Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a Bakersfield motorcycle accident? The attorneys at Golden Gate Legal help injured riders get the compensation they deserve. Call us.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a whirlwind of physical pain and emotional stress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Bakersfield area, our team is ready to help; you can reach us at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and understand the unique challenges riders face in Bakersfield. This article will guide you on what to do after an accident, provide an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Bakersfield
If you're involved in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, it's important to take the following steps to protect yourself:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your first priority is to check for injuries, both for yourself and anyone else involved in the crash. If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe spot away from the flow of Bakersfield traffic to prevent any further incidents.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority after a crash is to call 911, especially if anyone is hurt. It's also vital to get a medical evaluation right away, as some serious injuries aren't immediately obvious and this creates a crucial record for your health and potential claim.
Document the Accident Scene
After an accident, it's vital to document everything you can by taking pictures of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any injuries you've sustained. Make sure to also collect the names and contact details of any witnesses, and exchange driver's license and insurance information with the other party.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the heat of the moment, it's crucial to avoid saying anything that could imply you were at fault, even a simple apology. It is also wise to stay off social media and refuse to sign any documents or speak with an insurance adjuster before you have legal guidance.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, seeking legal guidance from Golden Gate Legal can make all the difference in protecting your interests. We are here to navigate the legal system on your behalf, fighting for the full compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in Bakersfield, we understand the challenges you're facing. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Golden Gate Legal to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will fight aggressively to ensure you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests, handling the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case, removing any financial burden from seeking justice.
- We Are Available at all times: Our team is always ready to take your call, answer your questions, and provide the legal and emotional support you need.
We encourage you to read our Client Testimonials to see what others have to say about working with our firm.
Legal Process Overview
For our clients in Bakersfield, we take care of every step of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery:
- 1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We begin with a complimentary meeting where we hear your side of the story, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential claim.
- 2. Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team meticulously gathers all necessary evidence, from accident reports to medical bills, and handles the entire claim filing process for you.
- 3. Medical Treatment Coordination: Your recovery is paramount, so we assist in coordinating your medical care and track your progress to build a strong case around the full extent of your injuries.
- 4. Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've reached maximum medical improvement, we craft a comprehensive demand package and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to secure a top-dollar settlement.
- 5. Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once a settlement or verdict is reached, we manage the final details to ensure you receive your compensation check promptly.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver's carelessness, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for your losses. Compensatory damages for motorcycle accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
To protect their profits, insurance companies will often attempt to undervalue your claim, making it essential to have the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Golden Gate Legal fighting to get you the compensation you truly deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle:
Road Rash
Road rash refers to the painful scrapes and cuts that happen when a rider's skin slides across the asphalt during an accident, potentially leading to severe issues such as infections, lasting scars, or nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a common and serious consequence of motorcycle accidents, often requiring surgery, immobilization in a cast, and a lengthy healing period that can unfortunately lead to permanent movement limitations or chronic pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A serious motorcycle accident can inflict devastating harm on the spinal cord, leading to varying degrees of paralysis that dramatically alter a person's freedom of movement, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident can lead to lasting consequences, such as memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and significant personality changes.
Foot and Leg Injuries
In a motorcycle accident, your feet and legs often take the hardest hit, which can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, dislocated joints, or severe gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a crash can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), debilitating anxiety, and recurring nightmares, often making professional therapy a necessary part of recovery.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
CAUSE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding or reckless driving cuts down on crucial reaction time and elevates the danger of a devastating collision, particularly on packed city streets or highways.
Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated severely hampers your ability to react quickly, impairs your judgment, and dramatically raises the likelihood of causing a tragic collision.
Running Red Lights
Ignoring a red light often leads to dangerous collisions with other cars at intersections or tragic accidents involving pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of a driver not paying attention or following too closely, rear-end accidents frequently cause whiplash and other significant neck and back injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When a driver changes lanes without warning or misjudges the space available, it can trigger sideswipe accidents or cause other motorists to brake hard to avoid a crash.
Lane Splitting
Motorcyclists who weave between lanes of slow-moving or stationary vehicles are engaging in lane splitting, a practice that can be hazardous and result in crashes when other drivers are caught off guard or don't check their surroundings properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, we believe everyone in Bakersfield deserves justice without financial worry. That's why we handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. Simply put, you won't pay us a dime unless we win your case.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident requires a few key steps and often a detailed investigation into the unique details of your case. If you believe the other driver caused the crash, our team at Golden Gate Legal can work to demonstrate their liability.
It's important to know that if you are found to be partially responsible, your potential compensation could be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurately calculating the compensation you may be entitled to, especially in a city like Bakersfield where traffic conditions can be complex.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the day your accident occurred to file a lawsuit for your injuries. If you fail to act within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your damages.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies must follow a specific timeline when handling your claim. Once you've notified them, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start looking into the details. From the day they receive your completed proof-of-claim documents, they have another 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny it.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they are then required to issue your settlement payment within 30 days. This means that, according to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire process should be wrapped up in 85 days from the time you provide all necessary information.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
In California, a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield typically stays on your driving record for three years. This period begins on the date of the collision. However, if the crash involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, the incident could remain on your record for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we start by understanding how your accident in Bakersfield has impacted you. We make sure you feel supported and can help you find specialized doctors to properly treat your injuries.
You should focus on healing. We will handle the legal battle to win the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and overall recovery.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
