Fighting for your Compensation

Motorcycle riders face real danger on California’s streets and highways. The most recent statistics available show that 414 people died in motorcycle accidents in our state in 2011, and thousands more were seriously injured. Our team of knowledgeable Fresno personal injury lawyers at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian are committed to protecting motorcyclists’ right to share the road equally with other drivers.

When a negligent driver operating a bus, truck, or automobile injures a motorcyclist, our accident attorneys hold that driver accountable and demand full and fair compensation for the victim. Sadly, many insurance companies try to blame motorcycle accidents on the rider so they can avoid paying fair compensation.

Motorcycle accident injuries typically take weeks, months, or longer to heal properly, leaving injured victims wondering how they will support themselves. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian is a law firm in Fresno, CA, dedicated to standing up to insurers and helping accident victims receive the fair treatment they deserve.

If you get injured in a motorcycle crash, now or in the future, call our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers at once to obtain the legal help you need so you can collect the compensation you deserve.

Why are Motorcyclists at a Higher Risk of Being Involved in Accidents? 

With over 75 years of combined team experience representing accident victims, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian know that motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable than drivers and passengers inside cars and trucks.

Motorcycles lack safety devices like airbags and seat belts, so there is a much higher risk of catastrophic injuries: amputations, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and other severe, longer, and disabling damage to riders.

Several other factors contribute to motorcyclists being involved in accidents, including:

• Motorcycles are smaller, limiting their visibility to other drivers
• Other vehicles tailgating motorcycles
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Drivers not checking their blind spots before changing lanes
• Motorcycle riders having to turn left in front of oncoming traffic
• Adverse weather or road conditions
• Poor or defective equipment
• Lane splitting
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Regardless of the factors contributing to your motorcycle accident, you must have qualified legal representation to help you with your claim. Insurance companies quickly blame motorcyclists for causing accidents and often claim injured parties engaged in reckless behavior.

Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian is a law firm in Fresno, CA, with a proven record of advocating for motorcycle riders and fighting to help them recover fair compensation. We do not allow insurers to make false allegations against injured clients. If you have suffered severe injuries, contact our law offices to schedule a free case evaluation.

You need solid legal representation if you are a motorcyclist injured by driver negligence. Contact our Fresno motorcycle accident lawyers today to discuss your case.

When Can the Government Be Held Responsible for Motorcycle Collisions? 

State and county governments are charged with keeping the streets safe, clearing debris, and repairing potholes, cracked pavement, and traffic signs and signals. When a government agency may be responsible for a motorcycle-related injury, it is imperative to contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer immediately; a claim against a government agency requires more steps and earlier deadlines.

If a defective motorcycle or auto part is involved in your accident, the manufacturer may also be sued for damages.

Motorcycle accident victims may file claims to hold government entities responsible for motorcycle collisions in the following situations:

• The negligent driver is a government employee: If the at-fault driver who caused the accident was also a government employee acting in an official capacity, their agency may be held liable for damages.
• The accident occurred in a construction zone: The California Department of Transportation ensures that all construction zones are safe for motorists. If a motorcycle accident occurred due to a lack of safety measures, they may be held accountable for the victim’s injuries and other damages.
• The accident was a result of dangerous road conditions: If a motorcycle rider was injured due to dangerous road conditions such as potholes, loose asphalt, and other hazardous conditions, the government agency may be held responsible for any resulting damages.

Lastly, government agencies such as law enforcement agencies may also be responsible for paying claims that were the result of police pursuits that injured innocent motorcyclists. However, it should be noted that in many cases of traffic accidents caused by police pursuits, the time limit to file claims may be shorter. Therefore, hiring a Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer who will evaluate your case is always best.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents? 

Motorcycles may pose dangerous situations for riders in a variety of situations. In California, these are the top causes of motorcycle accidents and injuries:

• Vehicles turning left: One of the most dangerous conditions a motorcyclist may face is when a motorist turns in the path of a motorcyclist. Over forty percent of motorcycle-auto collisions involve either a motorcyclist or the other motorist making a left turn.
• Lack of visibility: If a driver’s vision is impaired by parked cars, buildings, or other obstacles, and that driver rolls slowly and unknowingly into traffic, it can be disastrous for an oncoming motorcyclist.
• Obstacles and debris: Oil on the road, potholes, and other debris pose genuine dangers for motorcyclists.
• Motorists swinging a car door open in traffic: All too often, motor vehicle drivers unexpectedly open their car door in front of unsuspecting motorcyclists, causing them to be injured in accidents.
• Lack of experience: It takes a great deal of time to become skilled at riding a motorcycle. Until motorcyclists have sufficient experience, they should avoid busy highways and streets. Taking a motorcycle safety class is never a bad idea.
• Negligent driving: Negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Negligence causes most traffic-related injuries, but motorcyclists tend to suffer catastrophic injuries because they lack most of the protections that other vehicles provide.

If you are injured in any motorcycle crash, contact Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian as quickly as possible. We are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and additional damages.

What are the Most Commonly Reported Motorcycle Injuries?

Due to the lack of overall protection, motorcyclists usually suffer significant injuries when accidents occur. Severe injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident can take a considerable amount of time to heal and may result in permanent disabilities.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Fractured and broken bones
• Broken or smashed teeth
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
• Road rash
• Whiplash
• Internal injuries
• Burns

Catastrophic Injuries

Many bikers also suffer catastrophic injuries that can leave them permanently disabled and in need of ongoing medical care. Catastrophic injuries often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Amputations
• Loss of organs

Fatal Injuries 

Sadly, many motorcycle accident cases result in the motorcyclist suffering fatal injuries. If you have tragically lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you must hire a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney who can help you seek compensation. However, generally, state law only allows families up to two years from the date of the decedent’s death to file wrongful death claims. If a government entity was involved, the statute of limitations could be limited to 6 months.

Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian has a highly trained legal team with years of experience handling motorcycle accidents in Fresno. If you are an injured motorcyclist, contact our law offices to schedule a free case evaluation so that we may determine how we can help.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? 

If you are in a motorcycle accident, remain on the accident scene. If safe to do so, move all disabled vehicles to the side of the roadway out of the path of oncoming traffic.

Be sure to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Contact 911 immediately to report the accident and ask them to send emergency responders to treat your injuries. If you are not taken to a hospital or examined by a healthcare professional at the accident site, be sure to seek medical attention within twenty-four hours of any traffic accident.

A thorough medical examination will detect if you have suffered a hard-to-detect or latent injury. Often, internal injuries are not always apparent and pose a serious risk if left untreated. An exam also creates medical records you will need if you decide to take legal action later. Gather evidence from the parties involved, including driver’s license and insurance information.

Make and keep copies of any medical, police, or insurance reports and documents pertaining to the crash. Just like medical records, police reports can prove invaluable if you decide to file an insurance claim.

Take numerous photos of the vehicle damage and your visible injuries. Photos are powerful evidence that can make a difference in a personal injury case. If there were eyewitnesses, try to get their names and contact information. Your attorney may need their statements.

Do not admit fault or accept a settlement offer from the other driver or that driver’s insurance company before you’ve met with a well-trained personal injury lawyer. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster; your attorney will talk and negotiate on your behalf.

Finally, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer like Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian. Our attorneys understand the legal intricacies of motorcycle accidents and know what it takes to get results.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After Being Involved in a Motorcycle Crash? 

If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, you must file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver to try and recover compensation for damages. The compensation you may recover from a personal injury claim will depend on the facts of the case, who is determined to be at fault for the accident, and coverage limits. However, state law allows injured victims to seek compensation through economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages 

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are awarded in personal injury cases to repay accident victims for out-of-pocket expenses they have incurred. Motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to recover economic damages that include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage

In many cases, motorcycle accidents result in the victim needing long-term medical care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation. These medical expenses can quickly add up, creating a financial crisis for victims and their families. That being the case, motorcycle accident victims must have an attorney on their side who will negotiate a financial recovery with the insurance company that meets their client’s current and future needs.

Non Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages are awarded based on the facts surrounding the accident and will vary with each personal injury case. Non-economic damages are meant to try and make a victim “whole” and compensate them for non-monetary losses, which may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

To ensure that you recover all damages you may be entitled to, you must consult with a motorcycle accident attorney who can professionally review your claim. Contact Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian to learn how we can seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney? 

It is essential to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Be sure not to sign any papers or give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Often, providers will have insurance adjusters contact you and ask you to make a recorded statement providing accident details. A claims adjuster may also try to offer you a speedy settlement and ask you to sign legal paperwork.

Making a statement or signing papers without first knowing your rights is never in your best interest. Any errors or mistakes you make in a statement could and will most likely be used against you in any subsequent settlement negotiations or a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Additionally, once you sign the paperwork agreeing to a settlement, you will likely never have any further legal recourse regarding your claim.

For these reasons, you must hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who can offer you the peace of mind you deserve. Hiring a Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer provides the benefits of having someone cover all the legal areas so you can focus on recovering physically and mentally.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will act as your legal advocate with the insurance company and work to negotiate a financial recovery that is in your best interest, not that of the insurer. Insurance companies are more concerned with protecting their investors and profitability than claimants’ well-being.

Having an accident lawyer on your side helps to ensure you are respected and treated fairly throughout the claims process. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement or negotiate, our legal team is prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover the fair compensation you deserve.

Our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys offer free consultations to discuss any questions concerning you.

Why Should I Let Your Motorcycle Attorneys Assist Me With an Insurance Claim?

It can be challenging to deal with the complex legal process of filing an insurance claim. When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you likely want to do is deal with the insurance company.

At the law firm of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, our motorcycle accident attorneys recognize that personal injury victims need sufficient time to heal and recover from their wounds and emotional trauma. When you come to us for help, our dedicated legal professionals will stand by you through every step of the claims process, from filing insurance paperwork to taking your case to trial if necessary.

Other personal injury law firms often make promises to clients that they can’t keep. However, insurance companies know which attorneys are reluctant to take personal injury cases to court. As a result, many motorcycle accident victims are often left to accept settlements that are not in their best interests.

Our Fresno motorcycle accident attorneys provide clients with honest evaluations and will fight to help them get maximum compensation. Our accident lawyers are fearless in standing up for clients and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

We have experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who work flexible hours to ensure we match our schedule to your scheduling needs. We also promptly return phone calls. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian serves clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kingsburg, and Hanford counties. Our team speaks fluent French and Spanish, so don’t let a language barrier concern stop you from getting the legal help you need.

Contact Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today at 559-545-0383 or contact us online to arrange an initial consultation.