Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Glendale, CA

Too many injured motorcyclists are left feeling like they don’t have many options after being in a wreck that was not their fault. Due to a societal stigma that motorcyclists are “all reckless,” some injured riders won’t even explore their legal options but will instead take whatever they can get from the involved insurance companies.

At the Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation in Glendale, we want to remind you that you deserve the most compensation possible after being in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, vehicle defect, or poor road conditions. It would be our honor to help you explore your next steps in filing a claim. Our team is equipped to take your motorcycle case to court for litigation, too, thanks to our extensive histories as trial attorneys.

Explore the Sections Below:

• Understanding Motorcycle Accident Injuries
• Calculating Your Damages After a Motorcycle Crash
• Identifying Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
• Navigating Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
• Why Choose Wax & Wax for Your Motorcycle Claim

Motorcycle Crash Injuries: The Risks Riders Face

Did you suffer catastrophic injuries in your motorcycle accident? Most motorcyclists do. Even at low speeds, a rider can be bucked off their ride in a collision, suffering serious injuries as they tumble into the street.

Motorcyclists often suffer the following severe injuries:

• Road rashes
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 30 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a crash compared to people inside passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists are also about four times more likely to suffer at least a moderate injury that requires medical attention.

Insurance companies are aware of the innate risks of injury that motorcyclists deal with every day, which is why they are so adamant about fighting any and all motorcycle accident claims. The chances of such a claim being expensive are high, so avoiding a payout can be a big win for an insurer.

Maximizing Your Compensation: Motorcycle Accident Damages

How much is the average motorcycle accident claim worth? The total value can get steep due to the severity of your injuries, as mentioned, but accurately predicting a case’s worth will still be difficult. Every motorcycle accident claim has a unique worth due to the unique damages that factor into it.

Some of the most expensive damages in your motorcycle accident claim could be:

• Medical costs: Medical treatments for severe injuries will be expensive, such as corrective surgeries and physical therapy for years. You should not be the one who has to pay for all of your treatments when someone else caused your accident.
• Lost wages: You probably have missed many paychecks due to your injuries after your wreck. Even if you receive disability benefits of some sort, you won’t be making what you normally do. Your claim can demand missing and reduced wages.
• Pain and suffering: California law allows you to demand non-economic damages in a motorcycle accident claim, like those related to your pain, suffering, and permanent disabilities.

Your motorcycle repair or replacement costs can also be part of your motorcycle accident case. However, pursuing those damages is technically done in a property damage claim. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Glendale can assist you with it as well.

Identifying the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Glendale

While insurance companies often like to place the blame for motorcycle accidents on the biker, there are a lot of crashes that occur as a result of driver negligence rather than biker negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Left-Turn Accidents: These types of accidents are some of the most common and occur most frequently at intersections where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or fail to see a motorcyclist next to them when making a left-hand turn.
• Dooring Accidents: These accidents happen when a parked or stopped vehicle opens their door right in front of a motorcycle, causing them to collide with the car door.
• Poor Road Conditions: Motorcycles can be particularly dangerous when driven on flooded roads or loose gravel; if cities fail to maintain their roads, they may be responsible for any accidents that occur.
• Motorcycle Defects: Poorly built motorcycles have a higher likelihood of malfunctioning and causing an accident.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: When motorists fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, they may unintentionally cut off or even broadside the motorcyclist.

Navigating Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Glendale

Motorcycle accident claims are very similar to other personal injury claims in the way that they progress. Your lawsuit will most likely follow the below timeline:

1. Collecting evidence & building your case: First, our attorneys will begin to gather evidence and information to support your case. We will work to determine a fair settlement amount based on your injuries and will then put together your demand letter for the insurance company.
2. Attempting to negotiate with the insurance company: Once we have compiled sufficient evidence for your claim, we’ll begin working on negotiating with the insurance company to try to resolve your case pre-trial. This is often in everyone’s best interest because it saves money, effort, and time.
3. The Discovery Phase: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will begin preparing your case for trial. This is known as the “Discovery Phase” and involves exchanging information with both sides of the lawsuit.
4. Going to trial: Once both parties have prepared, your case will go to trial, and we will argue for your fair compensation in front of either a jury or a judge.

Ready to Fight Insurance Companies in Your Name

Injured motorcyclists in Glendale know they can come to Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation for legal assistance and representation that doesn’t back down. You need help after you’ve been seriously injured. Let us be the legal team that makes your life easier, not just by advancing your claim in your name but also by making certain you’re doing well and feeling confident about your case. We can even help you figure out how to get medical treatments as soon as possible if you were hit and don’t have adequate insurance.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Glendale

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Immediately after a motorcycle accident, your priority should be safety. If you’re able, move to a safe location and call for emergency medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to undergo a medical evaluation as some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show immediately. Document the scene by taking photos and gather contact information from witnesses and involved parties. These actions can provide crucial evidence for your legal claim.

Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report. This document will become an integral part of your legal journey. After addressing immediate safety and health concerns, reaching out to a local Glendale motorcycle accident attorney, like those at Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation, is advisable. Our legal team can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your rights are protected and help prepare your claim efficiently.

How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault?

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident involves presenting compelling evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s negligence. Key evidence includes eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and expert accident reconstruction analysis. Your attorney will help gather and analyze these pieces to build a strong argument. Additionally, the police report can hold significant value, as it may contain initial assessments of fault based on statements and observations made at the scene.

Gathering photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and road conditions can further illustrate the circumstances that led to the accident. By working with a local attorney well-versed in Glendale’s traffic nuances, you can enhance the credibility of your claim and strategically dismantle any defenses posed by the opposing party or their insurance company.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Glendale?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to file a claim against the parties responsible for your accident. However, some exceptions exist, particularly if a government entity is involved, which may require filing a claim within six months.

Meeting these deadlines is critical, as failure to do so can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation. Consulting with a Glendale motorcycle accident attorney promptly can help ensure all timelines are met and that every aspect of your claim is addressed thoroughly and efficiently.