Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Fresno motorcycle accident? Golden Gate Legal's attorneys help injured riders get justice and fair compensation. Get the help you need today.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a challenging storm of physical pain and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Fresno area to navigate these difficulties, our team is ready to help at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience representing riders injured in motorcycle accidents throughout Fresno. This guide will walk you through the immediate steps to take after a crash, provide an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fresno
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, it is crucial to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe location away from the busy Fresno traffic to prevent any additional accidents.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority is safety, so call 911 right away if anyone is hurt or the crash is serious. It's also crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible, because some injuries can take time to show up and getting checked out creates an important medical record.
Document the Accident Scene
If you're able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signs. You should also gather contact information from any witnesses and exchange license, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the heat of the moment, be careful not to say anything that could be interpreted as you taking the blame, and resist the urge to share details about the crash on social media. It is also crucial to refuse to sign any paperwork or give a statement to an insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
After a motorcycle accident in Fresno, contacting Golden Gate Legal can help you understand your options and protect your rights during a difficult time. We will handle the legal details and work to get you the compensation you need, so you can concentrate on healing.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases for clients in Fresno, among many other personal injury proceedings. Here are a few reasons why to choose us:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight to ensure you receive every penny you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: Our team stands by your side from start to finish, safeguarding your rights and interests against insurance companies.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You don't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case, so you can focus on your recovery without financial stress.
- We Are Available at all times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
We invite you to read what our past clients have to say in our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
For your Fresno personal injury case, we take care of every step so you can focus on what matters most—your healing. Here’s how our process works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a no-obligation meeting where we listen to your side of the story, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential case.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle the heavy lifting of gathering crucial evidence like accident reports and medical bills, and we'll officially file your claim with the responsible parties.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and keep track of your progress to build a strong case that accurately represents your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurance company and aggressively negotiate for the full and fair settlement you are owed.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, 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 paperwork to make sure you get your compensation check as smoothly and swiftly as possible.
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 are focused on their bottom line, which often means they will try to undervalue your claim to protect their profits, making it essential to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like those at Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle:
Road Rash
Road rash is the painful scraping of skin that occurs when a rider slides across the pavement, an injury that can result in serious complications like infection, permanent scars, or nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
It's not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to result in broken bones, which may require surgery and a lengthy recovery with casts or braces, and can leave a person with chronic pain or lasting mobility problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The violent impact from a motorcycle wreck can inflict devastating damage on the spinal cord, often resulting in a loss of sensation and function that can permanently alter a person's independence and way of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can lead to lasting problems like difficulty concentrating, memory issues, disorientation, and even significant shifts in personality.
Foot and Leg Injuries
Your legs and feet are particularly at risk in a crash, often resulting in injuries such as broken bones, dislocated joints, or severe cuts.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The invisible wounds from a motorcycle crash can be just as severe, leading to conditions like PTSD and emotional distress that manifest as flashbacks, sleep disturbances, and a deep-seated fear, often requiring professional therapy to overcome.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many factors can lead to a motorcycle accident, but some of the most common causes we see in Fresno include:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Driving at unsafe speeds or with disregard for traffic laws leaves motorists with less time to react to hazards, dramatically increasing the risk of a devastating collision—especially on crowded urban roads.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows your response time, clouds your judgment, and significantly increases the chances of a serious crash.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light, for instance, frequently leads to dangerous side-impact crashes with cars that are lawfully entering the intersection.
Rear-End Collisions
These accidents, often the result of distracted driving or failing to keep a safe distance, can cause painful neck and back problems, including whiplash.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Failing to check a blind spot or signal properly before moving over can force other drivers to brake hard or swerve, often resulting in a serious accident.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, which involves a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, is a risky practice that often leads to accidents because other drivers may not anticipate the motorcycle or fail to check their mirrors and blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our clients in Fresno, Golden Gate Legal handles personal injury claims with zero upfront cost. We work on a straightforward principle: you don’t pay us a dime unless we win or settle your case, removing any financial risk for you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault in an accident involves a few key steps and often requires a detailed investigation based on the specifics of your crash. If you believe the other driver was responsible for the collision, we can help you demonstrate their liability.
However, it's important to know that if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced according to your share of responsibility. Understanding these rules is essential for accurately assessing the compensation you may be entitled to, particularly in a city like Fresno where traffic conditions can often be complex.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
After being injured in an accident in California, you usually have two years from the date it happened to take legal action. If you don't file a claim within this period, you will likely lose your ability to get any money 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. After you notify them of a claim, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the day they receive your completed proof-of-claim documents, they have 40 days to make a decision on whether to approve or deny it.
Once a claim is approved, the insurer must send payment within 30 days. Based on the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, this means the entire process, from your initial filing to payment, should wrap up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
For motorcyclists in Fresno, a crash will typically stay on your California driving record for three years, starting from the date of the collision. However, more severe accidents, particularly those involving a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, can remain on your record for as long as ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we understand that an accident in Fresno can be overwhelming. Our first step is to simply listen and learn about your unique situation, making sure you feel supported from day one. We'll also help you grasp the full scope of your injuries, which can include connecting you with local medical specialists to get you on the right path to treatment.
Your priority should be your recovery; our priority is everything else. While you heal, our team takes on the legal heavy lifting. We will fight to get you the money you are owed for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the personal toll the injury has taken on your life.
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.
