Two Injured in I-5 Motorcycle Crash in Los Banos
Two parties were injured and hospitalized with serious injuries after a motorcycle crash on I-5 near the Los Banos area on the afternoon of Thursday, June 24, 2021. The accident occurred on Interstate 5 and Shields Avenue just south of the city of Los Banos, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported.
Details on the Motorcycle Crash on I-5 in Los Banos
Officials said a man driving a Subaru was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle reportedly veered over the median. The Subaru later collided with two motorcycle riders head-on, propelling both motorcyclists off their bikes.
The impact of the collision caused the Subaru to catch fire. The Subaru driver was able to escape the fiery crash with injuries described as minor. Sadly, both motorcycle riders suffered severe injuries in the collision and were transported via air ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. An update on the conditions of those involved in the motorcycle accident has not yet been provided by CHP traffic officers.
Is There Enough Insurance for a Serious Motorcycle Crash?
A motor vehicle collision of any type may lead to mounting medical expenses and time away from work that most are not prepared for. In the case of a motorcycle accident, the incident may leave motorcyclists with serious injuries and medical bills piling up. One of the main reasons behind this is a biker’s lack of physical protection against another vehicle in a crash.
Bodily injury liability coverage is there to protect drivers and motorcyclists alike from the emotional, financial, and physical consequences of a crash. However, not all drivers on the road carry liability coverage required by California law. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute (III) suggest that California is listed in the top ten states with the highest percentage rates of uninsured drivers, with 16.6 percent at rank 10 in 2019.
When a biker is hurt in a motorcycle collision caused by a driver without auto insurance, it may leave them in a unique predicament as they may wonder who will cover their property damage, lost income, medical costs, and other losses. One way in which motorcyclists impacted by such situations may seek financial compensation for their damages is through their insurer under an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) claim. UM coverage will come into play to cover damages not covered by the at-fault party, up to the limits of the policy, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. The same may be said for UIM claims against drivers with insufficient coverage. For more details on accidents with uninsured drivers, watch the video below.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident
After getting into a crash as a motorcycle rider, the insurance company representing the other driver may reach out to you. Keep in mind that the goal of the insurer is to pay as little as possible for any bodily injury claim you bring against the insured. What is most unfortunate is that the same approach may apply in first-party insurance claims under UM and UIM coverage.
Working with an injury lawyer who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases may make this challenging legal process much easier for you and your family. When you choose our law firm to represent you, we will handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on getting better instead of dealing with difficult insurance companies.
It is essential to take the time to learn what rights you may have and potential options for financial recovery. Before signing any documents from the insurer or accepting any personal injury settlement offers, reach out to one of our attorneys today for free, friendly case advice.
Personal Injury Attorney in Los Banos
I’m Ed Smith, a Los Banos personal injury attorney. A motorcycle accident may result in devastating physical injuries and emotional trauma that may take time to heal from. If you were hurt in a crash as a motorcyclist because of a negligent or reckless driver, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At our law firm, we will look over the details of your case, identify at-fault parties, and work diligently to build a strong case for fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to discuss your potential options and receive free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Visit the links below to learn more about our law firm:
Proudly listed in the Million Dollar Advocates and National Association of Distinguished Counsel as California members.
Photograph Source: Pixabay User ~ “Elastic Compute Farm”
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