Maison Law represents the families of fatal motorcycle accident victims in Livermore. If you’ve suffered the unfortunate loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident due to the careless actions of another, the wrongful death attorneys at Maison Law are here to get you the financial support you need to get through this difficult time. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Livermore
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating. No amount of money can make up for a family member’s absence, but there are legal options available to make the process easier for you and your family. An attorney can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members of the deceased. After a fatal motorcycle accident, a wrongful death attorney can help the surviving family claim medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of net income, which covers the amount the decedent would have made had they never been involved in a fatal accident.
Maison Law’s compassionate team of wrongful death attorneys are here to provide you with comprehensive support and aggressive representation. While insurance companies may offer you a settlement, they are not looking out for your best interest or your financial future. When we take on a wrongful death case, we look to explore every avenue of compensation to ensure your family’s financial stability for today and the years ahead.
When is a Person Liable for a Wrongful Death in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Livermore?
In the state of California, the surviving family can bring a wrongful death action in a fatal motorcycle accident if a direct act of carelessness, recklessness, or an intentional wrong act caused their loved one’s death. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove the defendant:
- Had an obligation to act with reasonable care
- Breached their “duty of care”
- As a result, the plaintiff suffered the loss of a loved one
- The reckless act was foreseeable and could have reasonably been avoided
The most common acts of carelessness, or recklessness, involving fatal motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: even momentary glances can cause devastating accidents. Distracted driving can be proven through camera footage, cell phone records, and collision investigations.
- Speeding: speeding only increases the severity of accidents and is a leading contributor to fatal motorcycle accidents every year in California. A driver’s CPU data can potentially reveal their speed before an accident.
- Moving violation: running red lights, illegal U-turns, or failing to yield can disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to major accidents. These illegal actions can typically be proven by traffic camera footage and eyewitnesses.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Penalties for this illegal action are harsh and can include criminal charges, jail time, license suspension, and other heightened penalties.
Common Dangers that Cause Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Livermore
In 2017, according to Berkley University, nearly 22% of all motorcycle accidents were fatal or ended in severe injuries. These horrific accidents are common in California due to the lack of awareness from other motorists and the amount of risk involved with using a motorcycle in high traffic areas: The following dangers are the leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents:
- Absence of barriers: motorcyclists are not protected by metal, airbags, or seat belts like a typical car. The only preventative barrier is their helmet.
- Reduced Stability: Motorcycles can travel at high speeds, but at the cost of stability, making them susceptible to other vehicles, harsh weather, and hazardous road conditions.
- Reduced Visibility: Motorcyclists are less noticeable to other vehicles, especially at night.
- Poor Road Conditions: debris and other objects on the road might be easy for a car to ride over, but a motorcyclist is at a much higher risk if the road surface has been compromised.
What is the Typical Compensation for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Livermore
Since every case is different, it is difficult to determine what your case is worth, but there are ways to get an idea of what your wrongful death claim could be worth. The objective of a settlement is to compensate you and your family members for the losses they’re experiencing due to their loved one’s death. Here is a list of the most common damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim:
- Burial and funeral expenses for the decedent
- Potential income earned from the deceased
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (claim to be filed by spouse or children for loss of love and companionship)
If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one due to the careless actions of another, the wrongful death attorneys at Maison Law are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through this difficult time. Let us protect your right to compensation, so you can grieve without legal burdens. Contact Maison Law today to see what options are available to you.
FAQs
Q: How long do I have to file a fatal motorcycle accident claim in Livermore?
A: Two years. The statute of limitations in California allows the victims of the deceased to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of the accident.
Q: Is a wrongful death the same as a survival action?
A: No. A survival cause of action is different from a wrongful death because it does not compensate the family for their losses.
Q: What if I can’t afford a wrongful death lawyer?
A: At Maison Law, there is no upfront fee for our services.
Contact a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Livermore
If you’ve lost a loved one due to the carelessness or wrongful act of another, we can help. At Maison Law, we understand how difficult of a time this can be for your family and we’d like to get you the compensation you need for your loss. Contact a Livermore wrongful death attorney today at Maison Law. Our consultation is free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case for you.
