Riding your motorcycle is a freeing experience, but when you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, it’s a big disruption in your life. The injuries you suffer will likely be expensive to treat, but you don’t have to go it alone; an Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer can help you.
At Simmrin Law Group, our team of Escondido personal injury lawyers can help hold the liable parties accountable. We can review your case for free in a consultation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Injury
The moments after an accident can be chaotic and stressful, especially if you or others are injured. Here are some important steps to take right away:
- Seek medical attention: Get any required emergency care immediately. Even if you feel okay, it’s best to have a doctor examine you thoroughly, as some injuries may not be apparent right away. They can also document your condition.
- Call for help: If possible, have someone call 911 for ambulance transport to the hospital. Otherwise, use your cell phone to call for assistance.
- Gather information: Try to get contact and insurance details from all drivers involved. Note the date, time, weather conditions, and what you remember about how the accident occurred. Take photos of the crash scene if it’s safe to do so.
- Contact the police: Request that a police report be filed to document details of the accident, like location, who was at fault, and any citations issued. You’ll need a report for any insurance claims.
- Preserve evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, photos of injuries, and damaged gear. Note your pain levels, ability to work, and expenses. This documentation is important for your case.
- Consult a motorcycle accident attorney in Escondido: Getting proper legal advice early on is recommended. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can advise the best way to protect your rights and recover costs from negligent parties.
Take care of your health first while also making sure your options are preserved in case further legal action is needed down the road. Seeking help right away is important after an accident.
How To Protect Your Right to a Settlement After a Motorcycle Accident
Being involved in an accident can cause shock, pain, and uncertainty about the next steps. However, it’s best not to make any decisions or share information that could compromise your legal rights or your motorcycle accident settlement. Here are some key things to avoid:
- Do not discuss fault: Avoid saying anything to the other parties or insurance companies admitting fault for the accident yourself. Leave liability determinations to the legal process.
- Do not sign medical releases: Do not sign broad medical authorizations or let insurers have direct access to your healthcare providers without your lawyer’s review.
- Do not settle claims yourself: Insurance companies may try to quickly settle with you directly. Do not accept any payout offers until speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
- Do not post about the accident online: Anything shared publicly on social media could potentially damage your case. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
- Do not alter physical evidence: Until your lawyer advises, do not alter, clean, or remove your motorcycle, gear, or anything else involved to preserve evidence integrity.
- Do not delay treatment: Continue any medical care recommended by doctors to document injuries and recovery fully. Delays may undermine the full value of your claim.
Seeking legal help immediately after an accident can help avoid unintentionally forfeiting your right to maximum compensation through missteps you could make during the highly emotional aftermath.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim After an Escondido Motorcycle Accident?
According to California’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the motorcycle accident date to file a personal injury claim. Our Escondido motorcycle accident attorneys recommend that you file as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Even though there is a set deadline, the details of your motorcycle accident could alter your time to file. The only sure way to know how long you have to file is to meet with our Escondido motorcycle accident attorney at Simmrin Law Group.
If you miss your opportunity to file, you won’t be eligible for any compensation. That’s why it’s so important to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Escondido?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover your losses and medical expenses. The types of damages an experienced Escondido motorcycle accident lawyer can seek to recover in a case include:
- Medical bills: This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any other care required to treat your injuries properly.
- Lost wages: If the accident prevented you from working or led to ongoing disabilities, you may recover income you lost due to missed work as well as future lost earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by injuries and their impact on your quality of life.
- Property damage: The at-fault party is responsible for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, gear like helmets and leathers, and any personal items damaged in the crash.
- Long-term care: Future medical costs, such as costs for assisted living or round-the-clock care if the injuries cause permanent limitations.
Work With Our Team of Escondido Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our team of Escondido motorcycle accident lawyers at Simmrin Law Group can help. We can build a strong claim for you so you can recover compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation.