Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Lancaster? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a grueling journey, impacting you both physically and emotionally. If you are looking for legal representation in the Lancaster area, please contact us at the number below for guidance.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases for clients in Lancaster. We've created this guide to walk you through what to do after an accident, explain the legal process, and address common questions you may have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lancaster
If you get into a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, it's important to follow the steps below:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is your well-being, so first check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it's safe and you are able, move your vehicle off the road to a secure spot away from Lancaster traffic to prevent any further incidents.
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
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
Resist the urge to discuss the accident, either at the scene or online, as even innocent comments can be used against you. It's also critical to refuse to sign any documents or speak with an insurance adjuster until you've had a chance to consult with a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you're dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a crucial step toward protecting your interests. Our dedicated attorneys will manage the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury proceedings for clients in Lancaster and throughout California, we have the expertise you need. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our duty is to guide you through the recovery process and ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests when you cannot, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees to start your case, and we only receive a fee when we win or settle.
- We Are Available at all times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to provide support from the beginning to the end of your case.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of your Lancaster personal injury claim so you can focus on what matters most, your healing:
- 1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We begin with a complimentary consultation to hear your side of the story, answer your questions, and evaluate the merits of your potential case.
- 2. Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team takes charge of collecting crucial evidence like police reports and medical documentation, and we will handle filing all necessary claims with the insurance companies for you.
- 3. Medical Treatment Coordination: As you concentrate on your recovery, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and will closely monitor your progress to accurately document the full extent of your injuries.
- 4. Demand Letter & Negotiation: When you have reached maximum medical improvement, we will send a formal demand package to the insurance company and begin the negotiation process to secure the highest compensation possible.
- 5. Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final paperwork to ensure you receive your settlement funds as quickly as possible.
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 financial 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
Because insurance companies often try to undervalue claims to protect their own profits, it's crucial to have experienced California personal injury attorneys from Golden Gate Legal handling your case to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this isn't a complete list, we typically handle cases involving the following types of injuries:
Road Rash
Road rash describes the severe skin abrasions from sliding across the road surface, which can result in serious complications like infections, permanent scarring, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent result of motorcycle crashes, often requiring surgery, immobilization in a cast, and a long healing process that can lead to permanent mobility challenges or persistent pain.
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 often take the hardest hit in a crash, leading to common injuries such as broken bones, joint damage, or severe gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a crash can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing persistent fear, nightmares, and severe anxiety that often requires professional counseling.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
CAUSE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding significantly cuts down a driver's ability to react, making devastating, high-force collisions far more probable on bustling urban streets.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cloud your judgment, slow your reaction time, and greatly increase the odds of a devastating accident.
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
These accidents are frequently the result of a driver following too closely or not paying attention, often leading to whiplash and other significant neck and back injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Carelessly weaving through traffic or failing to check blind spots can result in sideswipe accidents or cause other motorists to swerve dangerously.
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?
If you've been injured in Lancaster, you won't pay any out-of-pocket legal fees at Golden Gate Legal. We only collect our fee if we win or settle your case, meaning there is absolutely no financial risk to 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 based on the specifics of your case. If you believe the other driver was responsible for the crash, 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 may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. Understanding this factor is essential for accurately assessing the compensation you might be entitled to, particularly in a city like Lancaster where traffic can be complicated.
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 lawsuit for your injuries. It is critical to act within this period, because if you miss this deadline, 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?
For riders in Lancaster and across California, a motorcycle accident will typically stay on your driving record for three years from the date of the crash. However, this period can be extended to ten years for more severe accidents, particularly those that involve hazardous materials or a commercial vehicle.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
For us at Golden Gate Legal, serving the Lancaster community starts with listening to your story to fully understand your circumstances. We will also evaluate the extent of your injuries and can help you find the right doctors for your treatment.
Your only job should be your recovery. We take care of all the legal details to pursue the full compensation you need for your injuries, pain, and the impact 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.
