Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Bakersfield motorcycle accident? The attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a grueling ordeal, leaving you with physical pain and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Bakersfield area, we encourage you to contact us at the number below for guidance.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and fighting for the rights of injured riders in Bakersfield. This guide will walk you through what to do after a crash, provide an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you may have along the way.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Bakersfield
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, it is crucial to take the following steps:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check for injuries, both for yourself and any passengers. If it's safe and you're able to, move your vehicle out of the way of Bakersfield's busy traffic to a more secure spot.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If you're in a motorcycle accident, your first priority is to call 911, especially if there are any injuries. Even if you feel unhurt, it is crucial to see a doctor, as some injuries can take hours or days to become apparent and a medical report is vital for your recovery and any potential claim.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, your injuries, and the road conditions. Be sure to also collect contact information from any witnesses and exchange driver, insurance, and vehicle details with the other party.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
Protecting your rights after an accident means being mindful of what you say and do, so avoid admitting any fault, even casually. You should also hold off on posting about the crash online or signing any documents until you've had a chance to speak with an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
After a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a crucial step to safeguard your interests and navigate the often-confusing insurance landscape. Our dedicated attorneys will walk you through every stage of your personal injury claim, ensuring you receive the compassionate support and expert guidance needed to secure fair compensation.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in Bakersfield. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight to ensure you recover every penny you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our top priority is to protect your rights and interests so you can focus on your recovery.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay any legal fees unless we successfully win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
We invite you to read what our past clients have to say by checking out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of your personal injury claim in Bakersfield so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. Here’s how the process works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a free, no-obligation meeting where we listen to what happened, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential case.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle the heavy lifting by collecting crucial evidence like accident reports and medical bills, and we'll officially file your claim with the insurance providers for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care and will keep track of your recovery, making sure the full extent of your injuries is documented for your claim.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've finished your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the best possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once we win or settle your case, we manage the final details to make sure you get your settlement funds 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 someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you've suffered. 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
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible on claims to protect their own profits, which is why it's crucial to have an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this isn't a complete list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle in our cases:
Road Rash
Road rash describes the painful skin abrasions from sliding across the pavement in a crash, which can result in serious complications like infection, permanent scarring, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent outcome of motorcycle crashes, often demanding surgery, casts for stabilization, and a significant healing time, which can sometimes lead to permanent movement problems and persistent pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The immense force of an accident can inflict devastating damage to the spinal cord, often causing a permanent loss of movement and sensation that profoundly impacts a person's independence, daily life, and future.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can lead to lasting problems like difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and significant shifts in personality or mood.
Foot and Leg Injuries
In a collision, a rider's legs and feet are extremely vulnerable, often suffering from injuries like broken bones, dislocated joints, or severe cuts.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a crash can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to persistent anxiety, disturbing flashbacks, and depression that often necessitates professional therapy to overcome.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Here are some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding leaves drivers with less time to react to unexpected dangers and greatly increases the chances of a severe, high-impact collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can slow your response time, cloud your judgment, and dramatically increase the likelihood of a severe collision.
Running Red Lights
When a driver fails to stop at a red light, it often leads to dangerous intersection crashes or puts pedestrians at severe risk of injury.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of a driver not paying attention or following too closely, these accidents frequently lead to painful neck and back problems like whiplash.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers switch lanes without signaling or looking, they can cut off other vehicles and cause serious accidents.
Lane Splitting
This practice, known as lane splitting, involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic and is risky because drivers often don't anticipate it, leading to accidents when they switch lanes without looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our clients in Bakersfield, there are no upfront costs to hire Golden Gate Legal for your personal injury case. We only collect a fee if we secure a settlement or win at trial, meaning there is zero financial risk for you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident involves several key steps and often requires a detailed investigation into the specifics of the crash. If you believe the other driver was responsible for what happened, we can help you build a case to demonstrate their negligence.
However, it's important to understand that if you are found to be partly responsible, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. Understanding these factors is vital for accurately evaluating the compensation you might receive, particularly in a city like Bakersfield where traffic patterns can be challenging.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
For most personal injury cases in California, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. It's a strict deadline. If you miss it, you generally lose the ability to take legal action and recover any compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies are held to a specific schedule once you file a claim. They have 15 days from the time you notify them to acknowledge your claim and launch their investigation. From the moment they receive your completed proof-of-claim paperwork, they then have 40 days to make a decision on whether to accept or deny it.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they must issue payment within 30 days of that decision. According to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the whole process should take no more than 85 days from start to finish. These deadlines are in place to ensure your claim is handled efficiently and you're not left in limbo.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you're involved in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield, the incident will typically stay on your California driving record for three years. This period begins on the date the collision occurred. However, for more serious accidents, such as those involving a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, the record can remain for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, our Bakersfield team begins by listening to your story. We want to understand exactly what happened so you feel supported right from the start. We also help evaluate the full extent of your injuries and can connect you with trusted medical experts to make sure you receive proper care.
Your only job should be to focus on your health and recovery. While you do that, we will manage all the legal complexities. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you've endured.
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.
