You could sue for a no-contact motorcycle accident in California if the other driver were negligent. Even without an actual collision taking place, no-contact motorcycle accidents can still cause serious injuries. The legal system provides an opportunity for the victims of these crashes to achieve justice. At Salamati Law, we are experienced advocates for these types of accidents.
Causes of No-Contact Motorcycle Crashes
Just as it sounds, a no-contact motorcycle accident occurs when the motorcycle crashes without contact with another vehicle. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers know that many of these no-contact accidents are caused by another driver’s negligent actions. Perhaps they suddenly change lanes– without using a turn signal. In response, you swerve and lose control of your motorcycle.
Common Injuries Suffered in No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
Serious motorcycle accident injuries can include the following:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Death
What Your Lawyer Needs to Prove
One of the most challenging aspects of bringing a no-contact motorcycle accident claim is proving that that other driver was negligent. This means that they failed to act as a reasonable person would have– under similar circumstances. In general, this standard is typically met if a traffic law is violated—e.g., the other driver is speeding, runs a red light, drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or makes an unsafe lane change.
However, it is essential to note that the circumstances in play at the time of the accident are also relevant. There may be a driving rainstorm at the time of your crash in a 65 miles per hour zone. The other motorists are traveling 35 miles per hour, but one vehicle drives 60 miles per hour before losing control and crashing into your motorcycle. That motorist would still likely be negligent— despite not exceeding the speed limit.
What if the Other Driver Does Not Stop After the Accident?
Drivers who cause no-contact crashes may not even realize that you crashed or that they were the ones who caused it. Others may realize what they have done but still fail to stop. Either way, it is crucial for you to try to obtain their license plate number. You may not have had the time or opportunity to see it and remember it, but eyewitnesses to your accident may have. Alternatively, the entire crash– and the other vehicle’s license plate– may have been captured on dashcam footage or a property surveillance camera.
If you hire an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you, they should know how to properly investigate your crash to determine if this footage exists. However, it is still incumbent upon you to speak with as many eyewitnesses as possible. Even if the other driver realizes what has happened to you and stops, you will still need evidence proving that they were negligent. This could come in the form of that driver admitting fault, the police report, eyewitness accounts, or surveillance footage.
The Insurance Company is Not Your Friend
The other driver’s insurance company is not your friend. They are charged with one singular goal; to minimize your financial compensation. If you attempt to handle your claim by yourself, you will very likely receive lowball settlement offers. On the other hand, if you hire the right attorney, you will send the message to the defendant that your claim must be taken seriously.
Contact us for a free consultation
Salamati Law was founded in 1995 to advocate for justice on behalf of innocent personal injury victims. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers keep our clients informed every step of the way so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. If you have been injured in a no-contact motorcycle accident in California, call us today to arrange a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not charge our clients legal fees unless they win.
