Maison Law represents families who lose loved ones in heartbreaking California motorcycle accidents. When reckless drivers cause fatal collisions, close relatives of the victims can seek assistance as they pay funeral expenses and face a future without a loved one’s support. Our wrongful death lawyers offer a free, confidential case consultation to all family members. Schedule a case review to find out how much in support a car insurance company should provide.
Should I Call a Lawyer After Losing Someone in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
If a loved one is killed in a car accident caused by someone else’s mistake, families have the legal right to demand financial restitution. Families can seek justice and support from car insurance companies, but that doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to get the assistance they need. Insurance adjusters are trained to try to limit what families receive and they can even attempt to blame an innocent motorcyclist for an accident to escape accountability.
A California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer safeguards the family’s rights and fights back against these unfair tactics. A skilled lawyer makes sure families are awarded all benefits available. A Maison Law lawyer files a wrongful death claim and protects the family’s interests. Our representative also handles the frustrating negotiations with insurance companies with as little disruption to a grieving family as possible.
California Fatal Motorcycle Accident Dangers
California is, undoubtedly, a popular place for motorcycle rides. Motorcyclists hop on their motorcycles to enjoy some mountain curves or some ocean air and views. They could also just be out in the open air on the way to work or out to grab dinner.
Riders can look out for their own safety just fine, but it’s when drivers get careless that motorcyclists face real danger. A ride on a freeway or along Highway 101 can come to an end if a driver trying to type out a text switches lanes without looking. A driver in a rush may need to make a left turn on a busy boulevard, and not look hard enough at oncoming traffic to see a rider approaching. The driver sees all the cars clear out and floors it, putting the entire vehicle in front of a defenseless motorcyclist.
These and other reckless moves by drivers put riders in harm’s way every day on California roads. A devastating impact might put a vulnerable motorcyclist in the ER or a Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries.
California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) documented just how many precious lives are lost to motorcycle accidents. SWITRS recorded at least 530 motorcyclists lost in collisions in 2023 in the state. That was down from 657 fatalities in 2022.
After these heartbreaking accidents, families are empowered to seek help with the bills and the emotional stress a heartbreaking death will bring. But insurance companies for at-fault drivers are experts at finding reasons to leave loved ones to face the consequences alone. A California wrongful death lawyer will be an important protection for families. A Maison Law lawyer can build a powerful case based on evidence to make sure insurers can’t abandon families during such a difficult period.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
California law enables a spouse or domestic partner, children of the victim, or the grandchildren of the victim to file a wrongful death claim, representing the rest of the family.
In some cases, the parents and siblings of the deceased may also be allowed to file a wrongful death claim to seek a settlement check. A wrongful death attorney can also represent all family members and file a motorcycle accident wrongful death insurance claim on their behalf.
Car insurance companies for at-fault drivers have gotten good at pinning the blame for every motorcycle accident on riders. They even resort to this tactic when a rider has been killed, hoping that shifting blame will help them save the company money. Insurance adjusters play into stereotypes about reckless motorcyclists to try to change the facts behind a collision. Your lawyer can collect powerful evidence that forces auto insurers to do the right thing. This is done with as little disruption to families as mourning as possible.
What Can a Wrongful Death Settlement Cover?
Families can face financial hardships almost immediately after a tragic motorcycle accident. Their weekly income may suddenly be gone if the victim had supported the family through a job and weekly paycheck. There are also funeral bills to cover and in some cases, a lot of medical bills left behind.
A wrongful death claim could earn critical financial support for close relatives left behind. This support will become especially important in the months and years ahead when families must rebuild their lives.
These are a few of the factors that would determine how much support family members could receive:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Lost income and work benefits. The financial support a loved one can no longer provide the family through employment. This includes the financial hardships the family will face in the future.
- Lost care and guidance. The emotional support and counsel those left behind, especially a spouse and children, won’t be able to draw upon in the years to come. This can include the loss of protection and affection. The mental anguish close relatives must deal with must also factor into the level of support they’ll receive.
- Emergency response fees. The costs of ambulance care and other fees associated with a motorcycle accident.
- Medical costs. Any hospital bills built up before the deceased passed on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my family wait to file a wrongful death claim?
Two years. Close relatives should act as soon as they can. Waiting months to begin building a case can make evidence harder to find and witnesses harder to locate.
Will I have to go to court over my wrongful death case?
Not usually. The vast majority of motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court. Car insurance companies want to avoid the cost and bad publicity of going to court. A skilled lawyer represents the threat of a lawsuit, and this threat is often enough to get insurers to make a fair offer to your family. However, if an insurance company refuses to accept responsibility for a tragedy, your Maison Law representative will have a strong case prepared. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit and drag an insurance provider before a judge and jury.
What if my family can’t afford to pay a wrongful death lawyer?
Your family doesn’t need any money to hire Maison Law and secure powerful legal protection. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for your family. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money an at-fault party must pay your family members.
Contact a California Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Families should be allowed the time they need to grieve after a tragic accident, but bills and hardships stemming from a tragedy can make a wrongful death lawsuit necessary. A California motorcycle accident lawyer can handle your case privately with as little disruption to close family members as possible.
Contact Maison Law for a free and confidential case evaluation for any family. Our lawyers offer compassionate care to those in mourning to ensure they don’t suffer the financial consequences of a motorist’s error in judgment.
Maison Law is an advocate for safe rides for all California riders. We also rush to the aid of families after a careless driver’s mistake claims a beloved family member.
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