Lake Forest Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Were you severely injured in a motorcycle crash? You may be entitled to compensation for any reasonable and necessary expenses such as medical bills, lost income, and property repairs. You may also be owed compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Our Lake Forest motorcycle accident attorneys can approximate a fair settlement and help you navigate the legal system. We have won more than $300,000,000 for clients, with numerous six- and seven-figure victories in auto accident cases. For a free consultation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Elements to Prove in a Motorcycle Accident Case

The specific circumstances of a personal injury claim can vary drastically from one case to the next. However, regardless of the individual factors at play, claimants always need to prove three elements to recover compensation: liability, causation, and damages. Our Lake Forest motorcycle accident lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legal processes, statutes, and case law pertaining to these claims. Below we provide an overview of liability, causation, and damages:

• Liability: In simple terms, liability means “legal responsibility.” You will have to demonstrate that the opposing party is liable for the incident that caused your injury. A defendant can be held liable if it is determined that they caused harm through negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Liability can also be established by proving strict liability or vicarious liability. Strict liability might apply to your case if the wreck was caused by a defective auto part, which could mean that the part manufacturer is liable for the resulting damages even if they were neither negligent nor caused the defect intentionally. Vicarious liability most commonly applies in cases when a personal injury or wrongful death is caused by someone who is acting within the scope and course of their employment, thus potentially making their employer vicariously liable.

• Causation: You will also need to prove that the liable party’s negligence or wrongful acts caused your injuries. A dispute might arise if the opposing party questions whether you would still have incurred the same damages even if the accident had not happened. Medical bills, expert witness deposition, photographs of the scene, and other evidence can be used to prove causation.

• Damages: This term refers to the compensation paid to the claimant. Economic damages are objectively verifiable and include medical expenses, property repair bills, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, might also be recoverable in the state of California. To resolve your claim successfully, you will have to provide evidence, such as invoices, receipts, and other financial documents, to prove damages.

Should I Visit a Doctor Even If I Only Sustained Minor Injuries?

Whether you only sustained a few cuts and bruises or lost consciousness, visiting a doctor immediately after an accident should be your number-one priority. While it’s understandable that you’re reluctant to take time out of your busy day to deal with the hassle of scheduling a doctor’s appointment, seeking medical treatment is crucial to give your case the best chance of yielding fair compensation. Here are a few reasons why you should always visit a doctor after an accident:

• Your Lawyer Needs Official Records: When you visit a doctor, he or she will usually create official medical records documenting the severity of your injuries, recommended medical interventions, prescribed medications, and other useful information. Not only will the insurer want to see these details, but your Lake Forest motorcycle accident attorney will also need them to approximate a fair settlement and to prove causation and damages.

• You Have a Responsibility to Mitigate Damages: Without immediate care, some injuries and conditions can worsen, resulting in further complications and/or a prolonged recovery. If the defense finds out that you did not visit a doctor immediately after the accident, they may argue that your negligence caused your condition to deteriorate and therefore you are partially liable for your damages. This could result in a reduced financial award.

• You Need to Connect Your Injuries to the Incident: As previously mentioned, you must be able to prove liability, causation, and damages to recover a financial award in a personal injury case. If you forego your medical assessment, it could leave room for the defense to dispute whether your injuries are connected to the accident in question or were caused by a separate incident. The defendant may even argue that your injuries stem from a pre-existing condition.

Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Lake Forest Today

Our attorneys are passionate about helping victims of serious injury and their families fight for the compensation they deserve. We won’t let the insurance company coerce you into accepting an unfair settlement. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us an email to set up a free case review.