West Covina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In a motorcycle accident in West Covina? Our attorneys can help. Golden Gate Legal fights for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly tough, leaving you to deal with physical injuries and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the West Covina area, our team is ready to help; contact us at the number below.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases for clients in West Covina. We'll walk you through what to do after a crash, provide an overview of the legal process, and address the questions you likely have about your situation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in West Covina
If you've been in a motorcycle accident in West Covina, it's incredibly important to take the following steps:
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're able to, move your vehicle out of the busy West Covina streets to a secure spot to prevent further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority after an accident is to call 911, especially if anyone is injured. Even if you feel okay, it is crucial to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries can take time to surface and this creates an important record for your well-being.
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 heat of the moment, be careful not to say anything that could be interpreted as you taking the blame, and resist the urge to share details about the crash on social media. It is also crucial to refuse to sign any paperwork or give a statement to an insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
After a motorcycle accident in West Covina, seeking legal guidance from Golden Gate Legal can ensure your rights are protected while you focus on healing. Our dedicated attorneys will handle the complex insurance negotiations and legal hurdles, providing the expert support you need during this difficult time.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in West Covina, Golden Gate Legal is here to help you rebuild. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to ensure 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 when you are most vulnerable.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You don't 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 available 24/7 to provide you with the legal and emotional support you need.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
For our clients in West Covina, we take care of every step of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most—your healing:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We start with a no-cost meeting to hear your side of the story, answer your questions, and determine the strength of your claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team gathers all necessary documents, from police reports to medical records, and handles filing the claim with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we help manage your medical care and track your progress to ensure your case accurately reflects the extent of your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: Once your treatment concludes, we compile and send a formal demand to the insurer, then skillfully negotiate to get you the maximum compensation you are owed.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company won't agree to a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
- You Get Paid: After your case is resolved, we take care of all the final details and paperwork to ensure you receive your compensation without delay.
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 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
Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims to protect their bottom line, which is why having an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal is essential to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this isn't a complete list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle in our cases:
Road Rash
These are painful abrasions that occur when a rider’s skin grinds against the pavement, often leading to serious issues like infection, permanent scarring, or nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent outcome of motorcycle crashes, often leading to surgery, casts, and a long healing process that can sometimes leave riders with permanent movement issues or persistent pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The immense force of a motorcycle crash can inflict spinal cord damage, potentially causing a permanent loss of movement and sensation that reshapes a person's mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
These serious head injuries can result in long-term effects, including trouble with memory, challenges with focus, significant mood swings, and a general sense of disorientation.
Foot and Leg Injuries
Your legs and feet are particularly at risk in a crash, often resulting in injuries such as broken bones, dislocated joints, or severe cuts.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional toll can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with symptoms like flashbacks, severe anxiety, and depression, frequently requiring professional treatment.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While every crash is unique, many motorcycle accidents in West Covina stem from a few major 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
Failing to stop for a red light frequently causes high-speed intersection collisions and puts pedestrians in the crosswalk at extreme risk.
Rear-End Collisions
Often happening when a driver is distracted or following too closely, these common collisions can cause everything from painful whiplash to more severe spinal injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Failing to check a blind spot or signal properly before moving over can force other drivers to brake hard or swerve, often resulting in a serious accident.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, the act of a motorcycle riding between two lanes of slow or stopped cars, is a dangerous practice that frequently causes accidents because other drivers are often not expecting a vehicle to be there and may fail to check their blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our clients in West Covina, Golden Gate Legal handles personal injury claims with no upfront costs. You won't owe us a dime unless we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict.
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 into the specifics of the incident. If you believe the other driver is responsible for what happened, our firm can help you gather the evidence needed to demonstrate their negligence.
It's also important to understand that if you are found to be partially responsible, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Grasping this concept is key to evaluating the compensation you might receive, especially in a place like West Covina where local traffic conditions can be challenging.
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 operate under strict deadlines. After you file a claim, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the moment they receive all your required paperwork, they have another 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once your claim is approved, the insurer is required to issue payment within 30 days. These timelines are outlined in the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, meaning the entire settlement process should ideally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
If you've been in a motorcycle accident in West Covina, the incident will typically remain 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, this period is extended to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we start by listening to your story. For our clients here in West Covina, we want to ensure you feel supported right from the beginning. A crucial part of our process is evaluating the full extent of your harm, which often means connecting you with the right medical professionals to ensure you get the care you need.
Your main focus should be on getting better. Let us handle the complexities of the legal system. Our team will work tirelessly to fight for the financial recovery you are entitled to, seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering you've endured.
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.
