Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in Lancaster? The team at Golden Gate Legal is here to help you navigate your case and fight for you.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a difficult road, filled with physical pain and emotional distress. If you're seeking experienced legal representation in the Lancaster area, please contact us at the number below to see how we can help.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with a proven record of successfully representing clients in motorcycle accident cases across Lancaster. In this guide, we'll walk you through the crucial steps to take after a crash, demystify the legal process, and answer the questions you might have along the way.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lancaster
If you've been in a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, it's crucial to take the right steps to protect yourself and your potential claim:
Make Sure You're Safe
First and foremost, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries immediately following the crash. If it's safe and you are able, move your vehicle off the road to a secure spot away from the busy Lancaster traffic to prevent any further danger.
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 are able, use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. It's also crucial to gather contact information from any witnesses and exchange license, registration, and insurance details with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the confusing moments after a crash, resist the urge to say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. It is also critical to avoid posting about the accident online and to refrain from signing any documents or giving a statement to an insurance company until you have consulted with a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
After a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a critical step toward protecting your well-being and legal rights. Our compassionate team is here to manage the legal burdens of your personal injury claim so you can concentrate on healing.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
Golden Gate Legal has dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury proceedings for clients in Lancaster and throughout California. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our team works tirelessly to ensure you recover every dollar you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: We aggressively fight for your rights and stand by your side from the very beginning to the end of your case.
- 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 here for you 24/7 to provide the support and guidance you need right when you need it.
We encourage you to see what our past clients have to say by checking out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of your Lancaster personal injury case so you can focus on your recovery, and 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, answer your questions, 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 insurance providers for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: Your recovery is the priority, so we assist in coordinating your medical care and track 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 insurer and begin aggressively negotiating for the highest possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company refuses 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 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 that wasn't your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses from the responsible 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 are businesses focused on their own profits, they will often try to undervalue your claim, making it essential to have the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Golden Gate Legal fighting for 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 is a painful skin abrasion that happens when a rider slides across the pavement, an injury that can result in severe complications like infection, lasting scars, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Motorcycle accidents often lead to broken bones and fractures, which can require surgery, immobilization with a cast, and a lengthy healing process, sometimes resulting in permanent mobility challenges or chronic pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The intense impact from a motorcycle accident can injure the spinal cord, leading to a loss of function and feeling that profoundly affects a person's mobility, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can result in life-altering consequences, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and persistent confusion.
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 invisible wounds of an accident can include lasting anxiety, vivid flashbacks, and deep depression, often making professional therapy essential for recovery.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While every motorcycle accident is unique, many crashes in Lancaster stem from a few common causes:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Reckless maneuvers and high speeds leave drivers with almost no time to react to unexpected hazards, drastically raising the odds of a serious crash.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cloud your judgment, delay your reactions, and substantially increase the likelihood of a catastrophic accident.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light frequently leads to severe intersection collisions and puts pedestrians at extreme risk of injury.
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
Cutting someone off or changing lanes without checking a blind spot can cause a serious sideswipe or force other drivers to slam on their brakes.
Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic is a risky practice that can easily lead to a crash if other drivers aren't expecting it and don't check their mirrors before changing lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, our Lancaster clients pay no attorney fees upfront. We only get paid when we win or settle your personal injury case, so hiring us comes with zero financial risk to you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident often requires a detailed investigation based on the unique details of your case. If you believe the other driver is responsible for what happened, our team can help you gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate their negligence.
It's also important to understand that if you are found to be partially responsible for the crash, your final compensation may be reduced according to your share of the fault. Understanding how these rules apply is key to figuring out what your claim might be worth, especially in a city like Lancaster where complex traffic situations can make determining fault a challenge.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, if you've been hurt in an accident, you generally have a two-year window from the date of the incident to pursue legal action. If you don't act within this timeframe, you will likely lose your chance to receive any compensation for your losses.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies are on a strict timeline. Once they receive notice of your claim, they have 15 calendar days to acknowledge it and kick off their investigation. After you submit all the required documentation for your proof of claim, the clock starts again, giving them 40 days to decide whether to accept or reject it.
If your claim gets the green light, the insurance company then has another 30 days to issue your settlement payment. This means that, according to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire process from filing to payment should ideally wrap up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you get into a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, the incident will typically stay on your California driving record for three years, starting from the date of the crash. However, for more severe 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 in Lancaster, we start by listening to your story to understand the full impact of your accident. We'll also evaluate your injuries and can help connect you with the right doctors for your treatment.
Your job is to focus on getting better. We'll handle the legal complexities, fighting to secure the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
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.
