Sidecar Motorcycle Accidents

Usually, when we discuss motorcycle accidents, many do not even think of a motorcycle sidecar accident. Motorcycle sidecars have been known to cause very severe accidents, and could cause permanent injuries and disabilities.

Could I sue after a motorcycle sidecar accident?

Many may think that motorcycle sidecars could provide protection and prevent accidents, but it is actually quite the opposite. Sidecar accidents could result in severe injuries compared to regular motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one has ever been injured in a motorcycle sidecar accident, our motorcycle attorneys are available to help you every step of the way. We will navigate through the legal process and make sure that your motorcycle claim gets the individualized attention it deserves. Our motorcycle attorneys have been representing motorcycle accident victims for decades, and will assist you throughout your entire legal claim process. While you focus on healing from your motorcycle accident injuries, our attorneys will be litigating your motorcycle sidecar accident.

Around 90% of motorcycle fatalities involve meals. It is very important for everyone to practice safe motorcycle driving. Failure to do so not only puts the motorcycle driver at risk, but also other vehicles on the road at risk. Under California vehicle code Section 27803,  all passengers on a motorcycle, including the motorcycle driver, must wear a helmet at all times. It is very important that this helmet fits you properly.

What is a sidecar motorcycle?

A sidecar motorcycle usually has one wheel and is attached to your motorcycle to carry other passengers with the motorcycle. It essentially makes the motorcycle 3 wheels since it is attached to the side of the motorcycle. Other than being referred to as a sidecar, others also call it an outfit, a rig, or a hack. This was exceptionally popular a couple decades ago when many  motorcyclists wanted their families to be passengers. It originated in Europe, however came to the Americas as more and more motorcyclists wanted to carry other passengers.

If you have been injured while in a motorcycle sidecar, you have the right to recover compensation from the at-fault party. You can recover a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of income, permanent or temporary disability, emotional distress, pain and suffering, anxiety, etc. Family members could also file a lawsuit to recover compensation themselves, such as emotional distress, or mental anguish.

What are examples of sidecar injuries?

• Scarring and disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck injuries
• Head injury
• Amputation

What is a wrongful death claim?

If you have lost a loved one while in a motorcycle sidecar accident, you may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful-death legal claim. A wrongful-death claim allows the deceased family members to file a claim against the at fault party to seek recovery. Different types of recovery include loss of income in the household, along with the funeral and burial expenses.

What causes motorcycle sidecar accidents?

• Road conditions: oftentimes, especially in California, when the roads are slippery and wet, many drivers are more likely to get involved in an accident. A motorcycle may slip on wet floor, or another vehicle may slip and collide with the motorcycle sidecar.
• Inexperienced motorcyclists: it is very difficult for a motorcyclist to drive through streets they are unfamiliar with, especially if they have a passenger in the sidecar next to them.
• Negligent motorcyclist: if the driver of the motorcycle is negligently driving, they end up driving too close to other vehicles, and the sidecar could collide with another vehicle nearby.
• Lane splitting: although lane splitting is considered to be legal in California, lane splitting also results in very severe injuries. As the motorcyclist splits lanes, they could potentially cause the side car to collide with another moving vehicle.
• Other drivers on the road: other drivers may have the motorcyclist on their blind spot. When this occurs, the motorcyclist could potentially get hit by the oncoming vehicle.
• Sidecar defect: if the accident was caused by a defect in the sidecar, the injured victim will be able to hold the product manufacturer or the products retailer responsible for injuries suffered. For more information on product liability, contact our attorneys today.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: when the motorcyclist or other driver on the road is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, getting involved in an accident fatality is more likely.

Sidecar Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• Almost half of all sidecar motorcycle accidents occur with the passenger not wearing a helmet. It is very important that you wear a helmet when riding as a passenger in the sidecar. A helmet may be able to protect your head from any severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries.
• Almost one-third of all motorcycle accidents involve the driver of the motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The number one reason for motorcycle sidecar accidents are because the motorcycle driver was speeding.

How do I prove liability in a side car accident claim?

When filing a claim for your side car accident injuries, your attorney must have to show that the other party was negligent. When proving negligence, your attorney must have to show that:

• The other driver had a duty to the injured victim to drive in a reasonably safe manner
• The other driver failed to act within that duty
• The driver caused the victim to suffer injuries
• The victim now has damages caused by the injuries

What should I do if I have been injured in a sidecar accident?

• Immediately after the accident, it is very important that you seek a medical evaluation. You will be able to get the medical treatment you need, and you may be able to hold the responsible party liable for these medical bills. Even if you feel as though you are not in pain or do not experience any type of injuries, you must still get a medical evaluation.
• Call the police so the police can draft an accident report. The accident report will go into detail as to the parties involved, identification of both parties, along with photos and videos of the injuries and property damage
• Contact an experienced sidecar motorcycle accident attorney to see how you can recover compensation for your injuries.

Could I sue for poor road conditions?

In certain circumstances, you may be able to hold a government entity responsible for road maintenance liable for your injuries. Examples of poor road conditions that could lead to a motorcycle accident include potholes, loose cement and gravel, and improperly maintained road signs.

Injured while in a sidecar? Contact us today to get the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a sidecar, contact our top-rated personal injury attorneys today to see how you can get compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we do not recover any compensation from our clients unless you win a settlement or judgment in your favor. This means that unless we win money for your sidecar accident claim, we will not recover any amount from our clients. We take on all the risks responsible for litigating your side car accident claim.

 We are available 24/7 via email and phone, and have convenient offices located all throughout the state of California and Nevada.

***Disclaimer: The content of this webpage, created by Heidari Law Group, is intended solely for educational purposes. While it endeavors to provide a general understanding of the law, it should not be construed as specific legal advice. Accessing and reading this site does not establish an attorney-client relationship with any member of Heidari Law. Furthermore, please be aware that the legal landscape is constantly evolving, potentially rendering some information outdated or inapplicable.