While recovery is your top priority after a motorcycle accident, do not make the mistake of settling the claim with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation. It is critical that you hire a lawyer to protect your interests.
When the other driver is obviously at fault, remember that your insurance company will not simply handle the situation. Not only are many motorcycle accidents relatively complicated, but the goal of the insurance company is to settle as quickly and cheaply as possible. At best, the insurance company will offer you a lowball settlement. At worst, additional circumstances can harm your claim.
Motorcycle accident victims may find their lives changed forever. Severe head, spinal cord, or internal injuries can leave victims permanently disabled. It may require years, if not a lifetime, of ongoing medical treatment. Their ability to work is compromised. The financial repercussions are often as devastating as the physical injuries.
A Los Angeles personal injury attorney at Salamati Law can protect your rights while helping you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Motorcycle Settlement Process
In California, the overwhelming majority of motorcycle accident cases are settled. However, the insurance company often disputes the motorcyclist’s amount of fault– or the severity of the injury. At this vulnerable period in a badly injured person’s life, they need an attorney fighting for their interests.
Once the injured party agrees to a settlement amount, that is final. If it turns out the victim needs additional treatment, they must pay for it themselves out-of-pocket.
Do not try to negotiate a settlement on your own when recuperating from the physical and mental toll of a motorcycle accident. Focus on getting well while your attorney negotiates a reasonable settlement on your behalf, based on the circumstances of your claim.
Complications
Many motorcycle accidents occur due to reckless driving on the part of the other driver. Reckless driving encompasses a range of dangerous practices, including speeding, running stop signs or red lights, and driving “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property,” as per California law.
Unfortunately, many motorcycle crashes are the result of a hit and run accident. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. If the hit and run driver is not found, the motorcyclist may still receive compensation via their uninsured motorist coverage.
Motorcycle Accident Damages
Damages, or compensation, for a motorcycle accident, may include:
- Medical expenses, present, and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Victims may require long-term care, special equipment, and assistance in performing daily tasks. For instance, hiring a housekeeper on a temporary basis may be necessary. The settlement should address your current and long-term needs.
Motorcycle accident victims may succumb to their injuries. If that is the case, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The California statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. It is crucial to engage legal counsel as soon as possible. Not only can valuable evidence get lost if you wait too long, but the lawyer can handle all the paperwork and interactions with the insurance company while you recover.
Contact our team of Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s recklessness or negligence, you need the services of an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at Salamati Law.
Complete our online form or call or text 24/7 to arrange a free consultation. Our work is performed on a contingency basis, so you pay no fee unless you receive compensation. While most cases are settled, we will your case to court if the insurer fails to agree to a fair settlement.
