San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in San Bernardino? The team at Golden Gate Legal is here to fight for you and get the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. If you're seeking legal representation in the San Bernardino area, our team is here to help; contact us at the number below.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with a proven track record of successfully handling motorcycle accident cases in San Bernardino. We'll walk you through what to do after a crash, give you an overview of the legal process, and address the questions you might have along the way.
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
Your immediate priority is to check for injuries, both for yourself and anyone else involved in the accident. If you are able, move to a safe area away from the busy San Bernardino streets to prevent any further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If anyone is injured or there is significant damage to the vehicles, call 911 immediately. It is also vital to seek medical care as soon as possible, because some serious injuries may not be apparent right away and a doctor's report provides essential documentation for your health and any future legal action.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, and surrounding road conditions or traffic signs. Be sure to also gather contact and insurance details from the other driver, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
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
After a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, reaching out to Golden Gate Legal is a crucial step to ensure your legal interests are protected while you focus on recovery. We are here to manage the intricate details of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve, offering clear guidance every step of the way.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in San Bernardino. 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: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to make sure 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 so you can focus on your recovery.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You don't pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case, so there's no financial risk to you.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is available 24/7 to provide the legal and emotional support you need during this difficult time.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials to see what past clients have to say.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of the legal process for our clients in San Bernardino, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery. Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We begin with a complimentary meeting to hear your side of the story, answer your questions, and determine the viability of your case.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will immediately start gathering crucial evidence like police reports and medical records, and we'll handle all communication and filings with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: While you concentrate on your recovery, we can assist with coordinating your medical care and will track your progress to accurately document the full extent of your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you have reached maximum medical improvement, we will send a comprehensive demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance and skillfully negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final paperwork and lien negotiations to ensure you receive your compensation 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, the law allows you to seek compensation for your losses from the at-fault driver. Compensatory damages for motorcycle accidents in California are designed to cover a variety of costs and may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Because insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, they frequently attempt to undervalue claims, making it essential to have the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Golden Gate Legal handle your case to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle for our clients:
Road Rash
Commonly known as road rash, these are severe skin abrasions from sliding on the pavement that can lead to major complications like infections, permanent scarring, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
It's not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to result in broken bones, which may require surgery and a lengthy recovery with casts or braces, and can leave a person with chronic pain or lasting mobility problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A devastating collision can result in varying degrees of paralysis, dramatically altering a person's ability to move, live independently, and enjoy life as they once did.
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, which can lead to serious harm like shattered bones, dislocated joints, and deep gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The invisible wounds from a motorcycle crash can be just as severe, leading to conditions like PTSD and emotional distress that manifest as flashbacks, sleep disturbances, and a deep-seated fear, often requiring professional therapy to overcome.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many factors can lead to a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, but some of the most common causes include:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding and other forms of reckless driving drastically reduce a motorist's ability to react to road hazards, making devastating high-speed collisions far more likely.
Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to react quickly, affects your judgment, and makes a devastating accident far more likely.
Running Red Lights
Blowing through a red light can lead to devastating collisions at intersections and put people on foot in serious danger.
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
When a driver cuts into another lane without enough space or a proper signal, it can easily cause a sideswipe collision or force others to slam on their brakes to prevent an accident.
Lane Splitting
This practice, known as lane splitting, involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic and is risky because drivers often don't anticipate it, leading to accidents when they switch lanes without looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our San Bernardino clients, there are no out-of-pocket legal fees for personal injury claims at Golden Gate Legal. We only get paid when we secure compensation for you, so you can pursue justice without any financial risk.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault requires several key steps and a detailed investigation into the specifics of your accident. If you believe the other driver was responsible for the crash, we can help you gather the evidence needed to demonstrate their liability.
However, it's also important to understand that if you are found to be partially responsible, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Understanding this is vital for accurately estimating the compensation you might receive, particularly in a city like San Bernardino where traffic can be complicated.
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 must follow a set timeline after you file a claim. They have 15 days from when you notify them to acknowledge your claim and start their investigation. From the day they receive all your completed paperwork, they then have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once a claim is accepted, the company has another 30 days to issue your payment. This means that, according to California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire process from submitting your proof-of-claim to getting paid should generally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you're in a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, it will typically stay on your California driving record for three years. This three-year period starts on the date the accident occurred. However, the record can last for ten years if the crash 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.
