Garden Grove Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

In the saddle of a motorcycle, you don’t have the luxury of top-of-the-line safety features like the other four-wheeled motorists on the road. Often, all that’s standing between you and a catastrophic injury in a collision are a helmet and a padded leather jacket. Unsurprisingly, many crash victims are left disfigured, debilitated, and in considerable pain in the event of the worst. If you were hurt while riding, turn to our Garden Grove motorcycle accident attorneys. Not only do we provide tenacious representation at all stages of proceedings, but we also strive to make this process as simple and stress-free for our clients as possible. If you would like to discuss your options with a member of our legal team, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS. Your initial consultation is free.

How Much Might My Personal Injury Claim Be Worth?

After a serious accident, it can feel like you’re waking up to unexpected expenses almost every morning.  Not only are you likely struggling to pay off your medical debts, but your injuries may have also sidelined you from work, depriving you and your loved ones of the paychecks you need to stay afloat. Receiving a fair settlement could help restore a sense of stability, helping you and your family pick up the pieces in the wake of this traumatic event. Unsurprisingly, most claimants are eager to find out what their claims are worth. While our lawyers cannot guarantee a specific outcome in your case—no attorney can—we may be able to assess your case and estimate fair compensation for the losses you’ve incurred. Below are a few factors we may consider:

• Medical Expenses: Medical bills are one of the most obvious monetary losses sustained by an accident victim. As such, almost all settlements or verdicts account for some of the expenses associated with treating a plaintiff’s injuries. Keep in mind that these costs are not just limited to the treatment you’ve received, but can also include the estimated costs of treatments you are reasonably likely to undergo in the future.
• Lost Wages: Whether you missed out on paychecks while recovering from your injuries, or your condition will prevent you from returning to work in the foreseeable future, you may be entitled to compensation for any earnings lost due to your injuries. Your attorney might need to consult with vocational experts and economists to help estimate the value of such losses. He or she may also want to see financial documents such as bank statements, letters from your employer, and paystubs.
• Property Loss: Certain types of accidents can lead to significant property loss. For instance, if you were involved in a wreck, the expense of replacing your motorcycle can put immense strain on your finances. Fortunately, claimants can seek compensation for the costs of repairs or replacement for any property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: After suffering a serious injury, it’s likely you’re grappling with extreme pain and discomfort. These sensations can take their toll on your emotional well-being, leaving you unable to enjoy life in the same way you did before the accident. As such, victims have a right to pursue compensation for these intangible losses.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

By law, you are entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages caused by a negligent party. However, even if it’s clear the other party/parties involved were responsible for the accident, a successful outcome in your case isn’t a foregone conclusion. Any mistakes you make in the wake of this traumatic event may come back to haunt you. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys can help guide you through this challenging chapter of your life, advising you on which mistakes to avoid and how to protect your claim for the duration of proceedings. Here are a few examples of some mistakes that could affect your claim:

• Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company: After you report the accident to the insurance company, the claims adjuster will likely reach out to discuss the events of that fateful day. Typically, they will request a recorded statement to “get the facts”. However, this interview is less a casual conversation and more a sly interrogation. The claims adjuster’s questions are carefully crafted to elicit specific responses that could be used to challenge your case. While you may have played no role in causing the accident, and you have diligently followed your doctor’s instructions, your comments could be misrepresented to dispute liability and damages. Rather than risk hurting your claim, you should let your attorney oversee all correspondence with the insurer instead.
• Ignoring Your Healthcare Provider’s Instructions: After an accident, you should always seek medical attention immediately—even if your injuries don’t appear to be very serious. A prompt diagnosis will ensure that any potential health complications are picked up and treated before they worsen. Additionally, if your healthcare provider is diligent, he or she will create medical records documenting the details of your injury. Not only can these records help you prove damages, but they will also show that you sought treatment in a timely manner. Official documents may also help tie your condition to the incident in question.
• Positing About the Accident Online: After the accident you may be feeling scared, angry, and confused. It’s only natural to seek out friends and family for emotional support. However, you should always stick to in-person conversations. Posting about your accident online could have dire consequences for your case. It’s not unheard of for insurance companies to monitor claimants’ social media profiles for any posts that could be used to dispute their claims. For instance, you could inadvertently admit fault for causing the accident or your comments might contradict other evidence in your case. Generally, it’s claimants are advised to deactivate their profiles until their claims are resolved.
• Failing to Track Damages: When you’re grappling with pain, stress, and uncertainty, it can be easy to misplace receipts or throw away copies of your medical records. However, losing these documents could make it challenging to prove your losses. As such, you should create a folder to compile all receipts, invoices, and other financial documents related to the accident and your injuries.

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Garden Grove Today

Whether you were injured in a motorcycle accident, as a passenger on a bus, or a pedestrian on the road, our legal team is here to help. We have the knowledge, resources, and experience to provide guidance, support, and compassionate legal representation during this challenging chapter of your life. To find out more about our legal services or to schedule a case assessment, contact us today 1-800-GO-HARRIS or use our Contact Form to get in touch.