Maison Law helps people that are injured in motorcycle accidents throughout California. Our state has tons of opportunities for an enjoyable time riding your motorcycle, including routes like Highway 101–also known as the Redwood Highway. However, its mix of high-speed traffic, sharp curves, and unpredictable weather can make it particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident on the Redwood Highway, knowing the right steps to take is crucial. Our team is here to support you–contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident on the Redwood Highway?
Regardless of where your accident happens, if another driver’s negligence caused it, you have the right to file an injury claim. However, the Redwood Highway presents unique challenges that can make accidents even more dangerous, like:
- Remote locations
- Limited cell service
- Winding roads
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what to do:
- Call 911 right away – Move to a safe area off the highway and call 911. Once an ambulance arrives, EMTs can assess your injuries and take you to a hospital if needed.
- Police response – Ask the 911 dispatcher to send the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local law police to the scene. Officers will secure the scene, direct traffic, and create an official accident report to support your claim.
- Exchange information – Get the contact and insurance details of any other drivers involved. If there are any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers, too.
- Gather evidence – Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the crash site, including vehicle damage, skid marks, injuries, road conditions, and any nearby signs or landmarks. This documentation can be crucial for helping your claim.
- Save everything – Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and receipts related to your accident. Also, don’t make immediate repairs to your motorcycle until the damage has been properly documented.
- Watch what you say – Never admit fault or make detailed statements to police or insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts, and don’t provide any information that could be used against you.
Taking these steps will significantly impact how your injury claim plays out. However, given the Redwood Highway’s rugged and remote terrain, it might not always be possible to handle everything on your own. That’s when it’s important to look at the process and how we can help.
What’s the Claims Process After a Motorcycle Accident on the Redwood Highway?
There’s two major parts to the claims process when you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident on the Redwood Highway: liability and damages. Basically, you’re going to have to show that the accident was someone else’s fault, which makes them liable. To do that, you have to show negligence, which means showing that:
- The other person had a responsibility to act in a way that kept you and others safe.
- They acted negligently, like speeding or not paying attention.
- Their actions caused your accident and injuries.
- You suffered losses, like medical bills or lost wages, because of the accident.
While this legally sets the terms of who’s responsible, it’s always different in reality. It all boils down to what actually happened, but usually, any of the following could be liable for your accident:
- Another driver who hit you
- Another motorcyclist
- A motorcycle or parts manufacturer
- The state or county government
Once liability is established, though, you can move forward with filing your injury claim. This is the main way you actually recover financial support, and to do this, there’s two main options:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
You can choose whichever option you want–you can even do both–but there are some important differences. An insurance claim is much less formal and usually wraps up much quicker. This gives you quicker access to financial support, but it’s totally controlled by the insurance company, and they want to save money first and foremost. A lawsuit takes longer, but it’s a more fair process, which means you could get much higher damages for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your bike or gear
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial expenses in fatal accidents
In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. Miss this deadline, and you lose your chance to recover these, which you’re going to need to get better.
Do You Need Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident on the Redwood Highway?
Motorcycle accidents on the Redwood Highway can be serious due to sharp curves, changing weather, and speeding vehicles. That’s why getting help right away is crucial—not just for your health, but also to have proof of your injuries if you decide to file a claim.
If your accident is minor, you might be able to handle things yourself. But if you’ve suffered serious injuries, getting legal support can make a huge difference in getting the financial help you need. That’s where our team at Maison Law comes in. Our California motorcycle accident lawyers can help by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Investigating the accident to determine what happened and who’s at fault
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim
- Dealing with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
We want to make this process as easy as possible for you. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident on the Redwood Highway, contact us today for a free consultation.
