Bakersfield and the surrounding areas have many scenic routes for motorcyclists to enjoy. Unfortunately, our roads also experience serious motorcycle accidents that can result in loss of life and significant injuries.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Bakersfield motorcycle accident caused by another party’s actions, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. Insurance companies and defense attorneys sometimes argue that the motorcyclist was at fault in order to reduce or avoid liability.
You do not have to handle this situation on your own. You may wish to speak with a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer about your legal options.
Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have over 50 years of experience representing California injury victims. We investigate accidents and work to identify responsible parties under California law.
To discuss your situation, call us at (661) 402-8934 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
What Damages Can I Recover For My Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident?
The types and amount of compensation available in a motorcycle accident case depend on the specific facts and evidence involved.
Hit-and-run cases can present additional challenges, as you may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver fled the scene cannot be identified or located.
If you are able to establish liability, you may seek economic, non-economic, and, in limited circumstances, punitive damages.
Economic damages are generally more straightforward to calculate because they can often be supported by documentation such as receipts, invoices, bills, and paystubs. They may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future therapies
- Current and future lost wages
- The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle
- The cost of necessary modifications to your home or vehicle due to your injuries
- Other necessary expenses incurred because of your injuries
Non-economic damages are subjective and can be more difficult to quantify. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish or distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Economic and non-economic damages aim to compensate the victim as much as possible for their losses.
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are intended to punish certain types of wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior. This type of damage is not commonly awarded.
Under California law, punitive damages may be considered if there is clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party acted with malice, oppression, or fraud and that the plaintiff suffered actual damages.
A Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case and explain which categories of damages may apply.
Common Injuries in Bakersfield Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the limited physical protection available to riders.
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have less structural protection from impact forces, which can increase the risk of injury in a collision.
Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Lower extremity injuries
- Shoulder and arm injuries
- Neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Facial injuries
- Chest injuries
- Fatal injuries
These injuries may require emergency treatment and, in some cases, ongoing medical care. The long-term impact of an injury varies depending on its severity and the individual circumstances.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield or the surrounding area, you may wish to discuss your situation with our team.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury matters throughout California. We can review your case, answer your questions, and explain the legal process.
Call us at (661) 402-8934 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301