Azusa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Taking the bike out for a spin can be a great way to appreciate California’s scenic vistas. However, there are many hazards on the state’s roads that can turn this enjoyable activity into a hair-raising experience. Aggressive drivers, congested streets, and poor road conditions are commonplace. An unlucky encounter could leave you fighting for your life in an emergency room. If you were hurt in a wreck, our Azusa motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to help you pursue compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. As part of your free initial consultation, we can assess your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we may proceed with your case. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more.

How Long Will My Claim Take?

The aftermath of a serious bike wreck can be a confusing time. You probably have many questions on your mind, such as: Do I have grounds to file a personal injury claim? Will I face any disputes from the insurer? How much might my claim be worth? How long will it take to resolve my claim? Unfortunately, it is impossible to provide any concrete answers to the questions above before we have thoroughly investigated the accident. The claims process can be incredibly unpredictable, with seemingly insignificant details drastically altering the course of proceedings. At HPIL, our main aim is to help you obtain a fair settlement without the need for litigation. However, this is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the disputes you will face after filing your claim and whether you made any mistakes after the accident. Let us look at a few factors that might impact the timeline of your motorcycle accident claim:

• The Number of Parties Involved: Liability for a motorcycle accident is sometimes shared by more than one party. For example, multiple defendants could be deemed liable for your losses, and in some scenarios, you may also be held partly liable. With multiple parties involved, there is always the chance that someone will dispute the portion of fault assigned to each party. Our Azusa motorcycle accident lawyers can help mitigate such disputes by gathering and compiling all available evidence of liability and estimating each party’s percentage fault based on the relevant statutes, case law, and facts of your claim.

• The Amount of Compensation You Are Pursuing: Typically, the smaller the sum the plaintiff is seeking, the less incentive the insurer has to devote resources and time into challenging their case. As such, if you are pursuing a considerable amount, there is a high likelihood that the insurer will leave no stone unturned to find evidence that could be used to reduce or deny your claim. You may be placed under surveillance, your social media feeds may be screened, and your medical records might be scrutinized to find evidence of a preexisting condition or injury. These are just some of the methods the insurer may use to challenge your case.

• Whether You Made Any Mistakes: Did you discuss the accident on Facebook? Did you provide a recorded statement to the insurer? Did you deviate from your treatment plan? These are just a few common errors that could drastically reduce your chances of obtaining a fair settlement. For instance, if you ignored your doctor’s instructions, the insurer might argue that your negligent actions caused your condition to worsen leading to additional damages. In such situations, you may be held partially liable for these costs. Alternatively, if you posted about the accident online, your comments may contradict other evidence in your case, leaving the door wide open for opposing parties to dispute liability and damages.

• Time until You Achieve MMI: Maximum medical improvement (MMI) represents the point in your recovery where your injuries have healed or are unlikely to improve any further. This could mean you have made a full recovery, or, that you will likely have to live with long-term health complications and limitations due to your condition. Your Azusa motorcycle attorney may suggest delaying settlement negotiations until you have achieved MMI. This will help your lawyers arrive at a more accurate estimation of your total damages. If you rush into negotiations, you may discover that your medical expenses and other losses are more extensive than you first anticipated, leaving you on the hook for these additional costs. Keep in mind that once you have agreed to a settlement, you will not be able to seek further damages from the defendant.

What Factors Could Influence the Value of My Claim?

There is no set-it-and-forget-it approach to estimating a fair settlement in a motorcycle wreck claim. We will first need to investigate the accident, review the available evidence, and consult with expert witnesses if necessary before we can arrive at a reasonable estimation that accounts for all recoverable losses. Factors that might influence the potential value of your claim include:

• The Amount of Income Lost: If your injuries prevented you from returning to work for any timeframe, these lost wages may be recoverable as part of your claim. Factors that could influence the value of such damages include your salary prior to the accident, the number of days you were unable to work, and whether your injuries will affect your earning capacity in the future.

• The Cost of Medical Care: If you suffered a catastrophic injury or permanent disability that requires long-term care, the potential recovery in your case will likely be greater than if your condition was temporary or minor.

• The Severity of Your Injuries: Serious injuries are usually more expensive to treat and can lead to greater levels of pain and suffering than relatively minor conditions.

• The Value of Other Economic Damages: If you had to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate limitations stemming from the injuries you suffered in the motorcycle accident, had to make use of alternative transportation, or pay for childcare, these costs may be recoverable.

Speak to an Azusa Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Motorcycle accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and considerable medical expenses. At HPIL, we understand that suffering an injury can take a significant toll on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. As such, we are passionate about helping personal injury victims fight for fair compensation in the wake of a collision. To pencil in a free case review, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click HERE to fill out our contact form.