Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Rancho Mirage

Motorcycles have earned a reputation for being dangerous for good reason. These collisions frequently result in fatal injuries at a far greater rate than cars or trucks. This is due to the lack of protection they offer riders in a crash.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident in Rancho Mirage, now is the time to seek help. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group could advise you of your options and help you navigate the legal system.

Why Are Motorcycles Dangerous?

Serious and even life-threatening injuries are always a possibility when vehicles collide. That said, accidents involving motorcycles are far more likely to result in deadly injuries compared to cars or trucks. This is primarily due to the lack of built-in safety features like seat belts or airbags. While protective gear is recommended for riders, it often does little to cushion the impact of an oncoming car.

In Rancho Mirage, fatal motorcycle accidents typically result from the actions of other careless drivers on the road. When another motorist is negligent—for example, by driving while impaired—they are more likely to put a biker at risk of catastrophic injury.

However, these tragic collisions do not always occur due to human error. They can also stem from a defective motorcycle or vehicle part. From braking systems to handlebars, these faulty parts can make it impossible for a rider to avoid a crash. In this scenario, the motorcycle manufacturer could be liable for a person’s death.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

When a person passes away in a motorcycle wreck in Rancho Mirage, their surviving relatives might have a viable case for compensation through something known as a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action can provide family members with financial compensation based on the loss of their loved ones.

For a death to be considered wrongful, it must result from one party failing to uphold their duty to another. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, this usually involves another motorist failing to take reasonable steps to prevent a crash.

A wrongful death action is not a criminal case, and if successful, it will not lead to a person facing jail time or fines. Instead, the remedy in these cases is a monetary award paid by the at-fault party.

Determining who has the right to file a wrongful death action after a person passes away can be complex. Interested parties are broken into different tiers, with some family members having higher priority than others. Initially, the right to pursue a wrongful death action lies with the deceased person’s surviving children, spouse, or domestic partner.

If none of these individuals are able or willing to file suit, the pool of potential claimants expands to anyone who could inherit from the decedent under intestate succession. That means any individual in line to inherit when someone dies without a will. Some of these eligible family members include siblings and parents.

Talk to a Lawyer in Rancho Mirage About Your Legal Options After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

If you are facing life without a beloved family member due to a fatal motorcycle accident in Rancho Mirage, you deserve to be compensated. A financial settlement can not only help pay for your loved one’s final expenses, but it is also a chance to get justice.

Contact a compassionate lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group for a private consultation to discuss your legal options.