s also something you should be compensated for.
- Emotional Distress: Dealing with trauma and emotional struggles after an accident can be just as hard as the physical recovery, and it should be acknowledged.
- PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder from the accident can impact your mental health, and that’s part of the recovery process.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation is available for families affected by the accident’s emotional impact on relationships.
A fair settlement isn’t just about covering out-of-pocket expenses—it’s about recognizing the full scope of your financial and emotional loss. With the right legal team, you can ensure that all your hardships, from medical bills to emotional pain, are considered.
Should I Speak with the Insurance Company After the Accident?
If the insurance company contacts you, be cautious. They may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize their payout. They might try to get you to say something that downplays the accident or shifts the blame, all to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
Insurance adjusters are trained to work in the company’s favor, not yours. One wrong statement could hurt your case. To protect your rights and ensure fair compensation, speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer first is best. They’ll guide you through the process, protect your interests, and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Work with the Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Jose, CA
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s understandable to feel lost or stressed about what comes next. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go through this alone. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’re more than just your lawyers—we’re here to be your advocates and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we’ll stand by your side every step of the way:
- You’re Never Left in the Dark: We’ll keep you informed and involved so you always know what’s happening with your case.
- We Fight for You: Insurance companies are demanding, but we’re tougher. We’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- We Coordinate Your Care: We’ll work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure you get the medical attention you need.
- We’ve Got Your Back Emotionally: We understand your stress and are here to provide the support you need while you focus on healing.
- Personalized Legal Service: We’ll meticulously build your case, from establishing liability to assessing damages, all while protecting your rights.
The aftermath of an accident can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to shoulder that burden. Our team works tirelessly to get you the financial support you need so you can concentrate on your well-being.
Ready to take that first step toward justice? Call us today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to guide you through this every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- California Personal Injury Settlements: Taxable or Not?
- Understanding DUI Accidents Involving Motorcycles in California
- Is a Cyclist Without a Helmet Liable for a Bike Accident?
- California Brake Check Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
Directory
LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS
- SM Auto Repair & Smog– 463 Blossom Hill Rd Ste E, San Jose, CA 95123
- Caliber Collision – 1802 Angela St, San Jose, CA 95125
- Akins Auto Repair – 351 Keyes St, San Jose, CA 95112
- Reliable Auto Repair – 463 Blossom Hill Rd #G4, San Jose, CA 95123
- L&T Auto Repair – 701 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
HOSPITALS
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – 751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Regional Medical Center of San Jose – 225 N Jackson Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
- Good Samaritan Hospital – 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124
- O’Connor Hospital – 2105 Forest Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
- Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center – 250 Hospital Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95119
RECOVERY CENTERS FOR TRAUMA AND REHABILITATION
- San Jose Behavioral Health – 455 Silicon Valley Blvd, San Jose, CA 95138
- Momentum for Mental Health – 185 Martinvale Ln, San Jose, CA 95119
- Santa Clara County Department of Alcohol & Drug Services – 2101 Alexian Dr # 110, San Jose, CA 95116
- El Camino Hospital – Behavioral Health Services – 2660 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
- Horizon Services Inc – Horizon South – 650 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
COURTHOUSES
- Superior Court of Santa Clara County- 191 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Hall Of Justice – 190-200 W Hedding St, San Jose, CA 95110
- Old County Courthouse- 61 N First St, San Jose, CA 95113
- Santa Clara County Courthouse- 1095 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Sixth District Court of Appeal – 333 W Santa Clara St #1060, San Jose, CA 95113
*Disclaimer – We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing on our website.*