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.