Canoga Park Motorcycle Accident Attorney
As a Canoga Park motorcycle accident attorney at the office of Barry P. Goldberg understands, the injuries victims can suffer in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in permanent and devastating disabilities. This can happen even when motorcyclists wear all of the required protective gear, including helmets. They are still at great risk of severe injury and death in a crash.
Unlike occupants of other types of vehicles, riders of motorcycles have no protection to surround them as they are driving. There is no shell of steel, seat belts, airbags, or other safety measures on motorcycles, like those constructed in and around trucks and cars. In addition, motorcycles are smaller and weigh much less than other types of vehicles that can hit them. This leaves motorcycle riders totally vulnerable in a crash.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a motorcycle crash, you will want to consider the following steps in order to successfully pursue for damages that you may be entitled to against the party or parties who caused the crash. A Canoga Park motorcycle accident attorney in CA is ready to examine your case. But in the meantime, here are some things to consider.
Document Medical Records and Expenses
No matter how minor or major the injuries you have suffered, you will want to save all copies of medical records, doctors visits, treatments, and bills. You need to document all of your medical issues and appointments. Any documents that detail the diagnosis of your injuries, as well as the medical care and treatment you receive will help your Canoga Park, CA motorcycle accident attorney obtain the full compensation you deserve for these medical expenses.
Not having accurate records and documentation for these injuries, treatments, and costs can result in not being able to obtain that compensation because you cannot prove the extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and what the cost of that treatment was.
Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company
Following the crash, your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company will want to speak with you and obtain your statement regarding the crash. What you say to insurance companies can have a negative or positive impact on your case, depending on how the company can spin it. Before talking to any insurance company, you should always consult with an attorney for Canoga Park motorcycle accidents first. The insurance companies use well-known tactics to phrase questions to elicit responses from the victim that can later be used to deny or reduce their claim. Insurance adjusters are well-trained in manipulations and not having an attorney deal with the insurance company on your behalf can be a huge mistake for your case.
Important Evidence in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Motorcycle accidents occur every day in the U.S. and can result in life-threatening injuries. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in an accident because they don’t have a vehicle to protect them. If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation with help from Barry P. Goldberg. However, in order to obtain that compensation, you need sufficient evidence.
Here are some important pieces of evidence in a motorcycle accident case:
Police Report
Police generally come to the scene of an accident and write a report. This report includes important information about the accident, such as when and where it occurred, the vehicles involved and names of witnesses. It can support as important evidence in your motorcycle accident case, so be sure to obtain a copy of the report.
Photos
As the old saying goes, a photo is worth a thousand words. If you’re physically able, try to take several photos of the accident scene with your smartphone camera. You’ll want to include shots of your motorcycle, other vehicles involved in the accident, skid marks on the road and traffic signs. If you aren’t able to take photos, you could look for security cameras on schools, businesses and other property near the accident scene.
Written Notes
It’s a good idea to write down everything you remember about the motorcycle accident as soon as possible. Memories fade over time, so you could forget important information if you wait too long. For example, if you noticed that the motorist who hit you was talking on a cellphone before the accident, write that down.
Medical Records
Medical records are essential for proving the extent of your injuries and how much treatment will cost. That’s why you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Your doctor will evaluate your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment. As your Canoga Park, CA motorcycle accident attorney may tell you during the initial consultation, if you wait too long to seek medical care, you could put your health at risk and give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Helmet and Clothes
After you’ve been in a motorcycle, don’t throw away your helmet or the clothes you were wearing at the time. A dent helmeted and bloodstained clothes can serve as importance for your case. Put them away in a plastic bin.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with the law office of Barry P. Goldberg as soon as possible. We can help you file a timely lawsuit and protect your legal rights. Remember to bring any evidence you have to your first consultation with your lawyer.
Hire a Canoga Park Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The most important thing a victim can do secondary to obtaining medical treatment is to retain the services of a motorcycle accident attorney located in Canoga Park. Your attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine just how much financial compensation you are entitled to. Some of the losses you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Punitive damages
- Property damage
You don’t have to go this alone – call our office now to schedule your free consultation. Our Canoga Park motorcycle accident attorney from California is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so let the office of Barry P. Goldberg help you on the road to recovery today.