California personal injury law surrounding motorcycle and bicycle accidents can be complex. Fortunately, our frequently asked questions articles can demystify some of the process.

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  • When should I see a physician for a road-rash injury?

    If you fell from your motorcycle during an accident on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, chances are you have serious skin abrasions, or road rash, that occurred when your body slid across the pavement. To make matters worse, gravel, dirt, and other debris may be embedded in the wounds.

    Motorcycle riders are often reluctant to seek medical attention after an accident. However, in this case, failing to treat a serious case of road rash can result in the injury becoming even more severe and causing long-term complications. Following are some guidelines to help you know when to seek medical attention for a road rash injury:

    • Severe pain – While many road-rash injuries can be treated at home, some are too severe. If you have an extremely painful injury, see a doctor for treatment, which may include additional wound care and prescription pain medication.
    • Infection  – An infection can be very serious if it is not properly treated. If you think your injury is infected, see your doctor right away for an evaluation. Oral antibiotics and additional wound care may be required to clear up the problem.
    • There is doubt – As the victim of a motorcycle accident, you should never second-guess yourself when it comes to your health. It is always better to get a road-rash injury checked out by a doctor than to suffer at home and chance an infection.

    Just as you should not hesitate to contact a doctor, do not hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident attorney to seek compensation for your damages. To discuss your legal options, simply fill out the contact form you see on this page.

  • I was recently involved in a pedestrian accident in Riverside. Do I need to keep my medical records after the accident?

    Walking is a great way to from point A to point B. Whether you are walking to work or walking for exercise, it is important to stay safe. Unfortunately, there are many times that a walker’s safety is jeopardized by a passenger vehicle. A pedestrian cannot compete with the size and speed of a vehicle, which creates a very dangerous situation for the pedestrian.

    If you have been injured due to a passenger vehicle it is important that you understand that you can recover any damages caused by the accident. After being involved in a pedestrian accident in Riverside, you need to present evidence to your attorney.

    One of the important pieces of evidence your attorney will need to help build a solid case in your favor is your medical records. Three reasons it is important to keep your medical records for you attorney are:

    • Prove injury – The driver’s insurance company will surely question the extent of the injuries you sustained. Having your medical records will show proof of the injuries that were sustained.
    • Help your lawyer – To build a solid case your Riverside pedestrian accident attorney will need every bit of info possible. Having your medical records will help your attorney do this.
    • Set a dollar amount – There may be a number of factors that play a role in the amount you will receive in your claim. Medical costs are one of the major factors. Having documentation of what was spent on medical cost will help to set the amount your lawyer will go for.

    Begin your claim today by contacting a Riverside pedestrian accident lawyer at Steinberg. Call 800-989-6385 today for a free case evaluation.

  • I understand that passenger vehicles are often the cause of bicycle accidents in Los Angeles. Do you have any advice to keep me safe while on my bike?

    Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Los Angeles. Many people decide to use a bicycle to commute to work, exercise, or to simply get around town. Even with a large number of bicyclists on the road, passenger vehicles still show little regard for them. Negligent vehicles are one of the main causes for injury for a bicycle rider.

    The majority of accidents involving bicycles and passenger vehicles may be very difficult for the bicyclist to avoid. However, by taking some extra precautions a cyclist may be able to lower his risk of being involved in a California bicycle accident.

    Three ways you can lower your risk of being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle are:

    • Pay attention to traffic signals – It is important to remember that as a bicyclist you need to adhere to traffic signals and signs. Be sure to come to a complete stop at stop signs and stop lights.
    • Pass a line of stopped cars with caution – It is not uncommon for a bicycle rider to come upon a line of stopped vehicles. It may be very tempting to pass these vehicles on the right. The cyclist should pass with extreme caution paying attention to the signal lights on the vehicles.
    • Ride at a safe speed – Riding a bicycle at a high rate of speed can be thrilling. It can also be dangerous. A cyclist should always maintain a rate of speed that is safe.

    Riding a bike in L.A. can be dangerous, but if you follow the rules of the road, and ride defensively and smart, you can stay safe.. If you have been involved in an accident contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer at Steinberg to seek compensation:  800-989-6385.

  • Do bicyclists have to follow the same rules on the road as a car?

    The answers is a big YES.  Under the California Vehicle Code, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and bicyclists are bound by the same rules.  Bicyclists must stop at stop signs and red lights, etc.  Recently in Santa Monica a man was convicted for assault with a deadly weapon because he ran a red light and seriously injured a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

  • Does Uninsured Motorist Auto Insurance cover me if I am hit by a car while I am on my bicycle?

    YES!  Good UM coverage is essential.  It is very inexpensive to add to your existing automobile insurance coverage. Protect yourself.
     

  • Is motorcycle lane sharing allowed in California?

    The California Motorcycle Handbook discusses the dangers of lane sharing, but it does not say the practice is illegal.

    Lane sharing refers to a car and motorcycle sharing the same lane. It is not considered to be a safe practice. According to the motorcycle handbook, “Cars and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is not safe.” Sharing a lane with a car, can leave a motorcycle incredibly vulnerable. The car could switch lanes suddenly or make a quick, unexpected turn. Even throwing an object out of a car could cause injury to a motorcyclist who is sharing the lane.

    Although lane sharing may be legal in California, it doesn’t mean you should do it. Refrain from participating in this driving behavior and discourage others as well.

    If you have been hurt in a Southern California motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced Riverside motorcycle accident attorney at our office today by calling (800) 989-6385 or filling out our online form.

    Be sure to order a FREE copy of the book, 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.  The information contained in this guide will shock you!

  • I was injured in a motorcycle crash in Oxnard. The police came to the scene, but Im a little confused by the police report that was taken. What is generally included in this report?

    The police report is important to an injury claim.  It is considered to be an unbiased narrative of the accident.  The police officer generally includes a description of the events that led up to the crash, as well as witness testimony.  There will also be information regarding physical evidence, such as skid marks, traffic signals and the direction of the vehicles’ travel.

    If there were any traffic violations, the officer will include it in the report as well.

    You mentioned that you were confused by the police report.  If you feel that the information is not accurate, you may want to consult an experienced Ventura County motorcycle accident attorney.  A lawyer will be able to review the report and the details of your case.

    For a free case evaluation, contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers.  You can reach our office by calling (800) 989-6385.

    Be sure to order a FREE copy of our controversial book, 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.

  • What are some of the things I need to do following a motorcycle accident in California?

    The first thing you need to do is tend to your injuries.  It is not the time to try and “tough it out” by failing to see a physician.  What might feel like minor pain could be a serious injury.  Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can lead to internal injuries and other serious health issues, so you don’t want to wait to seek medical help.

    If your accident was serious, you might want to consider talking with a Riverside motorcycle accident attorney. You should get legal advice before talking with the insurance company.  If you say something to the insurance adjuster that was taken out of context, it could impact your case. 

    You should also hold off on signing any papers that the insurance company has sent.  Talk with an attorney first.  Since most motorcycle accident attorneys offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by talking with a legal professional.

    For more information, contact our office today by calling (800) 989-6385 or filling out our online form.

    Be sure to order a FREE copy of our controversial book, 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.

  • Can paraplegia be treated? My son was severely injured in a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles and has been diagnosed with this condition.

    We are sorry to hear about your son’s tragic motorcycle accident. Paraplegia is a devastating condition and unfortunately, the damage cannot be reversed.

    Surgery may be required to address the spinal cord injury and rehabilitation is typically recommended. In some cases, the medical provider will prescribe medication to control muscle spasms. However, treatment is generally focused on preventing additional complications, instead of treating paraplegia. 


    Your son’s doctor will take measures to prevent serious complications, such as blood clots, pressure sores (a.k.a. bedsores), low blood pressure and constipation.

    If the motorcycle wreck was caused by the other driver’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at our office.  You can obtain a free consultation by calling (800) 989-6385.
     

  • Are California motorcycle accidents more expensive than car crashes?

    For the most part, motorcycle crashes result in higher medical expenses and other costs than car accidents.  The reason for this is that motorcyclists tend to suffer more serious injuries than motorists, because they have little protection in an accident.  They are therefore vulnerable to catastrophic injuries that can take weeks, even months to recover from. 

    A motorcycle accident will frequently lead to multiple injuries, such as head trauma and back injuries.  Many times, these injuries are permanent.

    If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at our office at (800) 989-6385.