Riding a motorcycle is thrilling, but there’s no doubt that it comes with a high risk of accidents. Throughout your adventures, you have probably come across a number of close calls and managed to avoid catastrophe. Then, one day, it happens: an accident that results in serious injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, you need an attorney who specializes in accident injury claims involving motorcycles. That way, you can learn about your rights and make an informed decision on how to move forward. If another individual or entity is responsible for the accident, you have the right to demand justice in the form of monetary compensation. However, the legal process for a lawsuit is extremely complicated, so please contact our law firm as soon as possible.
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Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Fresno
There is no singular answer to the question, “What causes motorcycle accidents?” Nor is there one reason for why people choose motorcycles over any other type of transportation. For some people, it’s a matter of speed and convenience, especially in major cities where heavy traffic can happen any hour of the day. Others like that motorbikes are cheaper, easier to maintain, and use considerably less fuel than the average automobile. Then, you have motorcycle enthusiasts who love the sense of adventure and special connection you have with the road when you are on a bike.
No matter why you choose to get on a motorcycle, there is no denying how vulnerable you are in the event of a crash or any other type of accident. After all, you are not enclosed inside a vehicle where you are protected by padding, seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features. With that in mind, it’s essential that you pay attention to the road at all times and take preventative measures to keep yourself and others from being injured.
Unfortunately, you cannot control others that are on the road at the same time. That’s why negligence by other drivers is a leading cause of injuries to motorcycle riders. Careless or reckless conduct includes not checking blind spots before changing lanes, distracted driving, and failing to yield. Sadly, one second of bad judgment can lead to an accident that leaves people with paralysis, brain damage, and other life-altering conditions
Aside from other motorists, accidents can happen from dangerous conditions on public and private property. For example, you may have been injured form a falling tree branch due to a property owner’s failure to maintain their trees. Motorcyclists can also lose control of their vehicle and end up with critical injuries because of the city, county, or state’s failure to resolve hazardous road conditions.
As someone who is dealing with injuries that were caused by someone else, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer right away. Our legal experts are here to help, so contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Steps to Take if You are in a Motorcycle Accident
Taking the right actions after a motorcycle accident will ensure that you have the necessary proof and documentation to file a claim for monetary damages. Please note that each accident involves different circumstances, and the steps you take may not be the same as another person in the same predicament. Having said that, we have found that the following procedures are helpful to those who are injured in a motor vehicle accident:
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Make sure to call 911 and have the police come to the scene. This way, you have an accident report, which is needed in order to pursue a compensation claim. You should get a copy of the initial report from the officer on the scene, but you will need to wait for an official copy, which you may need to order or pick up from the police department.
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Obtain names and insurance information from all those who are involved, along with license plate numbers. Take note of the vehicles and distinguishing characteristics, like the make, model, color, and any special trim or detailing.
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Exchange contact information with any witnesses that are willing to provide statements. Testimony from witnesses can serve as critical evidence in a lawsuit against the party at fault.
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If you are able to, use your phone to take pictures of injuries and the accident scene. This will show the severity of your injuries before you receive medical treatment. With the accident scene, make sure to capture any damage to your bike and the other vehicles that are involved.
Please note that if you have excessive bleeding, severe cuts and burns, and other injuries that are life-threatening, medical attention is your first priority. But you should go to a hospital within 48 hours, regardless of how badly you are injured. Failure to obtain medical care will make it harder to prove that the harm you suffered is a direct result of the accident. Furthermore, you must have medical records in order to file an insurance claim for your medical costs and other applicable damages.
What can be Recovered from an Accident Claim?
If you are eligible for an accident claim with the negligent party’s insurance company, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:
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Medical expenses (cost of doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, etc.)
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Lost wages (income lost during the recovery period, like wages and value of lost work benefits)
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Future lost wages / loss of earning capacity
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Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages
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Property damage (cost of repairing your motorcycle or replacing it if the bike is totaled)
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Punitive damages (if the defendant is found guilty of gross negligence by a jury)
Would you like to learn more about the compensation you can receive from a lawsuit? If so, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers of Normandie to receive a free, private consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fresno, CA
What is the Average Value of a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Due to the high potential for serious, long-term injuries, the average value for motorcycle accident claims is around $73,000. But if you look at these cases overall, some claims are settled for under $10,000, while settlements and jury verdicts for catastrophic injuries and death can start at around $500,000. Please note that case values are specific to each and every claimant, and there are many details that play a role in how much you can receive from a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer at our office can help you determine the right amount to ask for if you are interested in filing an insurance claim for a motorcycle accident.
How Long will My Case Take to Settle?
Based on the severity of injuries, your emotional trauma, and many other factors, a motorcycle accident claim can take anywhere from a few months to 3 or more years to settle. The goal is to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation with the insurance company, hopefully, within the first 6 months. But that may not be possible in cases of severe injuries or death, as the value of such cases may exceed $1,000,000. Claims that are worth 6 to 7 figures often proceed to a lawsuit, meaning that it’s possible that the case will go to trial. It’s worth noting that less than 10% of all lawsuits end up in court, but if that were to happen, the legal process will probably take more than 3 years.
Statutory Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
You only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit for being injured in a motorcycle accident. Under California law, you must initiate a legal case against the liable entity within 2 years. Normally, this window of time begins on the date of accident, so in other words, the clock starts ticking from the moment you are injured. Please talk to one of our attorneys immediately and start the process of filing an accident injury claim.
Help from a Fresno Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you are looking for a lawyer in the city of Fresno that can help you sue for a motorcycle accident, look no further than Normandie Law Firm. We have a dedicated team of lawyers who are ready to fight for you and the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm takes all cases on contingency, and that means you can hire us for $0. We only receive payment if we secure your settlement, so you do not have to worry about paying us out of pocket. In addition, all clients receive the Zero Fee Guarantee, so you will not be charged any fees if you don’t get paid from a successful injury claim.
For more information on your rights and legal options, give us a call and talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fresno, CA.
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