Maison Law helps people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents in Hanford. Motorcycle accidents are almost always serious, but the most tragic ones result in fatalities. This leaves victims’ families in an incredibly difficult situation. Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process and support you during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Even though hiring a lawyer isn’t legally required, it can make a significant difference for your family after a fatal motorcycle accident. These cases are often complex and emotionally overwhelming, adding to an already difficult time. Our lawyers can help by:
- Explaining what your family’s legal rights and options are
- Gathering important evidence to build a strong claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies or defense lawyers
- Handling wrongful death claims from start to finish
A fatal motorcycle accident changes everything for a family. With so much at stake, having experienced legal support can help make sure you (or your surviving family) get the financial resources needed to start the healing process and move forward.
How Can You Strengthen a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Fatal motorcycle accidents are incredibly tragic, and while it might seem like the legal process is simple, there’s always a need to prove your damages and build a solid case. Here are steps you and your family can take to strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 right away – Call 911 as soon as possible. EMTs can help with any non-fatal injuries, and the police will secure the scene and document the fatality.
- Collect evidence – If you’re able, or if someone else can help, take photos and videos of the scene, including the motorcycle, vehicles, and any visible damages. Also, gather insurance and contact details from anyone involved.
- Keep track of expenses – Document all your financial losses, including medical bills, funeral costs, and any other expenses that show how the accident impacted your family.
- Preserve physical evidence – Keep from repairing or altering any damaged property, especially the motorcycle. These items could be critical in proving your case.
While these steps can make a significant difference, fatal accidents bring unique challenges. Gathering evidence and navigating legal complexities is hard while dealing with grief. That’s why having experienced legal support can make all the difference. Our team is here to step in and manage these steps for you.
What Kind of Claim Do You File After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating and tragic, no matter what the circumstances are. At the same time, the legal process acknowledges the unique challenges of these situations through what’s called a “wrongful death” claim.
There’s a couple obvious differences with a wrongful death claim, starting with who can actually file it. Only specific family members can file a wrongful death claim, including:
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children
- Other close relatives or people named in the will (if no spouse or children exist).
Once the claim is filed, though, it moves like a regular injury claim–you figure out who’s responsible and file either an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit. But it’s here that the other difference shows up: the damages. Wrongful death claims are meant to provide financial relief for the surviving family. These damages usually include things like:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred before the death
- Loss of income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
In California, wrongful death claims still must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing the chance to recover damages.
Who Pays For Damages After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
With a fatal motorcycle accident, the loss of life makes the situation more difficult. But figuring out who is responsible for paying for damages works the same way as in other motorcycle accidents. It comes down to proving negligence, which means showing:
- Someone had a duty to act safely.
- They failed in that duty through reckless or careless actions.
- Their failure caused the accident and fatal injuries.
While this legally establishes who pays for your damages, it’s also heavily dependent on what happens. Most of the time, then, the following are going to be liable for your family’s damages in a fatal motorcycle accident:
- Other drivers involved in the crash.
- Motorcycle owners if the rider wasn’t the owner and the vehicle wasn’t properly maintained.
- Manufacturers if a defect in the motorcycle or a vehicle contributed to the crash.
- Government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.
Figuring out liability is a huge step in any claim–but especially a fatal motorcycle accident claim. It gives you and your family the path toward the financial support that’s going to be vital to everyone’s ability to move forward.
How Do Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Hanford?
Motorcycle accidents are dangerous everywhere, whether they happen in Hanford or anywhere else. But what makes fatal motorcycle accidents so troubling isn’t just the loss of life, it’s that they can happen in any motorcycle accident. What’s more, they’re often caused by negligence or reckless behavior. This makes it easy to understand why motorcycle accidents happen, but how they happen could be key to your family’s claim. Here’s how they usually happen:
- Not yielding – Not giving motorcycles the right of way when turning or changing lanes often leads to severe crashes.
- Driving while distracted – Texting, adjusting the radio, or other distractions make drivers miss seeing motorcyclists.
- Speeding – Driving too fast, especially on Hanford’s winding roads, greatly increases the chances of a collision.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and create dangerous situations for riders.
Each fatal motorcycle accident is unique, and the circumstances can complicate the legal process. That’s why we’re here–to use our experience and resources to ensure your family gets the justice and compensation it deserves.
Support From Trusted Hanford Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a devastating experience, and sadly, it happens far too often in Hanford. When it does, your family may need to take legal action. At Maison Law, our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers is ready to help you through this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the claims process started.
