Many motorcyclists hop on their bikes to get to work or get back home at the end of the work day. Unfortunately, commuting on your motorcycle sometimes means navigating heavy traffic and sharing the road with other commuters who may be distracted, aggressive, or tired at the end of a long day.
With so many cars on the road in peak rush-hour traffic, it’s not surprising that many motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious collisions when commuting to and from work. If you have been injured in a commuting accident, here are the answers to some common questions. If you have questions or concerns that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact one of our Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys in person for further help.
If you have received even a minor injury in an accident, it is recommended that you immediately go to the ER or see your physician. Unfortunately, some commuters feel pressured to suffer through injuries and continue on to the office—and, once there, end up feeling pressured into staying even if they aren’t feeling well. And the worst part is that the insurance company could use the fact that you went directly into work after an accident as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Only your doctor or medical professional is qualified to tell you when it’s appropriate to go back to work after an injury. Although you may have concerns about taking time away from work, especially as medical bills pile up, you could cause further injury or even hurt your personal injury case by trying to go back to work too soon.
Unless you were driving a company vehicle or still “on the clock” when the accident occurred, it is unlikely that your employer can be held liable for injuries sustained in a commuting accident. If you’re unsure, please consult with an attorney who can review the details of your individual claim.
For more answers, please reach out to our Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys today at 1-(949) 851-0222.