Maison Law helps people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents in Hayward. These accidents are often serious, and the most devastating result in fatal injuries. This leaves you and your family in an incredibly difficult position. Our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Hayward?
While 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 stress to an already difficult time. Our team can help you and your family by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options
- Gathering crucial evidence to strengthen your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing lawyers
- Managing wrongful death claims from start to finish
A fatal motorcycle accident changes everything for your family. With so much at stake, having experienced legal guidance and support is a way for your family to get the financial resources they need to begin the healing process and move forward.
How Do Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Hayward?
Motorcycle accidents are dangerous everywhere, and Hayward is no exception. What makes fatal motorcycle accidents particularly devastating isn’t just the loss of life–it’s that they can happen in nearly any crash. What makes these accidents so tragic, though, is when they’re caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior. It’s not hard to see why this can cause a fatal accident, but it’s important to look at how they actually happen:
- Failure to yield – Drivers who don’t give motorcycles the right of way when turning or changing lanes frequently cause serious crashes.
- Distracted driving – Texting, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can prevent drivers from seeing motorcyclists in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding – People driving their car at excessive speeds, especially on Hayward’s busy and curving roads, significantly increases the risk of a deadly collision with motorcyclists.
- Driving while impaired – Alcohol and drugs impair drivers’ reaction time and awareness, creating extremely dangerous situations for riders.
Every fatal motorcycle accident has unique circumstances, but knowing how they happen can make it easier to figure out a key aspect of the claims process–figuring out who pays for your family’s damages.
Who Pays for Damages After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a heartbreaking experience. When it comes to financial recovery, determining who is responsible for damages works the same way as in other accidents—it all comes down to proving negligence. This involves showing that:
- Someone had a duty to act safely.
- They failed in that duty through reckless or careless actions.
- Their failure directly caused the accident and fatal injuries.
While this establishes legal responsibility, the outcome depends on the details of the crash. In most cases, the following parties may be held liable for damages in a fatal motorcycle accident:
- Other drivers involved in the crash.
- Motorcycle owners if the rider wasn’t the owner and the bike wasn’t properly maintained.
- Manufacturers if a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle contributed to the crash.
- Government agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions.
Determining liability is a critical step in any claim–but even more so in fatal motorcycle accidents. It tells you who’s responsible, both financially and legally, for the loss of your loved one (or your family’s loss.)
What Kind of Claim Do You File After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Losing someone you love in a motorcycle accident is something nobody wants to think about–let alone face. But California’s legal system recognizes the unique challenges of these cases through wrongful death claims. A wrongful death claim differs from other injury claims in several ways, starting with who can file it. In California, only certain family members are eligible, including:
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children
- Other close relatives or individuals named in the will (if there’s no spouse or children).
Once a wrongful death claim is filed, it follows a similar process to other injury claims–identifying who is responsible and pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. However, wrongful death claims are distinct in the types of damages they seek. These usually include things like:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
In California, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to recover damages.
How Can You Strengthen a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Fatal motorcycle accidents are devastating, and while the legal process might seem straightforward, proving damages and building a strong case requires careful preparation. Here are key steps your family can take:
- Call 911 immediately – As with any accident, the first thing that needs to be done is to call 911. EMTs can help with any non-fatal injuries, while police (either the Hayward Police Department or California Highway Patrol) will document the accident and secure the scene.
- Gather evidence – If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect insurance and contact information from those involved.
- Keep track of expenses – Document all financial losses, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses that highlight how the accident has impacted your family.
- Preserve evidence – Avoid repairing or altering damaged property, especially the motorcycle, as it could serve as critical evidence in your case.
While these steps can strengthen your claim, fatal accidents present unique legal challenges. Navigating the process while coping with grief can be overwhelming. That’s why having experienced legal support can make all the difference. Our team is here to manage these steps for you.
Get Support From Experienced Hayward Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a devastating experience, and unfortunately, it happens far too often in Hayward. When tragedy strikes, your family may need to take legal action. At Maison Law, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the claims process started.
