Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a Glendale motorcycle accident? Golden Gate Legal's attorneys help riders get fair compensation. Contact us for a free case review.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly challenging, leaving you to deal with both physical injuries and emotional trauma. If you're seeking legal representation in the Glendale area, our team at Golden Gate Legal is here to help; contact us at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.
As a personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience fighting for clients in motorcycle accident cases across Glendale. This article will guide you on what to do immediately following a crash, provide an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you may have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Glendale
If you get into a motorcycle accident in Glendale, it's very important to follow these steps to protect yourself:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is your health, so first check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it's safe and you're able to, move your vehicle out of the way of Glendale traffic to a secure spot to prevent any further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your immediate priority after an accident is to call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is essential to get a complete medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent and this documentation is vital for your well-being and any potential claim.
Document the Accident Scene
While at the scene, take detailed photographs of the vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. Be sure to also gather contact information from any witnesses and exchange driver's license and insurance details with the other party involved.
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 admitting fault, even a simple apology. It is also critical to avoid posting about your accident online or signing any documents from an insurance company before you have spoken to an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, seeking legal guidance from Golden Gate Legal can make all the difference. Our dedicated team is here to manage your personal injury claim and fight for your rightful compensation, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and a wide range of other personal injury claims for clients in Glendale. 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 damages you are legally entitled to, without a penny lost.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests when you cannot, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the rest.
- 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 always accessible to provide you with the legal and emotional support you need from the beginning of your case to the very end.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials to see what others have to say.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of your Glendale personal injury claim so you can focus on what matters most—your healing. Here’s how the process works:
- 1. 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 claim.
- 2. 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 insurance providers for you.
- 3. Medical Treatment Coordination: Your recovery is the priority, so we can assist in coordinating your medical care and track your progress to build the strongest possible case for your injuries.
- 4. Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the full and fair settlement you are owed.
- 5. Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once we resolve your case, our firm manages the final details to make sure you receive your compensation check as 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, the law allows you to seek compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver. 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 to protect their bottom line, which is why having experienced California personal injury attorneys from Golden Gate Legal on your side is crucial to getting the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this isn't a complete list, we commonly handle cases involving the following types of injuries:
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 crashes, often requiring surgery and immobilization with a cast or brace for a lengthy healing journey that may result in chronic pain or lasting mobility issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A serious motorcycle accident can inflict devastating damage to the spinal cord, leading to varying degrees of paralysis that can dramatically impact a person's freedom of movement, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can lead to lasting problems, including memory difficulties, disorientation, trouble concentrating, and significant personality changes.
Foot and Leg Injuries
A rider's legs and feet are extremely vulnerable in an accident, often suffering from injuries like broken bones, dislocated joints, and serious cuts.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional toll of a motorcycle accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), crippling anxiety, or haunting flashbacks, frequently necessitating professional therapy.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
CAUSE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding or driving recklessly makes it much harder to stop safely, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a serious and life-altering crash.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment, slows your reflexes, and dramatically raises the risk of causing a serious or fatal collision.
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
Carelessly switching lanes without signaling or properly checking for other cars is a common cause of sideswipe crashes and can force nearby drivers to make risky, last-second maneuvers.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic, a dangerous practice that often results in accidents because other motorists aren't expecting them or fail to check their blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, we represent Glendale clients with no upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win or settle your case. This ensures there is no financial risk to you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for the accident requires a careful investigation into the specifics of your case. If you believe the other driver is responsible for what happened, our team at Golden Gate Legal can help you gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate their liability.
However, it's important to understand that if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced according to your share of the responsibility. Knowing these details is key to evaluating the compensation you might receive, especially with the complex traffic conditions found in a city like Glendale.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this critical deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies must follow a strict timeline when handling your claim. After you notify them of your accident, they have 15 days to acknowledge your claim and start their investigation. From the day they receive all your necessary paperwork, the clock starts ticking again: they have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once your claim is approved, the insurer is required to issue payment within 30 days. This means that, according to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the whole process should take no more than 85 days from the time you submit your completed proof of claim. These deadlines are in place to protect you and ensure your claim is handled in a timely manner.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you've been in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, that collision will typically stay on your California driving record for three years. This three-year period starts on the date the accident happened. However, there is an important exception: if the crash involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, the incident will remain on your record for ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
Here at Golden Gate Legal, we start by listening. For our clients in Glendale, we want to hear your story and grasp the full impact of your accident. You're more than just a case file to us. We'll also help evaluate the extent of your injuries, connecting you with trusted medical professionals if needed to ensure you get the right care.
Your main job is to get better. Let us take on the burden of the legal complexities. Our team will work tirelessly to build a strong case and fight for the financial settlement you're entitled to, covering everything from your medical bills to 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
Other Locations We Serve
Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
