Motorcyclists struck by drunk drivers can seek 100% compensation for their medical bills and their lost income while they are out of work. A driver accused of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in California may face a criminal trial, but that’s handled separately from a civil personal injury claim. Accident victims can file claims against the at-fault driver’s car insurance at any point, regardless of where criminal proceedings stand.
Riders left with painful injuries can ask for recovery support, but car insurance companies can put roadblocks between the victim and the money they need. A Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield helps injured motorcyclists hold drivers accountable and can often earn victims more. Contact us to set up a free, no-obligation motorcycle accident consultation to find out how.
Drunk Driver Accident Dangers for Bakersfield Motorcyclists
Drivers already overlook the motorcyclists who travel around them on busy routes like Highway 178 and Mt Vernon Avenue. Alcohol only impairs their attention and judgment further, and puts more riders at risk.
Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol can jerk their cars into the next lane without checking mirrors to see the rider beside them. With impaired perception, they can pull out in front of an approaching motorcyclist they didn’t notice. DUI motorists can also run stop signs without even slowing down to T-bone a defenseless motorcyclist.
These types of accidents happen each year in Kern County. They leave motorcyclists with life-threatening injuries and with months to spend in recovery and off their bikes.
- California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) tracks drunk driving accidents in Bakersfield. In 2024, officials reported 192 serious accidents involving alcohol, with at least 16 victims losing their lives.
Riders should get immediate support to pay emergency response fees, emergency room bills, and hospital invoices. Unfortunately, car insurance companies often make victims wait for compensation, even when the fault clearly rests on a driver who had consumed alcohol.
A skilled attorney can cut through this red tape meant to force victims into desperate financial times when they’ll accept any “lowball” settlement offer. Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers demands fair treatment and seeks everything the victim needs to make a full recovery.
What Is the Drunk Driver Expected to Cover?
Drunk drivers put their own safety at risk the moment they decide to drink and drive. They also put every other motorist using the road in harm’s way. That can spell disaster to local motorcyclists who travel with very little protection other than helmets and some thin clothing.
Sadly, a driver under the influence may not have the good judgment to slam the brakes when a collision is imminent. It’s why accidents involving alcohol or drug use often pack more force into an impact and cause severe injuries.
Motorcyclists may require treatment for broken legs, neck and back injuries, and frightening head injuries.
A skilled attorney creates a full list of the hardships the rider has endured and the difficult recovery that may continue for months or years ahead. The attorney submits this list when filing a claim on behalf of the rider. It alerts the insurance company to everything it’ll be responsible for.
These are just some of the benefits our attorneys demand for injured riders…
- Support to cover all current medical bills, physical therapy costs, and all medical equipment, and those costs expected in the future.
- Support for a lifetime if the motorcycle crash results in a permanent disability.
- Support for the hip, knee, back, or neck pain victims experience and may suffer with for months or years.
- Support for the emotional trauma you experience after a frightening collision and a difficult recovery. This can include the loss of enjoyment of life, which victims may have to cope with while they can’t ride. Victims dealing with debilitating injuries may have to give up other hobbies they love and even participation in family activities.
- Support to replace the job income and benefits victims have to forfeit while in injury recovery.
- Support to cover the costs of travel to make doctor’s appointments and to see out-of-town specialists. An escalating cost if victims are in a wheelchair or on crutches.
- Money to replace or repair a damaged motorcycle.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver?
After any motorcycle accident involving a serious injury, it’s a good idea to go over your options with a skilled Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurers will tell you your injuries aren’t worth anything and even question how badly you are hurt.
A skilled attorney makes sure the blame stays with a reckless drunk driver and also maximizes the support you receive for your injuries.
Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield to schedule a free consultation. It’s a confidential, no-obligation review of your case with a real motorcycle accident lawyer.
And if you require our help to fight insurance adjusters, you don’t need to worry about how you’ll pay a lawyer at such a difficult time. We work on a contingency basis. It means we don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that a car insurance company must write for you.