Motorcycle
Case Results

Motorcycle vs. Tanker Truck Accident

Multiple Fractures caused to motorcyclist by truck driver who crossed the double yellow line.
Jury Verdict: $4,700,000 minus 25% comparative fault

Doug L. vs. Negligent Van Driver

Motorcyclist suffered multiple fractures when struck by van driver making a U turn across both lanes of travel. Motorcycle accident occurred when in Marin County a van driver turned right onto a shoulder and then pulled a U turn across the entire road without making sure the roadway was clear. As a result, Doug L. who was riding his motorcycle at the posted speed limit, was caused to hit the van and he sustained multiple fractures and underwent several surgeries to repair the fractures. We filed Doug’s case in Marin County Superior Court and were able to make the van driver and the company for whom he was driving accountable.
Settlement: $2,300,000.00

Client vs. Japanese Motorcycle Manufacturer and local dealer

Motorcycle product liability, negligent dealer assembly and prep of new bike, resulting in below-knee leg amputation
Settlement: $1,345,000

Client vs. State of California

Caltrans fails to follow own design plans and builds dangerous freeway shoulder, resulting in traumatic brain injury and fractures to motorcycle rider.
Settlement: $900,000

Client vs. Negligent Driver

Car made a left turn in front of motorcyclist, resulting in amputation of left foot
Settlement: $400,000 (read more about this $400,000 Settlement below)

Client vs. Motorcycle Manufacturer

Rider suffered burns when his newly purchased motorcycle caught on fire
Settlement: $280,000   (read more about this $280,000 Settlement below)

Two Cases: A Closer Look

$400,000 Settlement for Alameda Motorcyclist

Our team won a settlement for a biker who suffered serious crushing injuries and eventual amputation of his left foot in a motorcycle accident. The motorcycle accident was caused by an auto driver who made a left turn, hitting the motorcycle rider driving straight ahead in the left lane.

Unfortunately, our client was not insured at the time of the motorcycle accident and was therefore not entitled, under California Law, to pain and suffering damages. But he was entitled to his out-of-pocket expenses, such as:

• Past and future medical bills
• Therapy
• Past and future lost wages
• The cost of future prosthetics

The offending driver denied liability, lied about the traffic lights, made up witnesses, and tried to hide her assets by taking the equity out of her house to make herself appear judgment-proof. Our team of motorcycle attorneys refused to accept the insurance policy limits of the driver, forcing her to come up with substantial cash out-of-pocket to help compensate our client.

Sometimes the toughest part of representing the survivors of motorcycle accidents is finding enough insurance or assets to cover serious personal injuries. This is a great example of the kind of results a motorcycle attorney can achieve when he is tough, aggressive and smart. This driver was held accountable for the damages she caused.

Another lesson to be learned in this case is the importance of carrying at least liability insurance. Without it you may never be fully compensated, even if you are injured through another driver’s negligence.

$280,000 Settlement for Marin County Accident Case

Our dangerous products lawyers fought for and won a great result in a Marin County motorcycle accident case. Representing a rider of a dangerous and defective motorcycle against the manufacturer of that motorcycle, our products liability attorney settled the personal injury case, before litigation, for $280,000. This dangerous product case is particularly notable, since our client, an El Sobrante motorcyclist, had recently purchased his motorcycle in San Rafael, and he sustained serious burns to his legs and buttocks when his newly purchased motorcycle lit on fire as he was riding it.

At the time of the motorcycle fire, our client was on his way to the dealership to fix an undiagnosed problem with the bike. While riding eastbound on Highway 580, just east of San Quentin, the motorcyclist suddenly felt intense heat rising from below his seat. It was then that he realized that the bike was on fire. Amazingly, he was able to slow the bike down enough to jump off it while it was still rolling.

This dangerous and defective motorcycle literally burned the jeans off our client’s body, causing his third-degree burns and intense physical pain. In spite of the obvious issues with the bike, the manufacturer of the motorcycle did not immediately admit liability. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys successfully argued and negotiated this consumer’s claim, and the manufacturer of this dangerous product was held accountable.

Contact Choulos Choulos & Wyle

Learn more about how our experienced California trial lawyers can help you achieve the financial recovery you need after a motorcycle or bicycle accident. Contact our San Francisco law office today by calling (415) 432-7292 or toll-free (877) 702-7800.