Motorcycle accidents are among the most 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.
Since insurance companies are quick to blame bikers and try to deny their claims, it is critical for motorcyclists to secure representation from a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. The Simmrin Law Group believes in bikers’ rights, and we can help. Our hand-picked legal team includes some of the most respected Los Angeles personal injury lawyers and we know how to take on insurance companies.
How Motorcycle Accident Claims Differ from Other Accident Cases
Every Los Angeles biker is intimately familiar with two facts: they are exposed to serious risk if involved in an accident, and 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 a passenger car occupant and five times more likely to be injured. Even with a helmet, anything from a wipeout to a collision can be deadly, and the injuries of those who survive are often severe.
From the insurance company’s perspective, these catastrophic consequences mean motorcycle accident claims are particularly expensive to pay out. To avoid this cost, insurers will look for any excuse to downgrade, minimize, or deny a biker’s claim and often use unethical strategies to make that happen.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
A Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Provides Protection from Unethical Insurance Practices
Unfortunately, insurance companies implement these dishonest tactics are used, and often successfully, even when the motorcyclist did nothing wrong. Without representation from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, bikers are especially vulnerable to unfair treatment leaving them with little to no compensation. In California, whichever driver is determined to have caused the accident through careless or negligent actions is the one at fault.
Insurers know that motorcyclists often have a stereotypical reputation for being “reckless” or breaking the law, and they will use this bias to their advantage. To protect yourself after your accident:
- 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 is lost and reconstructing what happened. A motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles will work to prove you were not at fault and your claim is paid.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
California’s Helmet Requirement May Affect Your Claim
If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, 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 does not necessarily mean the accident is your fault, and it does not mean you do not have a claim; however, it can 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. Still, the law protects you, and a good motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles can still help you recover money.
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What to Do if Someone You Love Is Killed in a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging 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 to recover finances to help them rebuild their lives as best as possible.
When a loved one loses their life in an accident, the immediate family has the right to recover compensation. This includes all of their medical expenses and other costs related to the accident, as well as additional money for a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer.
This money paid acknowledges the loss of the relationship, covers final expenses, and mitigates the financial blow of losing the income your loved one contributed to your household. We do not believe this money can ever make up for what happened, but we hope it will give you financial safety after the accident.
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Money You Can Recover After 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 more difficult to assign a dollar amount.
Hard Costs
Your settlement should pay for all 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 will not be able to return to your 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 considerable. It is not uncommon to see settlements of over $1,000,000. Even smaller settlements are often worth hundreds of thousands.
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 Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will take over all aspects of your case and ensure 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 the witnesses’ 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 review the agreement. The first offer you receive will likely be significantly undervalued.
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, do not let these benefits blind you to a bad deal.
You should not sell out your future for a quick and easy payout that does not cover your long-term needs.
If You Do Not Settle Out of Court
If insurance companies refuse to make a fair offer out of court, our attorneys are more than prepared to represent you at trial. Your lawyer will inform you of your options and potential outcomes so you can make the best decision.
Talk to a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
When you call the Simmrin Law Group, we listen. Our attorneys help you understand your rights under the law and what options you have. When you choose to hire us, we offer a simple promise: you owe us nothing unless we win you money.
A motorcycle accident can already ruin a life. Do not 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 with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
