Arcadia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Arcadia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
As a rider, you have little protection against crash forces in a collision. Even at low speeds, an accident can lead to serious injuries that will often cost a small fortune to treat. If the other motorist was at-fault, filing a personal injury claim could help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Our Arcadia motorcycle accident attorneys have decades of collective experience helping riders pursue compensation. Not only do we know what it takes to succeed in even the most complex cases, but we will also work to make sure that proceedings are simple and stress-free as possible for you and your loved ones. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to get started.
How Our Arcadia Personal Injury Lawyers Can Assist with Your Claim
After being seriously hurt in a preventable collision, you may be wondering if hiring an attorney is the right decision for you and your family. On the surface, filing a claim looks relatively simple, but it can take many steps to build a convincing case. For instance, if you’re seeking a considerable sum, it’s likely the insurer will do everything in their power to minimize their liability. As such, you could face numerous disputes from day one. At HPIL, we will grab the reins, handling the logistics of your case so you can focus on other matters. We will provide legal guidance to you and your family throughout proceedings, whether it’s answering your questions, gathering evidence, or representing you during settlement negotiations, litigation, or trial. Here are just a few more ways we might be able to assist with your claim:
- Estimating a Fair Settlement: The equations used to approximate compensation for future medical bills, non-economic damages, diminished earning potential, and other kinds of losses can be incredibly complex. However, it’s important to have a clear idea of what your claim is worth before initiating settlement negotiations. Without a number in mind, you might accept a lowball offer that falls short of covering your full range of accident-related expenses. Our Arcadia motorcycle accident attorneys know which types of evidence can help prove your damages and how to negotiate for a fair sum.
- Collecting Evidence: There are many types of evidence you can collect without the help of an attorney, but some evidence that might play a crucial role in proving liability and damages could be time-sensitive and challenging to access. For instance, surveillance camera footage taken at the accident scene could be erased, or the owner might be reluctant to hand over the video files. Other evidence that might be difficult to obtain can include electronic data logs, cell phone records, black box data, and traffic camera videos. When you hire one of our attorneys, we will get to work immediately to collect such evidence while it is still available.
- Organizing Expert Witness Deposition: In many cases—particularly those involving catastrophic injuries or permanent disabilities—expert witness testimony can mean the difference between a fair settlement or walking away empty-handed. For instance, if opposing parties dispute the severity of your injuries, a medical specialist could provide testimony regarding the limitations stemming from your condition or the necessity of certain procedures. Alternatively, an accident reconstruction expert might be called on to determine who caused the accident and how you suffered your injuries.
- Helping You Avoid Costly Errors: The insurer will likely dig deep to unearth any evidence that could be used to challenge your case. As such, any mistakes you make after the accident could sink your chances of achieving a successful outcome. For instance, if you posted about the accident online, your comments could be misrepresented to dispute liability. Alternatively, if you failed to follow your doctor’s orders, the insurer may assert that you were negligent and are thus liable for a portion of your damages.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
While the dangers of a motorcycle accident are always at the back of our minds, few of us are prepared for the aftermath of a collision. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re injured in a bike wreck:
- Call the Police: Even if no one was seriously injured, you should still contact authorities so that officers can direct traffic at the scene and compile a report on the incident. The insurer will want to review their findings before approving your motorcycle accident claim. Typically, the report will contain important information about the wreck including the time, date, and location; the officer’s observations on who or what caused the collision; and details about the drivers involved.
- Collect Evidence at the Scene: An accident scene is often chaotic—especially if someone has suffered a serious injury. However, it’s important to stay calm and think about how you can start building your claim. Take photographs of your injuries, any property damage, road markings, weather conditions, and traffic signs. If there are surveillance cameras nearby, note down their locations. If someone saw the accident take place, take their statement and record their contact details.
- Write Down the Driver’s Contact and Insurance Information: Both your attorney and the insurer will need the other driver’s contact and insurance information to start investigating the case. It may be helpful to take photographs of their license plate tag, insurance card, and driver’s license to ensure you have not taken down this information incorrectly.
- Seek Medical Treatment: To obtain a financial award, you will need to show that the collision resulted in an injury or loss. If you delay a diagnosis after the accident, the insurer may assert that your injury was caused by something else or that you did not take sufficient steps to mitigate your losses.
- Stay off Social Media: After suffering a serious injury in a motorcycle wreck, you may want to reach out to your friends and family to let them know you are okay. One of the simplest ways is to publish a post online detailing the terrifying moments of this traumatic event. However, the claims adjuster will likely review your social media profiles to find evidence that could be used to dispute liability and damages. Whether it’s photos of your injuries or a post venting about the other motorist’s reckless driving, insurers are adept at turning digital activity into disputes. As such, we may suggest that you disable your social media accounts until your claim has been resolved.
Speak to an Arcadia Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
A motorcycle wreck can have a ripple effect across all aspects of your life. Some victims are unable to work, others incur thousands of dollars in medical bills—whatever your situation, our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our online contact form to pencil in a free case review.