Another primary reason for hiring an experienced attorney is to maintain the integrity of your case. Insurance companies can also mislead the victims into making comments about their case, resulting in a negative outcome of reduced compensation. It is best to have an experienced legal representative guide you on the comments you can and cannot make.
Our team of experienced professionals will listen to the details of the motorcycle crash during the free case evaluation and carry out further investigations. We aim to find factors that strengthen your claim and result in a positive response.
Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers possess strong negotiation skills and do not settle for anything less than fair compensation. We know how to deal with insurance companies and will counter the tactics that interfere with bringing our clients justice.
Finally, one of the most tedious tasks of compiling a case and presenting it is the paperwork. You can take the time to heal and recover from the physical and emotional trauma while we deal with all of the legal documents and case proceedings.
How Much Are Serious Injuries from an Accident Worth?
There is no fixed compensation amount for a San Bernardino motorcycle accident claim, as each case will vary. Motorcycle crashes often result in serious injury that requires extensive medical care. Depending on these factors, the settlement amount the insurance company will owe in damages can be based on the following:
- The severity of the injury you have sustained
- Total costs associated with your current and upcoming medical bills
- All medical bills for future treatment: wheelchairs, medications, physical rehabilitation, pain management, and other post-injury essentials
- Amount of wage loss due to the inability to continue work because of the injury
- Punitive damages for pain and suffering
- Mental health services in case of dealing with the traumatic incident
- Property damage to the motorcycle and other personal belongings
- Costs associated with a wrongful death: medical expenses before the death, funeral costs, burial costs, lost income previously provided by the deceased, and more
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Bernardino
Motorcycle accidents, just like any other accident, occur due to a person’s negligence. If you believe that the other party was at fault, you are entitled to fair compensation for all the damages you may have suffered. Here are some of the reasons why accidents happen:
- Speeding: Speeding from both motorcycles and other vehicles is a significant cause of accidents. Both can reach high speeds and momentum, causing the car to react adversely. The driver can quickly lose control causing damage to property or pedestrians.
- Lane Splitting: This action occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic before merging into a single lane. It’s legal in California; however, it’s still very dangerous.
- Distracted or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving is dangerous and deemed illegal, depending on the act. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and anything else that takes focus away from driving.
- Harsh Weather: Harsh weather, such as heavy rain, can also play a role in accidents. These weather conditions can result in accidents, from sleek roads and vehicles losing control.
- Road Conditions: Damaged roads can also cause motorcycles to lose control due to the minimized traction from being on two wheels.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving an automobile after drinking or consuming drugs compromises motorists’ mental state and decision-making abilities.
- Poorly Lit Roads: Poor lighting can prevent riders from seeing the road, turns, pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorcycle riders
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcycle riders are not protected in the same way that drivers in cars are, motorcyclists often experience more catastrophic injuries. When a motorcycle accident injury is life-changing or life-threatening, victims deserve to be compensated. You may be entitled to a settlement if you experience the following injuries after a motorcycle accident.
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Rib and torso injuries
- Seatbelt injuries
- Wrongful death
What to Do After an Accident
After experiencing a motorcycle accident, it is advised to do the following to preserve your health and strengthen your claim:
- Prioritize health and wellbeing. Ensure that you see a medical professional right away in case of an injury. Be sure to get a copy of your medical report, as this document will be used to build your case.
- Be sure to take pictures or videos in case of speeding, dim lighting, or road damage to strengthen your case. Also, document all of your motorcycle accident injuries.
- Make sure you register the case with the law enforcement agency. They will write a police report, and you will need a copy of this for your case.
- Avoid immediately talking to the insurance company. Insurance agencies can trick you into leaving money on the table or settling for less.
- The most crucial step is to get legal representation as soon as possible, as an accident attorney can proficiently guide you throughout the process.