San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a San Bernardino motorcycle crash? The attorneys at Golden Gate Legal fight for you. We help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a whirlwind of physical pain and emotional distress. If you are seeking experienced legal representation in the San Bernardino area, we encourage you to contact our team for help.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with a proven track record of successfully handling motorcycle accident cases for clients in San Bernardino. This guide will provide clear direction on what to do following a crash, offer an overview of the legal process, and address the pressing questions you might have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Bernardino
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, it's very important to follow these steps:
Make Sure You're Safe
First and foremost, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries immediately following the accident. If it's safe and you are able, move your vehicle out of the roadway to a secure area to prevent further risk from the busy San Bernardino traffic.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
After an accident, your safety is the top priority, so call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. It's also essential to get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel fine, since some injuries don't show up right away and early medical records are crucial.
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
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 San Bernardino, the team at Golden Gate Legal is here to manage the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. We will guide you through every step of your personal injury claim, fighting to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for the San Bernardino community, Golden Gate Legal is here to help. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight aggressively to ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: Our team will stand by your side from the beginning of your case to the very end, protecting your rights and interests.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial stress.
- We Are Available at all times: Our firm is available to provide you with the legal and emotional support you need from day one until your final settlement.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of your San Bernardino personal injury case, allowing you to focus on the most important thing—your recovery:
- 1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a free, no-obligation meeting where we hear 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 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 case.
- 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 highest possible settlement.
- 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 represent you in court.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once we've secured a resolution, we manage the final details to make sure you receive 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 another driver's carelessness, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for your losses. 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 minimize your settlement, making it essential to have a skilled California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal fighting for you.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle for our clients:
Road Rash
Road rash refers to the painful scrapes and cuts a rider gets from sliding on the pavement during an accident, which can result in serious issues such as infections, lasting scars, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a common and serious consequence of motorcycle accidents, often requiring surgery, immobilization in a cast, and a lengthy healing period that can unfortunately lead to permanent movement limitations or chronic pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The intense force from a motorcycle collision can injure the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis and profoundly altering a person's mobility, independence, 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
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 can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent fear, recurring nightmares, or deep sadness, which may necessitate psychological treatment.
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 can cloud your judgment, slow your reaction time, and greatly elevate the risk of a catastrophic collision.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light can lead to catastrophic results, frequently causing violent T-bone collisions or striking unsuspecting pedestrians 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, 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 San Bernardino, Golden Gate Legal takes on personal injury cases with zero upfront fees. Our payment is contingent on winning your case, meaning if you don't receive compensation, we don't get paid. This ensures 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 the accident isn't always straightforward and often requires gathering key evidence specific to your crash. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can help you build a strong case to show their negligence.
It's also important to know that if you are found to be partially responsible, the compensation you can receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Grasping how this works is crucial for understanding what you might be owed, especially when navigating the busy and sometimes complicated traffic situations in San Bernardino.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the day your accident occurred to file a lawsuit for your injuries. If you fail to act within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your damages.
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?
In California, a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino will typically stay on your driving record for three years starting from the date of the crash. However, this period can extend to ten years if the collision involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, our first step is to understand your unique situation here in San Bernardino. We listen to your story and help assess the full scope of your injuries, connecting you with the right doctors to support your treatment and recovery.
While you focus on getting better, we handle the entire legal battle. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need for your pain, medical bills, and the overall impact the accident has had 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.
