Bakersfield is home to a thriving motorcycle culture and community. The Dirty Saints and the Bakersfield Harley Owners Group are both based in Bakersfield. Both clubs have members who enjoy group rides around the area, take part in fun activities, and love exploring the local roads on two wheels.
With its beautiful weather and scenic roads, it’s no wonder so many ride motorbikes in this area. Unfortunately, Bakersfield’s roads also pose serious risks to motorcyclists. Data shows that motorcyclists are about 27 times more likely to die in an accident compared to people in passenger vehicles.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Bakersfield
Accidents are common, especially for motorcyclists. In 2023, motorcycle accidents surged, with 101 injury-causing crashes and 6 fatalities. In July of this year, a 21-year-old motorcyclist died when he hit a tree in South Bakersfield. In August, another motorcyclist was badly injured in a collision with a car.
There are several factors that contribute to the higher risk of motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield:
- Driver Negligence – Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers of other vehicles not seeing the motorcyclist and violating their right-of-way. Common errors include left-turn violations, sideswipes, and rear-end collisions. Drivers underestimate the speed of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Hazardous Road Conditions – Roads that are poorly maintained, and have loose gravel, potholes, or other debris can be extremely dangerous for bikers. Wet roads or spilled fluids also create slippery conditions.
- Speeding/Reckless Driving – Excessive speed combined with the lack of stability and protection on a motorcycle often leads to single-vehicle accidents. Some riders lack proper training and take unnecessary risks.
- Impaired Riding – Riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs impairs judgement and reaction time. Even small amounts of alcohol can be deadly for motorcyclists.
- Lack of Motorcycle Safety Gear – Helmets and protective clothing greatly reduce the risk of injury and death in the event of an accident. However, some riders still resist wearing gear.
Protecting the Rights of Injured Riders
When a motorcycle accident occurs in Bakersfield, the biker often suffers severe injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, burns, and amputations. Their injuries can leave them unable to work and facing enormous medical bills and other expenses.
It’s critical for injured riders to consult an experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can launch an independent investigation of the accident, preserve important evidence, and fight to recover maximum compensation for the biker’s injuries, damages, and losses.
Common compensation sources may include:
- The at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy
- Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage from the biker’s own policy
- Personal injury protection and medical payments coverage
- Additional insurance policies that may apply
- Government benefits like disability or workers’ compensation
- Legal claims against third parties like vehicle manufacturers, if defects contributed to the accident
A motorcycle accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can also advise the injured motorcyclist on their legal rights and options going forward. They will deal with the insurance companies and aggressively negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to court if needed. This allows the biker to focus on recovery.
How a Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Retaining a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after a motorcycle crash is crucial for protecting the injured biker’s rights and obtaining maximum compensation. An experienced lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation – Inspecting the accident scene, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, researching road conditions, etc.
- Prove liability of the negligent parties – Establish who is at fault through evidence like skid marks, debris, video footage, etc.
- Challenge unfair insurance settlements – Push back on low-ball offers and get the maximum payout the biker deserves
- Negotiate reduction of medical bills – Work to lower inflated charges from hospitals, clinics, etc. to ease the financial burden
- Manage communications – Act as the point of contact with insurance adjusters, healthcare providers, and other parties
- Advise on legal strategy – Provide guidance at every stage of the claim process and legal proceedings
- Avoid costly errors – Prevent mistakes that could negatively impact the biker’s case
- Take the case to trial if necessary – Be fully prepared to argue the case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be devastating, both physically and financially. Working with an experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field and helps injured bikers get justice and receive the compensation they rightly deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
While no two motorcycle crashes are exactly alike, examining some of the more common accident scenarios can help illustrate how a skilled attorney establishes liability and fights for maximum compensation:
Left-Turn Collision
A common accident involves a vehicle turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. The biker often suffers severe injuries when broadsided by the vehicle.
Rear-End Collision
If a biker is stopped at a red light when they are suddenly struck from behind by a distracted SUV driver, it can cause the rider to be thrown from the motorcycle. An attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can establish liability and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company covering both the rider’s injuries and damage to the motorcycle.
Uninsured Driver
A motorcyclist may suffer broken bones or worse when an unlicensed, uninsured driver blows through a stop sign and T-bones the biker’s motorcycle. The at-fault driver might the flee the scene. A motorcycle accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can track down the uninsured driver and file a claim directly against him.
Motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield also happen because of dangerous weather conditions or poorly maintained roads. Many bikers only ride in good weather, but some use their motorcycles to commute to work, so are out in all weathers.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. Visit our office at 4900 California Ave. Bldg. B, 2nd Fl., Bakersfield, CA 93309 or call us on (661) 488-7145.
