Motorcyclists are injured at a far higher rate than other drivers due to the lack of protection afforded by their vehicles. Because motorcycle riders have minimal protection other than a helmet, they often suffer severe injuries in crashes. If you were harmed in a collision, an experienced Santa Clarita motorcycle accident attorney can help get you the money you need.
At the Simmrin Law Group, we understand the challenges that motorcycle accident victims face. Our team of Santa Clarita personal injury lawyers will do everything in our power to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve from the liable party. Reach out to us today to schedule your free case consultation with a member of our team.
The Advantages of Settling Your Case
Taking a motorcycle accident case to trial can mean you will have to wait years to recover compensation from the liable party. Fortunately, the majority of cases end up settling out of court. By reaching a settlement deal, you will be able to get the money you need far quicker while avoiding the unpredictable nature of a jury trial.
Even if your case seems airtight, there are no guarantees in the courtroom, especially in a jury trial. While you don’t want to take the first settlement offered, negotiating to get a deal that works for you is likely going to be in your best interest. You will likely be able to settle your case outside of the courtroom, as settling is generally the best option for the defendant as well.
However, you still need to prepare as though you are going to court. There is always the possibility that you will be unable to come to terms on a settlement deal, necessitating a trial. Furthermore, by being ready and willing to take your case to court, you will increase the pressure on the defendant to settle, giving you more leverage in negotiations.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Recover Damages With the Help of an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Santa Clarita
Following a motorcycle accident in which you suffered severe injuries, there are many different types of damages you will likely be able to recover. Determining all the damages you are eligible to pursue is going to be critical for recovering the full value of your claim. Unfortunately, it is not always clear what damages you can collect.
However, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Santa Clarita can help you sort everything out and identify the damages you qualify to claim. Once they have determined all the damages in your case, your lawyer can begin to build their arguments to help get you the full value of your claim through a court-ordered payout or out-of-court settlement.
Economic Damages
Any losses caused by your motorcycle accident that result in financial losses belong in the category of economic damages. Economic damages cover both the money you have already lost as well as projected future losses related to your accident. Following a motorcycle crash, the economic damages most frequently awarded include:
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lowered earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
Every other type of loss related to your motorcycle collision falls into the diverse category of non-economic damages. Because the focus of this category is on personal rather than financial losses, it can be challenging to assign a dollar figure to these damages.
Although there are guidelines to help establish a framework for how much to award for these damages, the court will ultimately decide how much to award as a payout on a case-by-case basis. Following a motorcycle crash, the non-economic damages most frequently awarded include:
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases, you may also be able to collect punitive damages. These damages are only awarded in a small number of motorcycle accident cases. For your case to qualify, the at-fault party must have been criminally negligent or acted with the intention of causing harm.
In contrast to compensatory damages, the purpose of punitive damages is not to replace the losses incurred by accident victims. Instead, punitive damages are used to penalize the liable party for their actions, with the hope of discouraging similarly reckless behavior in the future.
Santa Clarita Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Use Caution When Communicating With Insurance Representatives After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident, you need to be careful when dealing with the liable party’s insurance provider. Despite their attempts to portray themselves as friendly neighbors ready to lend a helping hand, the truth is that insurance companies only really care about profits.
When you are pursuing money from an insurer, they will do everything they can to deny or devalue your claim. Insurance adjusters employ a variety of tricks to minimize the amount they have to pay. The best way to protect yourself is by refusing to speak with any insurance representatives until you have hired an experienced attorney.
After you have secured legal representation, the insurance company will be barred from contacting you directly. By forcing the insurer to work through your lawyer, you will cut off their ability to take advantage of you. This leveling of the playing field will greatly improve your chances of securing the money you need.
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Get Help From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Santa Clarita Today
After sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident, recovering compensation can be essential. The best way to improve your odds of getting the money you need is by securing the services of an experienced Santa Clarita motorcycle accident lawyer. At the Simmrin Law Group, we have helped countless accident victims recover favorable compensation.
Contact us by filling out our online contact form or by giving us a call on the phone and schedule your free, no-obligation case consultation today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form