Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Fresno? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a whirlwind of physical pain and emotional distress, leaving you unsure of where to turn. If you're seeking legal representation in the Fresno area, our team is ready to help; just call the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we are a personal injury law firm with a proven track record of successfully representing clients in motorcycle accident cases throughout Fresno. This article will guide you through the immediate steps to take after a crash, demystify the legal process, and answer some of the most common questions you may have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fresno
If you've been in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, it's crucial to follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check for any injuries to yourself or others involved in the crash. If it's possible and safe, guide your vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby side street to get out of the way of Fresno traffic.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your immediate priority is to call 911, especially if there are any injuries or significant property damage. Afterwards, it is critical to get a full medical check-up, as adrenaline can hide serious injuries that may only surface hours or days later.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, use your phone to photograph the damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding scene, including road conditions or traffic signs. It's also vital to collect contact information from any witnesses and exchange driver's license and insurance details 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
Following a motorcycle accident in Fresno, getting help from Golden Gate Legal is a critical move to protect your well-being and deal with the complexities of your claim. We are here to manage the legal details and fight for your rights, so you can concentrate on healing.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims in Fresno, Golden Gate Legal is committed to fighting for riders. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our duty is to guide you through the recovery process and make sure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our attorneys will aggressively fight for you and stand by your side from the beginning of your case to the very end.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees upfront, and we only receive a fee when we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is here for you 24/7, providing the legal and emotional support you need throughout this difficult time.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of the legal process for your Fresno injury claim so you can focus on what matters most—your healing. Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: Our process begins with a complimentary meeting where we'll hear your side of the story, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle the heavy lifting of 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'll assist with coordinating your medical care and keep track of your recovery, allowing you to concentrate on getting better while we build a strong case.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've finished your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and skillfully negotiate to secure the best possible settlement for you.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to take them to court to fight for your rights.
- You Get Paid: Once we win or settle your case, we manage the final details to make sure you receive your payment promptly.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses 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
Remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money, so they will often try to undervalue your claim to protect their profits, making it essential to have the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Golden Gate Legal handle your case to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle in personal injury cases:
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 frequent outcome of motorcycle collisions, often requiring surgery and immobilization, and the extensive recovery journey can sometimes result in enduring pain or limited mobility.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The intense force from a motorcycle collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or total paralysis and profoundly changing an individual's mobility, independence, and future quality of life.
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 mood or personality.
Foot and Leg Injuries
Your legs and feet are particularly exposed in a motorcycle crash, commonly leading to injuries such as broken bones, joint dislocations, and deep gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional toll can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent fear, recurring nightmares, or deep sadness, which may necessitate psychological treatment.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
CAUSE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding or driving recklessly gives drivers less time to react and significantly raises the chances of a catastrophic accident, especially on crowded roadways.
Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated severely hampers your ability to react quickly, impairs your judgment, and makes a catastrophic collision far more likely.
Running Red Lights
When a driver ignores a red light, they risk causing a severe crash with crossing traffic or hitting someone in the crosswalk.
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
Failing to signal or check mirrors before switching lanes can easily cause a serious collision or push another driver off the road.
Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles is a dangerous move that often leads to collisions, simply because other drivers aren't expecting it and might not check their blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our personal injury clients in Fresno, Golden Gate Legal requires no upfront payment. We only collect a fee if we successfully win or settle your case, meaning there is no financial risk for you to get the representation you need.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for the accident takes a few key steps and often needs a detailed investigation based on what happened. If you believe the other driver caused the crash, our team can work to establish their responsibility.
It's important to know that if you are found to be partly to blame, the amount of money you receive could be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Knowing how this works is key to figuring out the compensation you might deserve, particularly in a busy city like Fresno where driving can be challenging.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
For personal injury claims in California, there is generally a two-year time limit from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this critical window, you will likely lose your legal right to seek compensation.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, once you've filed a claim, the insurance company is on the clock. They have 15 days to get back to you and start their investigation. After you submit all the required paperwork to support your claim, they then have another 40 days to decide whether to approve or deny it.
If your claim gets the green light, the insurer must send your payment within 30 days of that approval. When you add it all up, the entire settlement process is meant to be wrapped up within 85 days. These timelines are set by the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations to ensure claims are handled promptly.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you're in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, it will typically stay on your California driving record for three years, starting from the collision date. However, this period can extend to ten years if the crash involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous substances.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, our first step is to listen and understand what you're going through after your accident in Fresno. We want you to feel supported, not like just another case number. We also help evaluate the full extent of your injuries, connecting you with trusted medical specialists to ensure you get the proper care.
While you concentrate on healing, we'll handle the legal battle. Our team will manage the complex claims process, fighting to secure the financial compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and the personal 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.
