A motorcycle accident can quickly turn your life upside down. Because there is little protection for riders and a disparity in the size and weight of motorcycles compared to vehicles, motorcycle injuries are often serious.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may benefit from speaking with a Santa Cruz motorcycle accident attorney with experience handling serious injury claims. Jacoby & Meyers represents injured riders throughout California.
For over 50 years, our accident attorneys have supported California motorcycle accident victims by providing dedicated legal representation as they seek recovery for their injuries.
Contact us at (408) 341-6883 or visit our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and discuss potential next steps.
Common Causes of Santa Cruz Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can have numerous causes. Motorcyclists are vulnerable to hazards that most vehicles pay little attention to. Some of the most common causes of Santa Cruz motorcycle accidents include:
- Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and slick pavements can quickly cause a motorcycle crash.
- Speeding is the cause of many motorcycle accidents. About one-third of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by speeding.
- Drunk or drugged driving by either the cyclists or another driver can quickly cause a serious crash.
- Left turn accidents are one of the most dangerous causes of motorcycle accidents. More than 40% of all motorcycle crashes are caused by a vehicle making an illegal left turn in front of the rider.
- Head-on collisions are especially dangerous in motorcycle accidents. About half of all motorcycle fatalities involve head-on collisions.
- Lane-splitting accidents may be legal in many areas, but they can lead to serious accidents. Drivers can be distracted when changing lanes and crash into motorcycles.
- The motorcyclist’s or other drivers’ inexperience can cause serious accidents.
These are just some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Santa Cruz. You may wish to consult an experienced Santa Cruz motorcycle accident attorney to investigate your accident, determine possible causes, and identify potentially liable parties.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-threatening trauma. Here are the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes:
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injury
- Head injury
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim in California is generally two years. You typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a suit.
However, exceptions may apply. Consulting an experienced Santa Cruz motorcycle accident attorney can help clarify the deadline applicable to your situation.
Santa Cruz Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents remain a significant concern in Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County. In 2021, Santa Cruz city reported 14 motorcycle-related victims killed and injured, ranking 23rd out of 105 similarly sized cities for motorcycle accidents. The city’s overall composite ranking for traffic safety was 74th out of 105 cities.
Recent incidents highlight the ongoing risk. On December 18, 2024, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Soquel San Jose Road in the Santa Cruz mountains, claiming the life of a 68-year-old man from Los Gatos. This tragic event underscores the dangers motorcyclists face on winding mountain roads.
On a broader scale, California witnessed 13,381 injury and fatality motorcycle crashes in 2021, according to the California Highway Patrol’s SWITRS data. In 2020, 539 motorcyclists lost their lives in California accidents.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may wish to speak with an experienced Santa Cruz motorcycle accident attorney. Jacoby & Meyers can investigate your accident, determine potential causes, identify liable parties, and build your case.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have more than 50 years of experience representing injured riders in California.
Call us today at (408) 341-6883 or visit our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation. We look forward to speaking with you and guiding you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Cases
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means attorney’s fees are owed only if there is a recovery. Our fee is typically a percentage of the amount recovered. We also offer free consultations.
What Expenses Should I Expect During My Case?
While we may advance all case-related costs, these can include medical record fees, expert witness fees, court filing fees, and investigation expenses. Case costs are typically reimbursed from the recovery, if any.
How Long Will My Case Take to Settle?
The timeline for a motorcycle accident case varies depending on factors such as injury severity, insurance negotiations, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some cases resolve within months, while others may take longer.
What Are the Filing Deadlines?
California generally has a two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims. Claims involving government entities may require notice within six months.
Should I Talk to Insurance Companies?
You may wish to consult with an attorney before providing recorded statements to an insurance company. Early statements can affect how a claim is evaluated.
What If I’m Partially at Fault?
California follows pure comparative negligence rules, which allow individuals to seek recovery even if they share a degree of responsibility for an incident. In such cases, any potential recovery is adjusted in proportion to each party’s percentage of fault as determined by the facts of the case.
What Records Do I Need?
Essential documents include:
How Is My Case Worth Determined?
Case value depends on factors including:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs
- Impact on quality of life
Do I Really Need an Attorney?
Motorcycle accident cases can involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced attorney can help:
- Explain your rights
- Gather important evidence
- Evaluate damages
- Navigate legal complexities
- Pursue your compensation
- Represent you in negotiations or litigation, if necessary
What Are My Responsibilities During the Case?
Your main responsibilities include:
- Following medical treatment plans
- Keeping records of expenses
- Attending scheduled appointments
- Staying in communication with your attorney
- Being honest about all case details
Areas We Serve
Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Davenport, and communities throughout San Lorenzo Valley