Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Pasadena motorcycle accident? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly challenging, leaving you to deal with both physical injuries and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Pasadena area, our team at Golden Gate Legal is here to help; contact us at the number below.
As a personal injury law firm, we have a proven track record of successfully handling motorcycle accident cases for clients throughout Pasadena. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to do after an accident, provide an overview of the legal process, and address the key questions you might have along the way.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pasadena
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident in Pasadena, it's very important to follow these steps:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your first priority is to check for injuries, both for yourself and anyone else involved in the accident. If you can move safely, get your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby safe spot away from the busy Pasadena traffic to avoid additional danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, call for emergency help if there are any injuries. Even if you think you're unhurt, it's vital to get a medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries and create an official record of your condition.
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
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
After a motorcycle accident in Pasadena, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a crucial step to ensure your legal rights are defended while you focus on recovery. Our dedicated attorneys will manage the intricate details of your personal injury claim, providing the guidance and support needed to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have years of dedicated experience handling motorcycle accident cases for clients throughout Pasadena and beyond. If you've been injured, here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight to ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to, without a penny lost.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights 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 to support you whenever you need us, providing both legal and emotional guidance through this difficult time.
We encourage you to read our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
After an accident in Pasadena, we handle every step of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Here’s how it 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 case.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care while keeping track of your recovery, ensuring the full extent of your injuries is documented for your claim.
- 4. 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 best possible settlement.
- 5. 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.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final details and paperwork to make sure you get your settlement funds promptly.
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 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
To protect their bottom line, insurance companies will often attempt to undervalue your claim, making it essential to have the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.
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 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 accident can result in lasting complications, including memory problems, confusion, cognitive challenges, and significant changes in mood or personality.
Foot and Leg Injuries
In a motorcycle collision, the legs and feet often take the hardest hit, resulting in common injuries such as fractures, joint damage, and severe lacerations.
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
Driving recklessly or at high speeds drastically cuts down on a driver's reaction time, making severe, high-impact collisions far more likely—particularly on packed city streets or highways.
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
Ignoring a red light often leads to dangerous collisions with other cars at intersections or tragic accidents involving pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of inattentive driving or following another vehicle too closely, these impacts can lead to debilitating conditions like whiplash and other serious spinal 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, where a motorcyclist travels between two lanes of slow or stopped cars, can be particularly hazardous and result in collisions when drivers don't anticipate the bike or neglect to check their blind spots before moving over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our clients in Pasadena, hiring a personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal comes with zero upfront costs. We operate on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do—after we win or settle your claim.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident takes several key actions and often needs a detailed investigation based on the unique details of your case. If you believe the other driver caused the crash, our team can work to establish their negligence.
It's important to know that if you are determined to be partly responsible, your final settlement could be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Grasping this concept is vital for estimating the compensation you might receive, particularly in a busy area like Pasadena where navigating traffic can be challenging.
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, 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've been in a motorcycle crash in Pasadena, that incident will typically stay on your California driving record for three years. This three-year clock starts ticking from the date the accident occurred. However, there's a significant exception: if the collision involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, the record could remain for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we begin by understanding your unique situation here in Pasadena. We'll listen to your story and assess your injuries, connecting you with top medical experts if needed to aid your recovery.
While you concentrate on getting better, we'll handle the entire legal fight. Our goal is to secure the compensation you're entitled to for your pain, suffering, and other 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
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.
