Motorcycle Accident Lawyer San Fernando Valley CA
No one expects to be in an accident but they happen every day. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers in vehicle accidents because they lack the protection of a metal frame around them. In addition, motorcyclists are somewhat more susceptible to being in an accident because drivers are looking for cars and not a motorcycle. If you are a motorcyclist who has been in an accident, you may have even been blamed for the accident because of biases against motorcycle drivers. Whether this is the case or not, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer San Fernando Valley, CA residents recommend, can help you understand your legal options. For a trusted firm, call our legal team at Barry P. Goldberg today to set up a consultation and learn what we can do for you.
What Should I Do if I Am In A Motorcycle Accident?
Ensure You Are Safe | The first thing to do is make sure you are safe. Identify whether you are injured and if you can get to a safe location. If your motorcycle is on the road and you can move it, relocate it away from traffic. Encourage others at the scene to move to a safe location as well.
Call 911 | Next you should determine whether you need to call for emergency services. Is this anything more than a slight fender bender? Are there liquids or other hazards at the scene? Is anyone injured? Are there people trapped in a vehicle? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should report it to the dispatcher you speak with so they send the appropriate emergency personnel.
In almost every case, police will be sent to the scene. They are responsible for documenting what happened and writing a report on what they found and who was responsible for the accident. You will want to tell the police your side of the story, but be careful not to not admit fault for the accident. The accident report plays an important role when filing an insurance claim and if the case is taken to court. .
Document the Scene | The police are responsible for documenting the scene and writing a report, but sometimes they misinterpret the causes of the accident or fail to collect all of the evidence. If this is the case and they find you responsible for the accident, it can be difficult to overturn their determination. Therefore it is advisable that you also collect information about the scene. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in San Fernando Valley, CA from a firm like Barry P. Goldberg, can use this evidence to benefit your case.
The earlier you can start documenting the scene, the better. Take pictures of the accident from every angle possible. The scene can often change, especially in busy areas, before the police arrive. Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident and collect the driver’s information such as their full name, date of birth, and their insurance policy info. If you have a phone, you can take pictures of their ID and insurance card.
Get Medical Care | Make sure that you are assessed by a medical professional even if you don’t think you were injured. Sometimes your injuries can be masked by the surge of adrenaline you experience after being in a car accident. It’s also important to know that some injuries don’t appear until later. If you notice you are injured following the accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only will this help you heal faster, it will make it easier to link your injury to the accident..
Talk With A Lawyer | Hiring a lawyer can result in better outcomes for your case. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or need to go to court, having a skilled lawyer can help you navigate the often complicated process. If you are looking for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Fernando Valley, CA call Barry P. Goldberg today. Our team will fight for you every step of the way so you get the settlement you deserve.
Hospital Stays After Severe Road Rash In A Motorcycle Accident
As our San Fernando Valley, CA motorcycle accident lawyer understands, a motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, and severe road rash can require extensive medical treatment. When road rash is deep, it may result in infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring, requiring hospitalization for wound care, surgeries, and rehabilitation. The costs associated with these treatments can add up quickly, and seeking compensation is an important step toward covering medical expenses and other losses. Attorney Goldberg worked with his brother for 17 years at a personal injury practice before opening his own firm and understands the ins and outs of these types of cases.
Medical Treatment And Hospitalization Costs
Severe road rash is more than just a surface-level injury. In many cases, it requires hospitalization for proper wound management, infection prevention, and possible skin grafts. Hospital stays may involve pain management, surgical procedures, and ongoing wound care to promote healing. The longer the stay, the higher the medical costs, making it essential to pursue compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
Lost Income Due To Extended Recovery
When road rash requires hospitalization, it often means time away from work. Whether you have a physically demanding job or an office position, mobility issues, pain, and medical restrictions can prevent you from returning to work right away. Lost wages from time off, as well as any potential loss of future earnings due to long-term effects of the injury, should be factored into a compensation claim.
Additional Expenses Beyond Medical Bills
Our San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident lawyer understands that beyond hospital costs and lost wages, severe road rash can lead to other financial burdens. Rehabilitation, follow-up medical care, and prescription medications all add to the total expenses. Some victims may also need psychological support to cope with the trauma of the accident and the emotional toll of visible scarring or disfigurement. These damages should be included when seeking compensation.
Holding The Responsible Party Accountable
Recovering compensation for hospital stays and other expenses requires proving that another party was responsible for the motorcycle accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. In some cases, accident reconstruction professionals may be needed to strengthen the case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having a strong legal approach is essential.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Claim
If you or a loved one has suffered severe road rash in a motorcycle crash and required a hospital stay, you should not have to face the financial burden alone. At Barry P. Goldberg, we work to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident. Our firm is known by many as a “high end” personal injury firm and we ar deicated to each of our clients. Contact our San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case and the options available to you.
San Fernando Valley Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, and many riders aren’t sure where to turn for answers. To help, here are some of the most common questions asked of a skilled San Fernando Valley, CA motorcycle accident lawyer and what you should know about the process. Barry P. Goldberg has worked in this space for years and can help. We have won awards for our practice and understand what needs to be done to win a case.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident?
The first priority is always safety. Call emergency services if you or anyone else is injured. Even if your injuries feel minor, seek medical attention right away—some issues, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious. If possible, gather evidence at the scene by taking photos, exchanging information with the other driver, and getting contact details from witnesses. Finally, contact a San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies to make sure your rights are protected.
Who Can Be Held Liable For My Motorcycle Accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Another driver may be responsible if they were negligent—such as texting while driving, speeding, or failing to yield. In some cases, liability could extend to government entities for dangerous road conditions or manufacturers for defective motorcycle parts. A lawyer can help investigate and determine all possible parties who may be held accountable. If there was a high speed crash that caused the accident, for example, you may be eligible for more in damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
Every state has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a claim. This period can vary, but it often ranges from one to three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long may result in losing the right to pursue compensation, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
What Compensation Can I Recover After A Motorcycle Accident?
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care needs. In severe cases, such as those involving long-term disability or permanent injury, compensation may also include loss of earning capacity and rehabilitation costs. The exact amount depends on the details of the accident and its impact on your life.
Why Should I Hire A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. There are many different dangerous intersections in California that can be the source of a bad crash. A lawyer understands how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurers, and fight for fair compensation. Having legal support from a San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident lawyer ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve and gives you peace of mind while you focus on recovery.
Accidents can change lives in an instant, but knowing your rights and options can make the process less stressful. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand the best steps forward. Reach out to Barry P. Goldberg today to schedule a free consultation with an award winning lawyer.