Were you or a loved one injured in a motorcycle crash? Are you now facing serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, or even a long-term inability to earn enough income to support your family? Contact our San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident lawyers for assistance today.
At KJT Law Group, no case is too small, and no odds are too daunting for us to take on. Let a San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyer from our firm take action to protect your rights for no upfront attorneys’ fees.
What Damages Can You Recover for Your Accident Injuries?
You could potentially recover both economic and non-economic damages to help you rebuild your life following an accident.
Our personal injury lawyers can use evidence like bills and receipts to establish your economic, or financial, damages. We want to make sure that you get a fair amount for all past, present, and future losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Loss of income or job benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
We also take into account your physical and mental, or non-economic, suffering. KJT Law Group can use evidence like medical records, personal testimony, and photos of your injuries to prove that you deserve compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability (whether temporary or permanent)
- Loss of consortium
- Significant scarring
Who Pays Your Damages?
The liable party’s insurance company is typically responsible for paying damages to accident victims. At-fault parties may be:
- A driver who turned without signaling, exceeded the speed limit, or was distracted by their phone
- A vehicle part manufacturer that failed to ensure their product was safe before putting it on the market
- A local government department—for example, the Public Works Department of San Fernando—that is responsible for repairing and clearing debris from roadways
In a densely populated area like the Valley, running into heavy traffic, poor road conditions, or drivers who do not respect the rights of motorcyclists is all too common. No matter who is liable for your accident, they should not get away with their harmful, negligent behavior. Call KJT Law Group today to learn more about your rights at no charge.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
Whether you were riding on a major thoroughfare like the San Diego Freeway or on a side street in a residential area, KJT Law Group can be your partner throughout the legal process. We support our clients by:
- Thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the accident
- Communicating with all other parties on your behalf, from the insurance company to liable party themselves
- Handling paperwork and legal documents, and making sure that all forms are submitted and received in a timely manner
- Negotiating hard for a fair settlement and reviewing the settlement agreement with you
- Arguing your case in the appropriate Los Angeles County courthouse, as necessary
Why hire an attorney instead of trying to file your claim by yourself? We have a long, proven track record of success: we have recovered $100 million for our clients over the past 10 years. Our team can use this experience to manage all legal tasks as smoothly as possible while also anticipating and handling any challenges that arise along the way.
Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take Wrongful Death Cases?
Some personal injury lawyers, including the ones at our firm, are also qualified to accept cases involving fatal injuries. Our attorneys perform many of the same tasks for wrongful death clients as we do for personal injury clients, including collecting evidence against the liable party and fighting for appropriate compensation.
Our law firm can explain the rules governing who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and what kinds of damages you can receive. Then, once you understand your rights, we can take prompt action on your behalf while you focus on processing your loss.
Checklist of Things to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
It is often difficult to know what to do after a motorcycle crash. However, the actions you take (or do not take) can have a big impact on your health, your legal case, and even the rest of your life. Wherever possible, follow the steps outlined in the list below to protect yourself after a collision:
- Have you moved to the side of the road so you and/or your bike do not get hit again?
- Did you call 911 so the police, emergency medical services, and any other necessary sources of aid can come assist you?
- Did you collect evidence from the scene, such as the at-fault driver’s insurance information, witness phone numbers, and photos of the scene and your injuries?
- Have you received medical attention so your injuries do not worsen and so you have a clear, official record of your injuries and treatment plan?
- Did you provide honest but brief responses to the police’s questions?
- Have you followed all of your doctor’s orders to minimize your suffering and prove to the insurance company that you are taking your injuries seriously?
It is always a good idea to watch what you say after an accident. While you should explain your symptoms to your doctor and be completely forthcoming with your attorney, other parties—especially the insurance company—may not have your best interests in mind. Any inconsistent or vague phrasing could give them an opening to undermine or even reject your claim.
KJT Law Group can advise you on what to say and how to explain your situation truthfully without putting your case at risk.
Get Legal Help After a Motorcycle Crash
After a traumatic event like a motor vehicle accident, you want a law firm that will make you their top priority. That is how KJT Law Group handles every single case. Call now for a free consultation with a member of our team. We can assist you in English, Spanish, or Armenian.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Still have questions about your case? KJT Law Group would be happy to address all of your concerns, including:
How Do You Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?
Suing after an accident requires you to meet the statute of limitations, which is two years under California law. We would notify the at-fault party and their insurer about your intent to sue. This might prompt the insurance company to start or restart negotiations, because they are often willing to do what it takes to avoid a trial.
If your case does go to trial, our personal injury attorney can present your case in front of a judge and jury.
How Do You Prove a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Insurance companies rarely accept the word of accident victims unless they can back up their story with tangible evidence. Evidence is even more important if there is any dispute over liability, like if the at-fault party accuses you of negligent behavior.
Available evidence may vary based on where and when your accident happened. Common forms of evidence include:
• Dash cam or surveillance footage
• The official police report from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the LAPD, or whichever authority responded to the accident
• Cell phone photos or records
• Testimony from eyewitnesses
• Statements from experts in medicine, economics, or accident reconstruction
• Paperwork already in your possession, such as bills, receipts, or medical records
Are Motorcyclists Always at Fault for Accidents?
Some riders do engage in reckless behaviors like lane splitting, which, as Page 20 of the California DMV’s Motorcycle Handbook explains, “can leave you vulnerable” to accidents.
That said, it is absolutely not true that all motorcycle accidents are the rider’s fault. Many riders exercise caution and show respect for other road users, only to end up suffering severe injuries because of someone driving a car, truck, or bus. If this is what happened in your case, our lawyers can advocate for your rights.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in the Valley?
There is no average settlement for personal injury accidents. KJT Law Group has to determine a fair settlement for each client individually based on:
• The severity of their injuries
• How much money they have lost or will lose
• How long their injuries will affect their lives
• Applicable insurance limits
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence is a rule that states a person can still recover damages for an accident if they are partially responsible for causing their own injuries. For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding when they were hit by a drunk driver, the motorcyclist could still receive compensation. However, their final award decreases according to their percentage of fault.
Different states apply comparative negligence in different ways, and some do not use this rule at all. California does apply comparative negligence when deciding case outcomes, so it is important to understand your degree of fault (if any) in order to recover maximum compensation.