Maison Law is dedicated to representing individuals who have sustained injuries in horrific and life-altering motorcycle accidents in Porterville and throughout all of Tulare County. Though drivers are supposed to stay alert and watch out for motorcyclists at all times, this does not always happen and accidents still occur within major California cities every day.
Following a severe motorcycle accident, many individuals will be faced with mounting medical bills and stress caused by lack of work. On top of this, the insurance company might be calling relentlessly trying to offer you a settlement number that you are not comfortable with. Speaking with a Porterville motorcycle accident lawyer can ensure that you retain a free and confidential case consultation. Contact us for representation that you can count on after a motorcycle accident.
Do I Need a Porterville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Following an Accident?
After a motorcycle accident in Porterville, one of the first questions that you may have is whether or not you need the help of an attorney. Though the choice is completely up to you, speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer might be helpful if the following scenarios are present:
- Another party or parties were at fault for your accident
- Your injuries led to a hospital stay
- You will require follow-up care for your injuries
- Your injuries will force you to miss time at work
- Your daily life will be affected by your motorcycle accident
If your motorcycle accident led to minor property damages and you have not been injured, it might not be necessary to seek the help of a lawyer after an accident. You have every right to determine if your claim calls for an attorney and whether or not to make that important call.
Steps to Take Following a Porterville Motorcycle Accident
The steps that you take following a motorcycle accident can be extremely vital when it comes to the future of your claim. Holding the at-fault party accountable for your accident and gathering necessary evidence can help you move forward in the future after this impactful time. Here are some steps that you should take after a Porterville motorcycle crash:
Call 911. After a serious motorcycle accident with injuries, the police should be called to the scene to take a report and investigate. The police report that you can collect after the accident should be a great way to retain evidence about how the accident happened so fault is easier to prove.
Seek Emergency Care. It is important that you seek immediate medical attention following a motorcycle accident to protect your health. However, having medical attention documented can also help the future of your claim.
Take Photographs or Videos. Photographs and videos can show what the scene of the accident looked like, from road conditions to the damages to all involved vehicles. You should also document the state of your injuries with photographs, as these can all be useful types of evidence later.
Speak to Witnesses. Speaking with witnesses can help you gain insight into what they saw at the time of the accident. Their testimony can help you in the future of your claim.
Receive Contact Information. You should always exchange contact information with everybody who was involved in your motorcycle accident. However, in doing so, you should avoid talking about the severity of your injuries or who could be at fault.
Keep Damaged Items. Hold onto any damaged property, as it could help you strengthen your claim down the road.
Injuries Prevalent in Motorcycle Accidents in Porterville
Because the only protection that motorcyclists tend to have when riding are helmets, there are many serious injuries that can stem from collisions involving these vehicles. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident with a vehicle that could weigh over two tons, severe injuries and damages are bound to result. The injuries that stem from these accidents most commonly include the following:
Road Rash: Road rash is an extremely common injury that results from motorcycle accidents. Though some road rash injuries can be minor, others can be catastrophic in nature. These injuries result from motorcyclists being thrown forcefully onto the ground in the event of an accident. In the most severe cases, these injuries can lead to infections or loss of nerve function.
Broken Bones: Broken and fractured bones to the femur, forearm, pelvis bone, and more can result from life-altering motorcycle accidents. These fractures can take months to heal, leaving you out of work.
Head Injuries: Especially when a motorcyclist is not wearing a protective helmet, head injuries are likely to result from an accident. Traumatic brain injuries can be permanent and impact your life in a variety of ways that are not treatable.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cords are highly susceptible to serious damage in the event of a crash involving a motorcyclist and a motor vehicle driver. Permanent injuries such as paralysis can result from these injuries.
Hand/Arm Injuries: When motorcyclists are involved in accidents, they are likely to instinctively put out their hands and arms to protect themselves. This means that injuries to the arms and hands are likely to result.
Burns: When a gas tank spills during a motorcycle accident, a motorcyclist could be severely burned.
In the most catastrophic motorcycle accidents, death can easily result due to the force and lack of protection in a motorcyclist. Knowing where to turn after one of these accidents is crucial for a victim or their family.
Damages Available in a Porterville Motorcycle Accident
Following a Porterville motorcycle accident, it might become one of your main priorities to find out how much you can receive in damages. The bills might continue to pile up against you after an accident and it can be difficult to afford them if you are unable to return to work due to your physical injuries.
You may find that you are eligible for either economic or non-economic damages, or both depending on the circumstances. These could include any of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
Family members are also permitted to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one if they have lost someone closest to them in a motorcycle accident. From a wrongful death claim, you could receive damages such as funeral costs, loss of companionship, burial-related expenses, and more. Speaking with a legal advocate can help you determine what to expect in the midst of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to bring my personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident?
In Porterville and the rest of California, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the time that you receive your injury. You should act quickly, as the clock starts ticking and you do not want to miss out on any opportunities for financial help after an accident.
If I feel fine after a motorcycle accident, is medical attention necessary?
Yes, you should always seek medical attention following a motorcycle accident. Your symptoms might not appear until the adrenaline of your accident has worn off. You could be protecting your health and the future of your claim by seeking immediate medical help.
If the insurance company is asking for it, should I give a recorded statement following my motorcycle collision?
You should seek the help of an attorney before giving any type of recorded statement to the insurance company. When they record your statement, they could be using vital information against you that can impact you later on down the road in your case.
Contact a Porterville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Being a motorcyclist leaves you in an incredibly vulnerable position on our roadways. On top of that, the insurance company might try to take advantage of your injured state and attempt to intimidate you after an accident. No matter what, legal help can assist you in avoiding adverse results in your motorcycle accident claim.
At Maison Law, we care about your claim and your future of recovery. Contact us today to get in touch with us about a no-obligation and completely free case consultation. Our trusted legal representatives will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system so that you can have a fresh start after a motorcycle collision.
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