Santa Rosa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Compassionate Santa Rosa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Ready To Assist You

Are You the Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?
Do you live in the Santa Rosa area? Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident? First, you should know that you’re not alone. California has a significant number of registered motorcyclists and, unfortunately, also a significant number of fatal motorcycle accidents that occur each year. If you’re seeking help, a Santa Rosa motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the guidance and legal support you need during this difficult time.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help. At Henderson Law, we have extensive experience representing motorcyclists who have sustained serious injuries in motorcycle crashes and representing individuals who have, most unfortunately, lost loved ones in a tragic motorcycle accident. Let our knowledgeable Santa Rosa motorcycle accidents attorney help you to understand the law that applies to these accidents and fight for compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result from rider error. However, many crashes are caused by other parties or external factors. Some of these include:

• Traffic Violations: Drivers of all vehicles (motorcycles included, of course) must follow traffic laws. Following speed limits, lane changing procedures, and merging rules (to name only a few examples) are important. Other drivers who either intentionally or negligently violate these laws can be responsible for motorcycle accidents that may cause significant damage.
• Drunk Drivers and Distracted Drivers: Without question, drunk drivers are not just a danger to motorcyclists, but to everyone on the road. Distracted drivers – those who are looking down at their phones, applying makeup while driving, or fiddling with their radio instead of focusing on the road also present a significant danger to others on the roadway, motorcyclists included.
• Defective Parts: Some motorcycle accidents are not the fault of another individual at all, but instead are caused by a part defect that is the fault of the manufacturer. If a key component of the motorcycle is defective, it can easily lead to a loss of control by the driver and a resulting crash.
• Hazards on the Roadway: Hazardous conditions on the roadways can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists who may have more difficulty than the average vehicle navigating around potholes, large cracks in the road, or uneven pavement – to name only a few examples. Suddenly hitting one of these hazards can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash.
• Other Miscellaneous Causes: In addition to these common causes of motorcycle accidents, any number of other factors or causes could contribute to a crash. Consulting with a trusted motorcycle accident law firm in Santa Rosa about your particular circumstances is a wise decision that will help you to best determine who is at fault and what compensation you may be entitled to as a result.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Get the Help You Deserve Today!

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you are likely overwhelmed with dealing with your injuries and trying to heal. However, finances may be getting tight if you are not able to work for any period of time. And once the medical bills start coming in, it is quite common to begin to panic. But don’t. Let’s break down what will happen now that you’ve been injured.

Personal Injury Claim vs. Lawsuit

Not many people understand the difference between a personal injury claim and a personal injury lawsuit. It may help to think of the claim as the beginning stages of what may or may not become a lawsuit. During the claim process, you (or preferably your Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorney) make contact with both your and the other driver’s insurance companies. You submit a claim to the insurance companies who then open an investigation to determine who was at fault. And if both parties are partially responsible, they can assess how at fault each party was.

At this point, negotiations begin. This is where a lawyer comes in. During negotiations, you must be armed with knowledge or the insurance companies can chew you up and spit you out. Without legal representation, the claims adjuster knows that you most likely do not have the expertise to fully understand the extent of your injuries and what they may cost you in the future. It can be complicated to try to assess future losses like loss of income capacity or future medical expenses. Without a professional at your side, the adjuster knows that you are likely to settle for an amount that if far below what your case is actually worth.

But when you have an experienced attorney at your side, the dialogue changes. Now the adjuster knows they are up against someone who knows the game and can work out a fair settlement to compensate you for your losses. If the negotiations result in a mutually agreed upon number, an out-of-court settlement is reached and your case is complete.

However, if negotiations break down and the insurance company refuses to give you a fair settlement offer, this is when your Santa Rosa motorcycle accidents lawyer will file a lawsuit. This lawsuit lets the insurance company know that you mean business, as it is sometimes necessary to force the adjuster’s hand. When even this suit doesn’t result in an out-of-court settlement, your lawyer will take the case to trial where a jury will determine the proper award for your injuries.

Meet Our Santa Rosa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Michael Henderson has been honored as a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Injury Trial Lawyers for 2016 and 2017.

He also served as President of the Consumer Attorneys of Sonoma County, the local chapter of the statewide trial lawyers association.

Michael was inducted into the Order of the Coif, a prestigious national honor society recognizing excellence in legal education. He graduated in the top 2% of his class, earning his Juris Doctor degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1994.

Michael dedicates his practice to representing individuals affected by personal injuries, hostile work environments, and family disputes. Known for his compassionate approach, commitment to justice, and skilled representation in settlements and trials, he strives to protect his clients’ rights and interests. He lives in Santa Rosa, California, with his wife and three. children.

Speak with an experienced Santa Rosa motorcycle accidents attorney. Contact Henderson Law today online.

What Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, dislocations, soft tissue damage, and internal organ damage. These injuries may result in immediate and long-term medical expenses. You may be entitled to recovery for these expenses and other damages, including, but not limited to:

•  Lost wages and lost future earnings;
•  Loss of consortium;
•  Occupational and/or physical therapy;
•  Punitive damages;
•  Wrongful death;
•  Damages for permanent disfigurement;
•  And more.

If you or a loved one are the victim of a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to find out what rights you may have under the law and what compensation you may deserve. You may be able to file a claim against a number of responsible parties, including not only the driver of the other vehicle, but also against insurance companies, manufacturers, and others. It goes without saying, though, that you can’t begin the process of recovery and rebuilding your life until you consult with a qualified Santa Rosa motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you to understand your rights and how to best go about asserting them.

Speak with an Experienced Santa Rosa Motorcycle Accidents Attorney

At Henderson Law, we bring decades of experience advocating for motorcycle accident victims. Our priority is helping you secure the compensation needed to rebuild your life. We welcome the chance to sit down, listen to your story, and discuss how we can help.

Other Injury Cases We Handle in Santa Rosa, CA

Our experienced lawyer also handles other types of injury cases, including:

• Dog and Animal Attacks
• Insurance Claim Denial
• Auto Vehicle Accidents
• Pedestrian Crosswalk Injuries
• Trip and Fall Injuries
• Wrongful Death Claim
• Trucking Accidents
• Bike Accident
• Product Defects
• Construction Accident
• Product Liability
• Brain Injury
• Medical Malpractice

Give our attorney a call today. Our highly-experienced Santa Rosa motorcycle accidents lawyer looks forward to speaking with you soon.

Local Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Santa Rosa, CA

After a motorcycle accident, victims may need emergency medical care, assistance obtaining a police report, motorcycle towing, repairs, transportation, and help understanding insurance coverage. The following local and official resources can help motorcycle accident victims in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.

1. Emergency Medical Care

For life-threatening injuries, call 911 immediately.

2. Police Reports and Collision Information

3. Motorcycle Towing and Roadside Assistance

4. Auto Repair and Collision Services

5. Motorcycle Repair and Collision Services

Factory Powersports

BP Moto

The Dirtbike Doctor

Motorcycle Paintless Dent Repair

Tip: Before authorizing repairs, photograph the motorcycle’s damage, obtain a written estimate, and check with your insurer about inspection requirements. Structural damage should be assessed by a qualified repair professional before the motorcycle is ridden again.

6. Rental Cars and Replacement Transportation

Tip: Ask your insurance company whether rental reimbursement or temporary transportation expenses are covered under your policy or an applicable claim. Motorcycle insurance does not automatically include rental car coverage.

6. Insurance Resources

Our Santa Rosa, CA Office Location