Maison Law answers questions about the legal process from motorcycle accident victims in California. When you’re hurt and dealing with the fallout of your motorcycle accident, one of your biggest concerns is how much compensation you can get in a claim. While every motorcycle accident is different, getting financial support is crucial for any recovery process. We’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Compensation Can You Get After a Motorcycle Accident?
Even though many motorcycle accidents happen for similar reasons, each one is different in terms of the outcome. The same goes for the legal process. Every claim depends on the details of the accident, and the amount of compensation you can get will be influenced by a few important factors like:
- How bad your injuries are – The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential compensation. Getting medical attention right away and keeping track of your treatments and costs is crucial for your claim.
- Emotional and mental effects – Motorcycle accidents can leave emotional scars as well as physical ones. If you’ve experienced trauma or emotional distress, you can get compensation for it. Keeping a record of therapy and your emotional health can help strengthen your case.
- Impact on your life and relationships – If the accident has affected your ability to enjoy life or damaged personal relationships, this can be included in your claim. A therapist’s testimony can show how your quality of life has been impacted.
- Impact on your job – If you’ve had to miss work or are unable to work because of the accident, you may be compensated for lost wages or future earnings, especially if the injuries are long-term.
- Any fault you share – If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced. This is called “comparative negligence” in California.
One thing that doesn’t change is the statute of limitations. You have two years from the accident to file your claim in California. If you miss this deadline, you can’t file a claim at all.
How Do You Get Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?
Having legal options after a motorcycle accident can help you recover compensation, but the process isn’t always straightforward. Each case is unique, and the steps to secure financial support can vary. Understanding the general process can help you know what to expect and the types of claims you might pursue.
You typically have two main options: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – After the accident, you’ll file a claim with either the other party’s insurance company or your own. An insurance adjuster will review your claim and offer a settlement. While this option is usually quicker and less expensive, negotiations can take time, and the initial offer might not cover all your expenses.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement falls short (which is common), you can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court. This process takes longer but can lead to greater compensation. Our team will assist with most of the legal work for you.
The goal of any motorcycle accident claim is to obtain the financial support you’re entitled to under California law, known as “damages.” These damages can include compensation for various injuries and losses, depending on the specifics of your case. Generally, you can recover:
- Medical bills
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral expenses if the accident resulted in your death
While these types of damages may be available, they aren’t automatically granted. To recover them, you’ll need to present a strong case, which is why it’s crucial to take the right steps after the accident and to have our team’s guidance and support.
How Can Maison Law Help You After a Motorcycle Accident?
Whenever you’re in a motorcycle accident, everything is more difficult. This includes the claims process, but you don’t have to try to face it on your own. At Maison Law, our team of California motorcycle accident lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the accident to find out who’s responsible
- Gathering and examining evidence to strengthen your case and handling all legal communication for you.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement and preparing to go to court if needed.
Our main goal is to make this process simpler for you and your family. Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious physical and emotional challenges, as well as financial strain. We’re here to help without charging you upfront. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
