San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a San Bernardino motorcycle accident? Golden Gate Legal's attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced team today.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a grueling journey, both physically and emotionally. If you're seeking legal representation in the San Bernardino area, our team is ready to help; you can reach us at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and understand the unique challenges you face. This article will guide you through the immediate steps to take after a crash, provide an overview of the legal process, and answer some of the most common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Bernardino
After a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, it's important to follow these steps to protect your health and your rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
The very first thing to do is check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If it's safe and you're able to, move your vehicle out of the way of San Bernardino traffic to a secure spot to prevent further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If there are any injuries or significant property damage, your first call should be to 911. It is also critical to get checked out by a medical professional, even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, and the surrounding area. Be sure to also collect contact details from any witnesses and exchange driver, insurance, and vehicle information with the other party.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, be careful with your words and avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. It is also critical to refrain from posting about the incident online and to not sign any documents or provide statements to insurance companies before you have consulted with a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash in San Bernardino, the team at Golden Gate Legal is here to help you navigate the aftermath and protect your rights. We handle the legal complexities of your claim with compassion, so you can concentrate on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, our dedicated years of experience have been spent helping clients with motorcycle accident cases and a wide range of other personal injury claims. If you're looking for dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in San Bernardino, here are a few reasons to choose our firm:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight aggressively to ensure you receive every penny you're entitled to for your recovery and losses.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our team is committed to safeguarding your rights and interests throughout the entire legal process, so you can focus on healing.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case, because we believe in earning your trust through results.
- We Are Available at All Times: We understand that accidents don't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why our team is here for you whenever you need support.
Don't just take our word for it; see what our clients have to say in our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
Navigating a personal injury claim in San Bernardino can be overwhelming, which is why we handle every legal detail for you. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- 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 claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle the heavy lifting of collecting crucial evidence like police reports and medical records, and we'll officially file all necessary claims with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: Your recovery is the priority, so we can assist in coordinating your medical care and track your progress to build a strong case around the full extent of your injuries.
- 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.
- 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 due to someone else's negligence, the law allows you to seek compensation for the damages you've suffered. 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 undervalue claims to protect their own profits, which is why it's so important to have an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal handling your case to secure the full compensation you deserve.
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 is the term for painful skin injuries from sliding on the pavement during a crash, which can result in dangerous infections, disfiguring scars, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent outcome of motorcycle accidents, often requiring operations, immobilization in a cast, and a lengthy healing process that may lead to permanent movement issues or persistent pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A severe impact in a motorcycle crash can injure the spinal cord, resulting in a loss of movement and sensation that permanently affects a person's independence and way of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries from a motorcycle crash can lead to lasting problems such as difficulty concentrating, shifts in personality, memory issues, and general disorientation.
Foot and Leg Injuries
In a motorcycle accident, the legs and feet often bear the brunt of the impact, leading to injuries that can include broken bones, dislocated joints, and deep cuts or gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma following a motorcycle crash can lead to PTSD, manifesting as flashbacks, severe anxiety, and sleep disruption, which often requires professional counseling to manage.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Here are some of the major causes of motorcycle accidents that we see in San Bernardino:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly, such as ignoring traffic signals or weaving through lanes, makes it much harder to avoid sudden dangers and significantly raises the odds of a devastating collision, especially in heavy traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment, slows their reflexes, and significantly heightens the risk of a tragic accident.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light frequently leads to dangerous intersection accidents and can cause serious harm to unsuspecting pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions
Commonly caused by distracted driving or following another vehicle too closely, these collisions can result in painful neck and back trauma, including whiplash.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly switching lanes without warning or cutting in front of another vehicle frequently causes accidents or requires others to take risky evasive action.
Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, a practice known as lane splitting, is dangerous because drivers often fail to anticipate a vehicle passing them in that space and may not see the rider, which can easily lead to a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
If you're in San Bernardino, you won't pay any upfront fees when you hire Golden Gate Legal for your personal injury case. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, meaning there is no financial risk on your part.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving another driver was at fault in a collision takes several steps and often requires a detailed investigation based on the specifics of your case. If you believe the other driver caused the accident, we can assist in proving their liability.
Keep in mind, if you are determined to be partly at fault, your final compensation could be lowered based on your percentage of responsibility. Understanding this is vital for correctly evaluating the compensation you might receive, particularly in a city like San Bernardino where road conditions 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. It's crucial to act within this timeframe because if you miss the deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
Under California law, insurance companies must follow a specific timeline after you file a claim. They have 15 days to acknowledge your claim and start their investigation. From the day they receive all your required paperwork, they then have 40 days to make a decision on whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once your claim is approved, the insurance company has 30 days to send your payment. This means that, according to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the whole process should take no more than 85 days from start to finish, assuming there are no major complications.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
In San Bernardino, a motorcycle accident will typically stay on your California driving record for three years, starting from the date of the crash. However, this period extends to ten years if the collision involved a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
Here at Golden Gate Legal, our first step is to listen and understand what you're going through. We want our clients in San Bernardino to know they have a dedicated team on their side. We also help determine the full scope of your injuries, which may include connecting you with medical specialists to ensure you receive proper care.
Your priority should be your recovery; let us handle the rest. We will manage the legal legwork to pursue the financial compensation you are owed. This includes accounting for your pain, suffering, and the overall disruption to your life caused by the accident.
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.
