Motorcyclists face a higher safety risk than other road users. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 80 percent of motorcycle collisions result in an injury to the rider. The injury rate is far higher than for other types of motor vehicle collision. Biker’s arm is one of the most common—and most painful—types of motorcycle accident injuries. Here, our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers provide an in-depth overview of biker’s arm injuries in California.
What is Biker’s Arm?
Biker’s arm is a term used to describe a nerve injury that motorcyclists may experience as a result of a motorcycle crash. It is an injury that occurs when the biker’s outstretched arm absorbs the impact of a fall, causing damage to the nerves in the upper extremity. The most commonly affected nerves are the radial, median, and ulnar nerves.
Unfortunately, a biker’s arm injury can lead to various adverse effects, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and even paralysis in severe cases. It is a serious injury: biker’s arm can have a significant long-term impact on the individual’s daily life and mobility, often requiring medical intervention and physical therapy for recovery.
Why is Biker’s Arm So Common in Motorcycle Collisions?
Biker’s arm is one of the most common motorcycle crash injuries reported in California. Biker’s arm is prevalent in motorcycle collisions due to the natural instinct of riders to protect themselves during a crash. When faced with an impending impact, motorcyclists often extend their arms in an attempt to brace for the fall or shield their body.
Even with full knowledge of the risk of a biker’s arm injury, the motion is still a common defensive response. Unfortunately, it is a natural response that exposes the arm to the full force of the collision. Unlike car occupants who benefit from various safety features such as airbags and seatbelts, motorcyclists lack similar protection, making them more vulnerable to a wide range of different physical traumas, including biker’s arm injuries.
All Motorcycle Accident Injuries Require Immediate Medical Attention
Following a motorcycle crash, you need the right medical care. All motorcycle accident injuries, regardless of their severity, warrant immediate medical attention—biker’s arm injuries are certainly no exception to the rule. Early assessment and intervention can help prevent serious long-term complications. Some injuries, including biker’s arm, may not always exhibit the full symptoms right away. A timely diagnosis is crucial to avoid long-term damage.
Note: You have to seek medical care to be eligible to recover personal injury compensation in California. If you fail to see a doctor for your biker’s arm injury, you cannot bring a claim.
What to Know About Liability for a Biker’s Arm Motorcycle Accident Injury in California
If you have suffered a biker’s arm injury in a motorcycle accident in Stockton, it is important to understand the liability rules that apply in these cases. Here are two key points to keep in mind:
- California an At-Fault State for Motorcycle Accidents: California is an “at-fault” state when it comes to motorcycle accidents, which means that the person who caused the accident is typically responsible for the damages that result from it. Fault is based on negligence. As stated within the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, negligence is the failure to take due care.
- Comparative Negligence Applies to Motorcycle Crashes: California also follows a comparative negligence rule. Here is the most important thing to understand: If you share some degree of fault for the motorcycle accident that caused your biker’s arm injury, your damages can be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. As a simple example, imagine that you suffered $20,000 in damages associated with your biker’s arm injuries. If you are found 25 percent at fault for your own motorcycle crash, you will bear 25 percent of the responsibility for your biker’s arm injury damages ($5,000).
Fault matters. Every motorcycle accident that results in a biker’s arm injury should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Stockton, CA motorcycle accident lawyer.
The Statute of Limitations for a Motorcycle Accident Claims is Two Years
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to bring a personal injury claim for a biker’s arm in Stockton. These cases fall under state law. In California, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. With very few exceptions reserved for unusual situations, an injured motorcyclist must bring their claim within two years of the accident. After the two-year period has passed, you will no longer be able to file a claim. In other words, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your biker’s arm injury and other damages. Be proactive: Speak to a Stockton motorcycle accident lawyer right away after a crash.
Recovering Full and Fair Compensation for a Biker’s Arm Injury in Stockton
Suffered a biker’s arm injury in a motorcycle accident in Stockton or elsewhere in San Joaquin County? California law allows injured motorcyclists to seek compensation for their economic and intangible damages. It is imperative that you are able to recover every dollar of financial compensation available under the law. However, the big insurance companies do not make biker’s arm injury claims easy—they fight to pay out less. Our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers fight hard to help victims and families maximize their compensation, including for:
- Property damage (motorcycle repairs);
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyer has the skills and experience to handle all types of biker’s arm claims. If you or your loved one sustained a biker’s arm injury in a crash, we can help. Contact us right away for a no cost, no obligation case review. From our Stockton law office, we handle motorcycle accident injury claims throughout the San Joaquin Valley.