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Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Lawyers in California
When the freedom of the open road in California turns into an unfortunate motorcycle accident, our dedicated legal team in San Clemente, Gilroy, La Verne, and Apple Valley steps in. We provide comprehensive legal support, committed to pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. Through clear communication and compassionate guidance, we navigate complex legal terrain, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Ride on with confidence, knowing we are at your side.
Our personal injury law firm has assisted countless clients, retrieving more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements on their behalf. We have a reputation for prevailing in even the most complicated cases!
Our personal injury law firm is accessible anytime to handle your legal concerns. Contact us now for a no-strings-attached, no-cost case consultation.
$1.1 M
Motor Vehicle Accident
$975 K
Construction Accident
$750 K
Motor Vehicle Accident
$360 K
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Gilroy, Apple Valley, La Verne, San Clemente.
For the motorcycle enthusiasts riding through the famed garlic fields of Gilroy, an unfortunate accident can be a distressing experience. We understand how your love for the open road can suddenly turn into a complex legal situation. Our team of dedicated lawyers is here to provide comprehensive legal assistance, helping you understand your rights and guiding you through the process, one step at a time.
In the scenic vistas of Apple Valley, motorcycle accidents can turn an enjoyable ride into a painful ordeal. Dealing with injuries, damage to your motorcycle, and missed work can be a daunting task. But, you don’t have to face it alone. Our expert legal team is equipped to handle the intricacies of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, while you focus on your recovery.
Whether you’re cruising through the historical town of La Verne, or enjoying a ride along the beautiful coast of San Clemente, we understand that motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere and can significantly impact your life. We are committed to providing robust legal support and clear, understandable advice to victims. Our friendly team of lawyers stands ready to protect your rights and help you navigate this difficult period. We’re here to support your journey back to the open road.
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Why Pursue the Other Driver's Insurance Company?
Being involved in a motorcycle accident in California due to another driver’s recklessness can entitle you to compensation for your injuries and losses. The driver at fault, or their insurance company, is expected to cover these costs. However, interacting with insurance companies can be a tiring and stressful process. Let us do it for you.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in California, offering an exhilarating experience and efficient mobility. However, it comes with its share of risks. Understanding the most common types of motorcycle accidents in the region is crucial in helping riders stay vigilant and prepared. We’ve planted roots in four different cities: Gilroy, Apple Valley, La Verne, and San Clemente. Our widespread presence allows us to be readily available for you, providing reliable legal aid whenever you require. Here’s a list to provide insights into the typical scenarios where accidents occur, reinforcing the importance of safety precautions and defensive riding strategies.
Left Turn Accidents
This happens when a car makes a left turn without noticing an oncoming motorcycle.
Lane Splitting Accidents
These occur when motorcycles ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.
Rear-End Accidents
These accidents occur when a vehicle hits a motorcycle from behind.
Speeding Accidents
Accidents caused by either the motorcyclist or another driver exceeding the speed limit.
Drunk Driving Accidents
These accidents happen when a driver or motorcyclist operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hit and Run Accidents
These are accidents where the responsible party flees the scene without providing their details or assisting the injured party.
Accidents Involving Road Hazards
These can occur due to potholes, slick roads, uneven lanes, or debris on the road.
Head-On Collisions
These occur when a car or truck collides head-on with a motorcycle, often with devastating consequences.
Should I File My Motorcycle Vehicle Accident Lawsuit On My Own?
While it's technically possible to file a motorcycle vehicle accident lawsuit on your own, it's generally not recommended unless you have a deep understanding of the law and the legal process. This field can be complicated and full of potential pitfalls that could seriously affect the outcome of your case. Personal injury law involves various elements, such as proving the other party's negligence, determining and proving the full extent of your damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. These companies have experienced lawyers on their side, whose job is to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. Furthermore, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries with long-term consequences, which means a lot can be at stake. By filing on your own, you run the risk of overlooking potential sources of compensation, not properly documenting your injuries and damages, or making other errors that could reduce the amount of compensation you receive or even result in your claim being dismissed. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected. We have the expertise to build a strong case on your behalf, accurately estimate the total cost of your injuries, and fight for deserved fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in California?
In California, the statute of limitations, or the time limit to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time frame applies to personal injury claims, including those for motorcycle accidents. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year period, you may be barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries.
However, if the accident resulted in a death, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years from the date of death, which may not be the same as the date of the accident.
Also, if your claim is against a government entity (for example, if your accident was due to a poorly maintained road), you have only six months from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Because every case is unique, and different factors can affect these time frames, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident to ensure your rights are protected. Our presence in California is wide and welcoming, with law offices in Gilroy, San Clemente, Apple Valley, and La Verne. We’re close by to provide immediate legal assistance whenever you need it. Contact our experienced motorcycle injury lawyers to help you with your injury case.
How can I determine who's at fault in a motorcycle accident?
Determining who’s at fault in a motorcycle accident can often be a complex task. It involves understanding traffic laws, examining the accident scene, evaluating vehicle damage, and reviewing any available witness statements or police reports. The rider’s actions, the actions of other drivers involved, and even the road conditions at the time of the accident all play a part in determining fault.
Watch Out
You might hear from the other party's insurance adjuster soon after your accident, apparently just to 'see how you're doing'. They could swiftly ask you to give a recorded statement, supposedly to 'determine who's at fault'. But this request might be a ploy to later use your own words against you. It's crucial to remember that California law doesn't oblige you to give a statement to the other insurer without your lawyer. Gently refuse their request and let us arrange a free consultation and case review for you so you can obtain a settlement you really deserve for your injuries.
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Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help me determining who's at fault in my motorcycle accident?
We can definitely help you with your case. We will gather necessary evidence, like traffic camera footage or data from vehicle black boxes, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed. Our lawyers will evaluate all these factors and apply them to California’s comparative negligence law, which allows for the apportionment of fault among all parties involved.
Remember, even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries, so it’s crucial to get professional legal advice.
What happens if the other driver involved in the accident leaves the scene?
A hit-and-run accident is a traumatic experience and can leave you feeling helpless and confused. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to remember that you still have legal rights and options.
The first step is to call the police. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in California, and law enforcement will want to document what happened. Provide them with as much information as you can, including a description of the other vehicle, the direction it was traveling in, and any details about the driver.
It’s also crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, some symptoms may not manifest immediately after an accident. A thorough medical examination will not only ensure your well-being but also serve as official documentation of your injuries, which can be crucial for any subsequent legal or insurance actions.
Talk to our experienced personal injury lawyers. We can help navigate the complexities of your hit-and-run case and ensure you are pursuing all possible avenues for compensation. Remember, you have rights, and an experienced lawyer can be an invaluable ally during this difficult time.
What specific California laws apply to motorcycle riders?
California has several specific laws that apply to motorcycle riders to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are some of the key ones:
- Helmet Law: Under California Vehicle Code Section 27803, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation compliant helmet when riding a motorcycle.
- Lane Splitting: As of 2017, California officially legalized lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane), making it the first state to do so. The law is outlined under Assembly Bill 51.
- Training and License: All motorcycle riders in California must have a motorcycle endorsement (M1 or M2) on their driver’s license. To obtain this, riders must complete a California Highway Patrol-approved motorcycle training course, or, if they are over 21, they can choose to take a skills test at a DMV office.
- Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must meet certain equipment requirements, including having handlebars not higher than the rider’s shoulders, functioning turn signals and a working exhaust system. All these requirements are stipulated in the California Vehicle Code.
- DUI Laws: The same DUI laws that apply to other motor vehicles in California also apply to motorcycles. Riders found to be operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can face severe penalties.
How to determine who was at fault in my motorcycle accident?
- Traffic Laws: Familiarity with local traffic laws is essential in determining fault. Any violation of these laws, such as running a red light, speeding, or reckless driving, can be a strong indicator of fault.
- Police Reports: After an accident, a police officer typically arrives on the scene to gather evidence and create an accident report. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence when determining fault as it contains the officer’s professional opinion on who caused the accident based on their assessment of the scene.
- Witness Statements: Witnesses can provide a neutral perspective of the accident. Their statements can corroborate your version of events or provide additional details that help establish fault.
- Evidence from the Scene: Photos or videos from the accident scene can also help determine fault. This could include damage to vehicles, skid marks, or any other physical evidence that could indicate how the collision occurred.
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called upon to recreate the accident using the available evidence and provide professional insights into what likely happened.
- Insurance Company Investigations: Each involved party’s insurance company will conduct their own investigation into the accident. They will review the evidence, interview parties involved, and come to a conclusion about who was at fault.
What not to do after a motorcycle accident?
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your potential injury claim or lawsuit. Here are a few things you should avoid doing:
First, don’t leave the scene. It’s critical to stay put until help arrives. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if someone was injured, can result in serious legal consequences.
Second, don’t neglect to call the police. A police report can provide an impartial record of what happened, which may prove beneficial when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. It’s important to ensure that all facts are reported accurately.
Next, don’t forget to seek immediate medical attention, even if you think you’re uninjured. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away, and delaying medical care could harm your health and affect your potential injury claim.
Avoid apologizing or admitting fault at the accident scene. It’s natural to want to apologize, even if you’re not at fault, but this could be misconstrued as an admission of liability which wouldn’t help with your injury lawsuit.
Don’t neglect to gather evidence. If you’re capable, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. Also, try to collect contact information from any witnesses.
Lastly, refrain from accepting the first offer from an insurance company without consulting our personal injury lawyers. Insurers often aim to settle cases quickly and for less than what you may be entitled to receive. Our experienced attorneys can provide guidance and help negotiate a fair settlement.
Remember, every accident is unique, so it’s important to seek personalized legal advice that addresses your specific situation.
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