Motorcycle accidents are among the most severe and dangerous accidents on the roads. Every year, motorcyclists face life-changing injuries, brain damage, and death, often despite following all traffic laws. After an accident, a motorcyclist has the same rights as any other injured motorist. However, insurance companies are quick to blame the biker or try to deny their claim.
Don’t face this process alone. You need to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. The Simmrin Law Group believes in bikers’ rights, and we can help. Our hand-picked legal team includes some of the most respected lawyers in the state, and we know how to take on insurance companies.
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims Different From Other Accident Cases?
Every biker is intimately familiar with two facts. They know that any accident on a motorcycle poses a serious risk to the rider. Additionally, other drivers tend not to see motorcycles or drive aggressively around them.
These two factors combine to make motorcyclists one of the most at-risk groups on the road. Statistically, a motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than someone in a car. They are also five times more likely to be injured. Even with a helmet, anything from a wipeout to a collision can be life-threatening. And the injuries of those who survive are often severe.
From the insurance company’s perspective, that means motorcycle accident claims are particularly expensive to pay out. Because of this added expense, insurers will look for any excuse to downgrade, minimize, or deny your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
What If the Insurance Company Tries to Blame Me?
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence, even when the motorcyclist did nothing wrong. In Los Angeles and statewide, whichever driver was careless or negligent and caused the accident is the one at fault. Because of this, their insurance is supposed to pay for all costs.
However, insurers know that motorcyclists have a reputation as being “reckless” or lawbreakers, and they will use this bias to their advantage. The best things you can do to protect yourself are:
- Do not apologize for the accident or accept any blame
- Do not give the insurance company a written or verbal statement
- Hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible
Your lawyer serves as a go-between, preventing the insurance company from speaking with you directly and using your words against you.
A good lawyer will also launch their own investigation into the accident, gathering evidence before it’s lost and reconstructing what happened. Often, we can prove definitively that you were not at fault so that you get your claim paid.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
You can still recover money. However, riding without a helmet may affect your claim. California state law requires that all motorcyclists and their passengers (and anybody on a chopper, Vespa, scooter, etc.) wear a helmet.
Not wearing one means that you were technically breaking the law. Additionally, your injuries are likely more severe than they would have been if you had worn a helmet. That doesn’t necessarily mean the accident is your fault, and it doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim. However, it does mean your own legal negligence contributed to the severity of the accident.
As a result, you may get less money than you otherwise would. You may also be considered partly at fault for what happened, which would mean that your insurance and the other driver’s insurance will have to share the cost of the claim. However, the law still protects you, and a good motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles can still help you recover money.
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What If Someone I Love Was Killed in a Motorcycle Accident?
We’re sorry. This is one of the most difficult things a family can face, and we know that no settlement can ever make it better. We often help clients going through this situation, and our goal is that the money they recover will help them rebuild their lives as best as possible.
When your loved one loses their life in an accident, the immediate family has the right to recover compensation. This includes all of their medical costs and other costs related to the accident, as well as additional money for wrongful death.
This money is paid in consideration of the loss of a spouse, the cost of final expenses, and the financial blow of losing the income that your loved one used to earn. We don’t believe this money can ever make up for what happened. Instead, we simply hope it will give you financial safety after the accident.
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How Much Money Can I Recover From a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You can recover 100% of all costs and damages caused by the accident. That includes both actual costs, like the price of going to the doctor, and less tangible damages that it’s hard to put a price on.
Hard Costs
Your settlement should pay for all of your medical bills, including medicine and ongoing care. Additionally, you should receive compensation to cover:
- The cost of repairing or replacing your bike
- Lost wages for any missed work time
- Loss of earning potential if you won’t be able to return to your old job
Other Damages
The law allows for very large cash settlements to accident victims who have suffered permanent injury, scarring, loss of a limb, disability, severe pain, or other serious losses. Wrongful death settlements also fall under this category.
The amount paid in motorcycle claims can be very large. It’s not uncommon to see settlements of over $1,000,000. Even smaller settlements are often hundreds of thousands.
Make Sure to File Your Lawsuit on Time
One of the most important things to be aware of when considering filing a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is the statute of limitations. The state of California gives motorcycle accident victims two years from the date of their crash to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If you fail to file within that window, you generally forfeit your right to compensation.
The best way to make sure you meet your deadline to file is to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will take over all aspects of your case and ensure that this and any other deadlines are met.
Additionally, by hiring an attorney early, you will put them in the best position to win your case as they will be able to gather all physical evidence and question any witnesses while the events are still fresh in their minds.
Settling a Motorcycle Accident Case Out of Court
When filing a lawsuit, you will likely be offered a settlement. Never accept any offer you receive without first speaking with your lawyer and having them look over the agreement. The first offer you receive will likely be significantly undervalued. In order to receive a fair settlement, your attorney will have to negotiate for the best deal possible.
A settlement deal can be a great way to reduce the time it takes to receive compensation. Taking a deal can also protect you from the unpredictability of a trial. However, don’t let these benefits blind you to a bad deal. You don’t want to sell out your future for a quick and easy payout that doesn’t cover your long-term needs.
Talk to a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
When you call the Simmrin Law Group, we listen. We help you understand your rights under the law and what options you have. If you choose to hire us, we offer a simple promise: you owe us nothing unless we win you money. We believe this is the best way to offer zero-risk legal help when you need it most.
A motorcycle accident can already ruin a life. Don’t risk missing out on the settlement you deserve. Let us give you a free consultation. Fill out our online contact form or call us and get your free consultation today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
