This depends on the severity of your injuries. What we can tell you is that the earlier you receive medical attention, the better your likelihood of recovery. If you require medical attention, we work with medical professionals who, like us, work on contingency. That means you won’t pay them out of pocket but, rather, out of your eventual compensation.
In terms of your compensation, your compensation from a motorcycle accident depends on a variety of factors related to the incident. Elements such as the determination of responsibility, the extent of liability, and the severity of your injuries all play a part. Damages could be awarded for both non-economic and economic losses as a result of your accident. Economic damages cover the costs arising from your injury, which may include medical expenses, lost income currently or potentially in the future, and the price of repair or replacement of your motorcycle, among others. If you have suffered significant injuries, your economic damages may also contain the cost of rehabilitation, future medical attention, home modifications, physical therapy, and more.
On the other hand, non-economic damages include the pain and suffering, emotional turmoil, and all you’ve endured post-accident. Damages might also cover the so-called “Loss of Consortium”, which is the loss of companionship of your spouse. “Loss of Life’s Enjoyment” damages pay you for the inability to perform activities you previously enjoyed before the incident.
Our main aim is to help you secure the compensation you are lawfully entitled to. To see how experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyer Belal Hamideh can help you to do that, reach out to us today.
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Have you been harmed in a motorcycle accident in California? Whether or not you were the rider, California motorcycle accident attorney Belal Hamideh can assist you in gaining the rightful compensation.
Motorcycle riding can yield unparalleled thrills, yet it carries inherent risks. The injuries from motorcycle accidents are typically more serious compared to other vehicular accidents, resulting in significant injuries or even worse outcomes for you and those close to you. In California alone, motorcycle accidents cause more than 15% of all vehicular accident fatalities.
Consider the medical costs following a motorcycle accident – rehabilitation, long-term care, loss of working ability, pain and suffering and more. The expenses can amass to millions. This is where Belal Hamideh steps in. Schedule a free consultation with us to ensure you are fully compensated.
Is a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Worthwhile?
Absolutely. The benefit of engaging an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney is priceless. The right lawyer will tenaciously protect your interests and legal rights, with the ultimate goal of achieving maximum compensation for your claim.
An attorney well-versed in motorcycle accident cases will expertly evaluate your case to ensure you obtain all the compensation you deserve. They’re attuned to all critical deadlines such as lawsuit filings, evidence submission and more, and will argue for your interests. They can ensure you pay the least possible for your medical bills, procure police/traffic reports, and manage other tasks, leaving you to focus on recovery.
Moreover, a motorcycle accident attorney is adept at negotiating with insurance companies. They’re familiar with your policy, how it relates to your claim, the insurer’s motivations, and how to secure you every penny you’re legally entitled to from them, either through settlement or in court. The right attorney can provide assistance in several ways.
Anticipated Reparations Following a Motorcycle Accident
Victims of motorcycle accidents are entitled to both non-economic and economic damages, depending upon the gravity of the injuries sustained. Economic damages typically encompass costs incurred post-accident, such as medical expenses, present and future income losses or damages to the motorcycle beyond repair. More serious cases might also necessitate compensation for future medical treatments, physical therapy, home modifications to accommodate the injury, and rehab expenses.
Non-economic damages embody the emotional and mental anguish, distress, and trauma endured post-incident. Damages can further include “Loss of Consortium” (a fancy term for loss of a partner through death or severe debility) and “Loss of Enjoyment of Life” (the inability to engage in activities once relished), among other personal losses. Our goal is to ensure you receive every last dime you are justly owed.
Who Can I Sue for My Motorcycle Accident?
In matters of your motorcycle accident, you hold the right to bring legal proceedings against the one responsible. However, filing a lawsuit is just the beginning. The critical part is to prove that the defendant’s negligence resulted in the accident, which subsequently led to your harm.
To build a strong case around negligence, it’s necessary to evidence four fundamental aspects. To begin with, you must establish that the defendant had a “duty of care” to operate their vehicle sensibly and safely. Next, you need to demonstrate that this duty was violated by irresponsible action or negligence. Thirdly, it’s essential to link this negligence to your accident. Finally, you have to establish that you suffered damages as a direct result of the accident. Our team of seasoned lawyers is here to guide you through this process.
How Long Will it Take to Settle My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Given the unique circumstances of each case, the time it takes to reach a verdict varies significantly. We have managed to secure settlements for numerous clients within a span of a few short weeks, and we’re devoted to achieving similar swift justice for you. However, some more complex cases have lasted years, sometimes requiring courtroom confrontation. We pledge to ardently champion your cause, irrespective of the specific peculiarities of your case. Moreover, remember that involving a legal representative at the earliest will hasten the legal proceedings and get you closer to your rightful compensation.
Familiar Motorcycle Accident Situations
Motorcyclists often find themselves in collisions with larger vehicles, making these the most common types of motorcycle accidents. These scenarios are especially prevalent in California, owing to the state’s bustling commercial harbor, the Port of California. This port sees a continuous flow of semi-trucks and other large vehicles that increase the risk for motorcyclists. Additionally, the nearly 900,000 privately owned vehicles in our city further exacerbate these risks.
Sadly, impaired or drunken driving is the chief culprit behind motorcycle accidents, causing nearly a quarter of all fatal incidents. Other contributing factors include high speed, inexperienced bikers/drivers, distracted driving, and lane splitting. External factors, such as defective motorcycles, hazardous road conditions, and compromised visibility also play a significant role.
Accidents often result in broken bones, severe road rash burns, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, partial or complete paralysis, and whiplash. Regardless of the kind of injuries you’ve sustained from your accident, we’re here to support and guide you at every step.
Guiding You Through Post-Motorcycle Crash Actions
When you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the aftermath can be chaotic, filled with shock and adrenaline rush. However, it is essential to take the following steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Prioritize your safety. Regardless of whether you feel injured or not, make an attempt to move away from danger and seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident. The importance of having a police report for any potential personal injury claim cannot be overemphasized.
- Collect all necessary information from the other party. This includes their name, contact number, license number, address, vehicle particularities, and insurance information.
- Document the event. If feasible, take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and any other relevant details.
- Do not acknowledge fault. Avoid accepting responsibility just after the accident happened.
- Seek professional legal advice. Getting a competent solicitor on board will make the entire post-crash process more manageable.
What’s The Impact If I Was Riding Without a Helmet?
Every motorcycle rider and passenger is expected to always wear a helmet under California law. If you are involved in an accident without a helmet, you may be deemed answerable for some of the injuries sustained.
Nevertheless, thanks to California’s “comparative negligence” policy, you can still seek and receive compensation for your distress, pain, and injuries even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. We have a wealth of experience in handling cases like yours successfully.
What If I Don’t Have Insurance Coverage?
If you lack insurance but aren’t at fault in the accident, it’s still possible to retrieve compensation for your injuries. However, without liability coverage, the amount compensated may be significantly reduced.
In California, it’s obligatory for every driver to have liability insurance. Failure to do so can result in you being penalized and limited from claiming for non-economic damages, thus, only allowing you to claim for economic damages. Nevertheless, we are here to help you maximize your recovery potential.
Choose an Established California Motorcycle Accident Legal Representative
Belal Hamideh, an esteemed motorcycle accident lawyer, has been assisting persons who have suffered injuries from motorcycle accidents for a remarkable length of time. Allow him to utilize that expertise in your favour. You only pay after the case is closed, with no upfront charges until we secure a victory for you.
Procrastinating on seeking legal help after an accident may seem tempting, but the sooner you act, the higher your odds of maximizing compensation. In California, you have a two-year deadline from the date of the accident to file charges for your injuries. Act swiftly to eliminate the risk of missing this window. We are always ready to back you up.
Motorcycle Accident Laws in California
These laws may pertain to your motorcycle accident.
California Code, Vehicle Code – VEH § 27803
(a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycles operated on the highways.
(e) For the purposes of this section, “wear a safety helmet” or “wearing a safety helmet” means having a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person’s head that is fastened with the helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person’s head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement.
(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.