Questions to Ask After a Motorcycle Accident
When motorcycle accidents happen in Los Angeles, the outcome can be fatal -- especially for the rider. The injuries motorcyclists suffer when involved in an accident can range from bruises and sprains to broken bones and fractures to worse.If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you are probably experiencing extreme stress, along with any physical pain. Between time off work and lost wages, medical expenses, and the loss of the motorcycle, you are likely out of pockets thousands of dollars, if not more.
If you were the victim of a motorcycle accident in California, know that the law is on your side. Continue reading to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Are Motorcycle Accidents in California Always the Fault of the Rider?
No. In many cases the driver of the car is at fault and sometimes, multiple people are liable. This can include the driver of the other vehicle, the motorcycle passenger, the city (i.e. inadequate signs or signals), the manufacturer of the motorcycle, and even the employer of the other driver if the vehicle was being used for business. Fault, or liability, is determined by a judge or jury who looks at all the facts of the case. This means that the court would examine both the motorcycle driver and the other parties involved to determine liability. If the other driver is found to be 90% at fault for the accident and the motorcycle driver was found to be 10% at fault, then the motorcycle driver may be awarded almost all of their damages (within the confines of the law).
I Don’t Feel Hurt. Do I Need Medical Treatment?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should always seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel like you’re injured, you still could be. Between the chemical reaction taking place in your body because of the accident (adrenaline is released in the body during accidents which numbs pain) and the possibility of an internal injury that doesn’t show symptoms, it is always wise to error on the side of caution and get medical treatment. Furthermore, getting medical treatment right away can help your insurance or legal claim for damages.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company without an Attorney?
While you should definitely contact your insurance company and the insurance company of the other involved party to report the accident, it can be risky to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. Even if your insurance company wants to pay your claim, they likely do not want to give you what your injuries are actually worth. Before you sign anything from an insurance company regarding your claim for a motorcycle accident, let an experienced motorcycle accident attorney look over it first.
For a free, no obligation consultation about your motorcycle accident case, contact the Ghozland Law Firm today.
