Maison Law represents dog bite victims across Turlock. We can explain your options in any situation, including those that might happen when you suffer a motorcycle accident because of a dog. No matter what the circumstances are, our Turlock dog bite lawyers will be there to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Any accident is going to leave you facing the possibility of injuries. But it’s your circumstances that will decide whether or not you need our lawyers. Hopefully, your accident and injuries are only minor and you won’t have to worry about taking legal action.
However, when there’s a dog bite motorcycle accident, you’re not only facing a unique situation, but probable significant injuries. In these cases, working with our team can be a huge help to you and your family. Here’s what we can do:
- We’ll explain your options and rights.
- We’ll investigate the accident.
- Help you gather crucial evidence.
- Guide you through the claims process.
- Make the process easier on you.
If you’ve been in one of these accidents, you probably have many questions. That’s why we take pride in our approach. We’ll answer any questions you have, all for free in our initial consultation with you. Better yet, if you do decide to move forward, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost to you at all.
What You Need to Do After an Accident
Just because the circumstances around a dog chase motorcycle accident is somewhat unique doesn’t change your options, nor does it change what you need to do right after the accident happens. So, in order to protect your rights and health, make sure to:
- Get to safety – Move away from traffic and potential dangers to a secure area, away from the dog if at all possible.
- Assess your injuries – Look for injuries on yourself and watch out for any other hazards around.
- See a doctor – Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. You can do this at the scene with EMS workers, then further care at an emergency room or urgent care. You’ll also want to follow up with more treatment with your doctor.
- Note your injuries – Write down any injuries you have for medical and legal purposes.
- Find the dog’s owner – If possible, find the dog’s owner and exchange contact info for insurance reasons.
- Inform police and animal control – Let the police know about the accident and contact animal control for safety and next steps.
- Document the scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your motorcycle and where it happened. Write down details about what happened.
- Keep evidence – Hold onto any physical evidence from the accident, like damaged items. Get witness statements if you can, and keep records of any medical treatment and conversations with authorities in case of legal actions later on.
By taking these steps, you can protect your potential legal options. However, an important part of the process is understanding how the law approaches it.
Legal Liability in Dog Chase Motorcycle Accidents
California’s approach to motorcycle accidents triggered by dog chases mirrors its handling of incidents involving dogs or motorcycles. In such cases, the dog owner bears responsibility for covering your injuries and damages. However, the accident’s particulars are very important.
Under typical circumstances in California, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries stemming from their dogs’ bites. This means they’re accountable for such injuries unless the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property.
Yet, if a dog chases you on your motorcycle without actually biting, the principles of strict liability might not fully apply. Still, if the dog chase leads to an accident, the owner is still responsible. In California, negligence law applies in such cases.
To prove the owner was negligent, two things must be shown:
- The owner must legally try to prevent accidents and injuries.
- If the owner fails in this duty, and this failure directly causes the injury, it’s called the “proximate cause.”
The reason that a dog’s owner is still responsible in these situations is because Turlock city ordinances require dogs to be controlled by their owners at all times on public property.
As such, when a dog roams free, it leads to accidents. And when the accident in question involves you on your motorcycle, it can lead to significant damages.
Claims Process After a Dog Bite Motorcycle Accident
When dealing with the aftermath of your accident, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to pursue two claims for damages: one for a dog bite and another for the motorcycle accident. It’s important to recognize that this type of claim differs from the typical cases involving just a dog bite or a motorcycle accident alone. However, regardless of the specifics, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy typically serves as the primary coverage responsible for covering your damages.
Damages
If you decide to file an insurance claim or go to court with a lawsuit, there are specific steps you must take. Just like any legal process, there’s a time limit, called a statute of limitations, within which you must file your claim. In California, you have two years from the date of the injury to do so.
If your claim is successful, you can receive various damages.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Generally, the extent of your injuries from the accident dictate the potential damages you could receive. It’s worth noting that even if you have a pre-existing condition, you may still be entitled to damages if the dog bite or motorcycle accident worsens that condition.
Helping Turlock Dog Chase Motorcycle Accident Victims
Being hurt in either a dog bite or a motorcycle accident can really take a toll on you, both emotionally and physically. So when both are involved, it can be even tougher. Still, your main priority should be getting better. Our team of Turlock lawyers at Maison Law will be there to help you through it all.
If you’ve been injured in a Turlock dog chase motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to support you and fight for your rights.
