Maison Law answers questions about the claims process after a motorcycle accident in California. Highway 99 is one of the busiest and most dangerous routes in the state, running north to south from through the heart of the Central Valley. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident on Highway 99, it’s important to know what you need to do. Our team is here to guide you through this process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Serious Motorcycle Accident on Highway 99?
Legally, it doesn’t matter where your motorcycle accident happens–if it’s caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim to recover damages. However, being in one of these accidents on Highway 99 come with unique challenges due to the high traffic and fast-paced environment. So, when you’re in one of these accidents, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 – Move to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. Call 911 right away, and let paramedics check you for injuries. If needed, they’ll take you to the hospital.
- Report the accident to the Highway Patrol – Ask the dispatcher to inform the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police. Officers will document the scene, manage traffic, and create an official accident report to support your claim.
- Exchange information with others – Share contact and insurance details with other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact info as well.
- Get visual evidence – Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Focus on vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and nearby signs. This evidence can help prove who was at fault.
- Save this evidence – Keep any receipts, medical bills, and repair estimates related to the accident. Don’t repair your motorcycle or get rid of damaged items until they’ve been properly documented.
- Watch your statements – Don’t admit fault or give detailed statements to police or insurance companies. Stick to the facts, and don’t share information that could hurt your claim.
Obviously, taking these steps are going to be pretty important to your eventual injury claim. That said, a typical motorcycle accident is going to probably result in fairly serious injuries that might make taking these steps difficult. You still need to try as best you can to take them, but if you can’t, our team can help you.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Motorcycle Accident on Highway 99?
The reason that the above steps are so important is because, as a victim, you have the right to file an injury claim when you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident on Highway 99. The purpose of an injury claim is to recover “damages”, which are just your financial and other losses that come up because of the accident itself. To do this, there’s two main options: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. Here’s how both processes work:
- Filing an insurance claim – The first step is typically filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They’ll investigate the accident and potentially offer you a settlement. It’s quicker, but the insurance company often tries to pay you as little as possible.
- Filing a lawsuit – If an insurance settlement doesn’t cover your needs, the next step is filing a lawsuit. This is much more involved, and takes more time and effort, but because it’s overseen by a judge, it gives you a fairer chance at getting fuller damages.
Your damages are going to be specific to your accident and injuries, but generally, you can recover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your motorcycle or other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses (in fatal accidents)
The amount you can recover depends on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and your share of fault in the accident. It’s also crucial to act quickly–California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline means missing out on your right to even file a claim for damages.
Why Do You Need Legal Support After a Motorcycle Accident on Highway 99?
A motorcycle accident on Highway 99 can cause serious injuries due to the high speeds and lack of protection. That’s why getting medical help right away is so important—both at the scene and at the hospital. Fast treatment not only helps your health but also provides important proof for your case.
While your health should always come first, it’s also important to know your legal options. If the accident is minor, you might not need a lawyer. But if you’re seriously injured, you’ll likely need legal help to get the financial support you need to recover.
That’s where Maison Law’s team of California motorcycle accident lawyers comes in. We can help by:
- Explaining your rights and what your best options are
- Investigating the accident to figure out what happened and who’s responsible
- Gathering evidence to make your claim stronger
- Talking and negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit, if it comes to that
We aim to make everything easier for you so you can focus on healing, while we handle the legal side of things. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident on Highway 99, contact us today for a free consultation.
