Hitting the open road on a bike can be an exhilarating experience. However, with the high number of distracted, drunk, and reckless motorists on the road, this outdoor adventure can quickly turn into a nightmare on wheels. If you were injured while riding, our El Monte motorcycle accident attorneys can help you build a personal injury claim against the at-fault parties and guide you through proceedings. 

If you can’t come through to us, we can send our attorneys to meet you wherever you are. Reach out to us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to request a free consultation. 

What Evidence Could Help Prove My Claim? 

Building a convincing case usually requires one important ingredient: Strong evidence. As such, it’s important to start gathering proof as soon as you can as each new piece of evidence could become a crucial building block for your personal injury claim. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys can help investigate the wreck and gather the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages. Let’s look at a few of the different types of evidence that might play a role in your case: 

• Photographs of the Scene: Your attorney and/or an accident reconstruction expert may be able to use evidence—such as a picture taken at the accident scene—to piece together the events leading up to the collision. As such, if you are physically able to do so, you should document the wreckage by taking pictures of the vehicles involved, road markings, signs, weather conditions, and your injuries. 

• Eyewitness Testimony: If another motorist, their passengers, or a pedestrian saw the accident happen, their testimony could help corroborate your version of events. You should take down the contact details of any eyewitnesses to share with your attorney as he or she may want to interview them to determine whether their deposition or testimony could help support your claim. 

• Dash cam Footage: More and more drivers are outfitting their vehicles with advanced dashcams that are recording every time they’re on the road. As such, it’s possible that someone else may have captured footage of the collision. However, these recordings are often automatically erased every few days, so you will have to act quickly to obtain such files before they are lost. 

• The Official Accident Report: Officers who investigated the accident should’ve noted down their observations and other details of the wreck in an official police accident report. If you have not yet obtained a copy of this document, your attorney can do so on your behalf. 

How Much Is My Claim Worth? 

After suffering an injury in an accident, it can feel like your bank account has sprung a leak. From medical bills to repair costs, there is no shortage of expenses in the wake of a wreck. These unanticipated costs can put immense strain on your finances, potentially putting you and your family in a precarious situation. 

Understandably, you are probably eager to find out how much your personal injury claim might be worth. While we cannot guarantee a specific amount or outcome—no attorney or law firm can—we can help estimate fair compensation for your damages by reviewing the available evidence, working with your healthcare providers, and consulting with expert witnesses wherever necessary. 

Let’s look at a few factors that could affect the value of your claim: 

• The Severity of Your Injuries: More serious injuries will inevitably result in more extreme losses and, as such, typically warrant more in compensation than relatively minor conditions. For example, if you suffered a permanent disability and will not be able to work ever again, your attorney may include compensation for diminished earning potential in the potential recovery. Depending on your age, expected career trajectory, and salary prior to the wreck, such losses could possibly add up to a six- or seven-figure settlement. 

• The Role You Played in Causing the Collision: California has adopted a pure comparative fault rule for handling personal injury claims. Simply put, if you are found to be liable for your losses in any way, your financial award will be reduced by your percentage share of fault. For example, if you’re deemed 30 percent responsible for causing the collision, you will likely only receive compensation for up to 70 percent of your losses.  

• Duration of Time You Were Sidelined from Work: It could take days, weeks, or months for your injuries to heal. In some situations, you may be straddled with health complications for the rest of your life, leaving you unable to work and earn a living. Fortunately, you might be able to recover compensation for both the wages you’ve lost thus far, and those—that due to your injuries—you are likely to miss out on the future. 

• The Cost of Repairing or Replacing Your Property: If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing it. Make sure to hold onto any associated receipts, invoices, and estimates as you will need such documents to demonstrate your damages. 

Speak to an El Monte Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today 

Were you hurt while riding your bike? Our personal injury attorneys are here to help. At HPIL, we’ve recovered more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. To request a free case review, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click through to our Contact Page to send us a message.