Founder and Managing Partner
Thousands of people are injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in the United States each year. California had the second-highest number of motorcycle fatalities for 2017. Deaths from motorcycle accidents in California increased by 11 percent from 2015 to 2016. If you survive a motorcycle crash, you need to know how to protect your legal rights so that you can receive compensation for your damages from the person responsible for causing the crash. Our California motorcycle accident attorney presents the Top Five Rules of Motorcycle Accidents to help you protect your right to fair and just compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Top Five Rules for California Motorcycle Accidents
1. Report the Motorcycle Accident Immediately but Do NOT Admit Fault
Call 911 to report the motorcycle accident and request emergency services. However, do not apologize for the accident or even say you are sorry the accident occurred. Be honest with the police officers when describing how the crash occurred, but do not admit fault. Insurance companies often take advantage of the negative stereotypes associated with motorcyclists to shift blame for a motorcycle accident to the rider even though the rider may not be at fault.
2. See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
You might have been transported to the hospital directly from the accident scene by EMS if your motorcycle accident injuries were severe. If you did not go to the emergency room, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Prompt medical treatment and careful documentation of your physical injuries improve your chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries. Delays in medical treatment are used by insurance companies to deny and undervalue valid injury claims.
3. Maintain Detailed Records of Expenses and Losses
Keep copies of all receipts, invoices, and proof of financial losses related to the motorcycle accident claim. The insurance company is more likely to reimburse you for financial damages if you provide detailed information about the losses accompanied by evidence of each expense. Also, document your noneconomic damages (pain and suffering) by taking photographs of your injuries throughout your recovering. Keeping a journal to note your daily pain levels and struggles to return to a normal routine can also be very helpful when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim.
4. Try Not to Give A Statement or Sign Any Document Without Discussing Your Case with An Attorney
The insurance company for the other driver may request a formal statement and medical release authorization form. Do not provide a statement or sign a release without discussing your claim with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Something you say in your statement could be misinterpreted and used against you to hurt your claim. It is best to have an attorney review your case and provide legal advice so that you do not make a mistake that could harm your case.
5, Do Not Wait Too Long to Hire a California Personal Injury Attorney
Under normal circumstances, you have just two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, that deadline could be shortened, as with cases involving government entities. Because it could take an accident attorney several months to complete a motorcycle accident investigation to gather evidence and identify the liable parties, it is best to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later.
Contact the J&Y Law Firm Today
Hiring an experienced California personal injury attorney to handle your motorcycle accident claim can reduce the stress and anxiety that many accident victims experience while trying to settle an injury claim. Having a team of legal professionals working to protect your best interest increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages caused by a motorcycle crash.
Don’t wait to get the legal advice you need regarding your injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.Â