Santa Barbara Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
People in need of a motorcycle accident attorney in Santa Barbara trust James McKiernan Lawyers to provide them with sound legal advice and high-quality professional representation to help them recover compensation for their personal injury caused by a careless, reckless or negligent driver.
Knowledgeable Representation from a Santa Barbara Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
Motorcycle riders involved in a collision with an automobile, bus or truck are at risk of serious injury or wrongful death. In fact, studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found that motorcyclists are nine times more likely to be injured in an accident than the occupant of an automobile, and 37 times more likely to be killed than a person in a car in the same crash. While automobiles are being continually made safer, there is little protection offered to a biker beyond a helmet and riding leathers. Protective clothing unfortunately offers little protection in the event of a serious accident. If you have been hurt in an accident, you need the assistance of injury lawyers in Santa Barbara who understand the unique issues that must be addressed in accidents involving motorcycles or serious injuries.
What causes motorcycle accidents? Probably the number one reason is carelessness or negligence on the part of the automobile driver. The duty to drive with reasonable care includes being aware of your surroundings, including other motorists on the road, and driving in a way that does not endanger them. Unfortunately, many drivers make lane changes and other maneuvers without checking their mirrors or looking over their shoulder and fail to see a motorcyclist before it is too late. Others simply misjudge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling. Then there is that class of drivers who simply do not respect motorcyclists and drive reckless or aggressively around them, not fully appreciating the limitations of bike and rider to respond to sudden stops, turns, and lane changes. The Santa Barbara motorcycle accident law firm of James McKiernan Lawyers works hard to hold these drivers fully accountable for their actions.
A Santa Barbara Motorcycle Accident Law Firm on Your Side
Riders, of course, must also operate their vehicles with care as well. With California law allowing for lane splitting/lane sharing, motorcyclists have a distinct advantage in getting through traffic. However, riding visibly and predictably, and with respect to current road and traffic conditions, are important elements of riding safely.
Motorcycle riders often face a tough challenge in court. Many people have a natural bias against motorcycles, and juries may be quick to judge the rider as being at least partially at fault in causing an accident. As motorcycle accident attorneys, we understand the importance of overcoming this bias to make sure the rider is not unfairly assessed with blame for an accident caused by a negligent driver.
Get Help for Your Motorcycle Accident Today
Motorcycle accident lawyers in Santa Barbara understand the thrill of riding along California’s scenic Central Coast, as well as the many dangers posed by weekend traffic rushing through the valleys, hills and bends of the 101 and Highway 1. Let us help you obtain the compensation you need to pay your bills and support your family while you recover from your injuries. Contact the Santa Barbara motorcycle accident law firm of James McKiernan Lawyers for a free consultation.
