Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Tarzana, CA
A motorcycle accident lawyer Tarzana, CA knows that motorcyclists have the same right to be on the highways, roads, and interstates as every other car, truck, and motor vehicle. This right is balanced by the obligation to fulfill the same duty of safe driving in accordance with the rules and regulations of the road. When you are injured in an accident caused by the negligence or intentionally wrongful conduct of another while driving your motorcycle, the same legal recourse available to any personal injury victim is available to you. This recourse, made available in accordance with the injury laws of California, allows motorcycle accident victims to seek compensation for vehicle damage, personal injuries, pain and suffering, and more.
Negligence Is a Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
When a motorcycle accident occurs, one of the following elements is commonly present:
- Drugged or drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Another driver’s failure to properly yield
- Poor road maintenance
- Reckless driving
- Acts of aggression by other motorcyclists
Whatever the cause, the injuries suffered by a motorcyclist in an accident may be severe because of the inherently exposed nature of a motorcycle driver. When an accident occurs at even a moderate speed, contact with the road or another vehicle inflicts a terrible toll on the body. Broken bones, concussions, burns, spinal damage, and even death are among the stark possibilities.
It is these injuries and the other harms suffered, including lost income due to missed work (whether on a temporary or permanent basis) that constitute the damages sought in a motorcycle accident personal injury lawsuit. These damages satisfy the final requirement in proving the occurrence of negligence, which the law defines as the breach of a duty owed that actually and proximately causes damages. Individuals may be negligent in driving (e.g., driving drunk, drugged, or distracted), as may the state in the maintenance of its roads and highways.
A motorcycle accident lawyer Tarzana, CA can help you to navigate a case of negligence and get you the compensation you deserve.
What if I Was Partially to Blame for My Motorcycle Accident?
It is common that more than one party is to blame when a motor vehicle collision occurs. It is also, unfortunately, common that motorcycle accident victims make the assumption that because they may have been partially (or even totally) to blame for the collision in question that they aren’t entitled to any compensation under the law. In reality, California’s approach to accident victims’ rights is far more generous than the approach taken by many other states. As a result, it is very likely that you’re entitled to seek compensation from others involved in your accident even if you were partially at fault for the circumstances that led to your crash.
When you meet with the experienced California legal team at the law office of Barry P. Goldberg, we’ll ask you numerous questions about the circumstances surrounding your collision. After we’ve gathered enough information to make a knowledgeable, objective assessment of the relative strengths and weaknesses of your case, we’ll provide you with an overall case evaluation. As a result of this process, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about whether it’s worth your time and effort to pursue legal action against any other negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous parties that may have contributed to the cause of your accident.
If you do decide to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit and you are partially to blame for the accident that caused your harm, the overall compensation you’ll be eligible to receive from others that are also at fault will be lower than the total value of your claim. Essentially, you’ll work with our Tarzana, CA motorcycle accident lawyer team to build the strongest case possible. If other parties are held liable for harming you, the value of the compensation you’ll be owed will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you. This system of “each party can only be held liable for the percentage of the harm they caused” is referred to as comparative negligence. For example, if your injury-related medical care, lost wages, etc. are valued at $80,000 and you’re deemed to be 25 percent to blame for the harm in question, you’ll be able to pursue up to $60,000 from the others who caused you harm. In short, even if you were partially to blame for your accident, you may still be owed compensation. Avoid making any assumptions about how strong or weak your case may be until you’ve received an objective case analysis from our knowledgeable and experienced legal team.
What if the Other Driver Is Criminally Liable for Harming Me?
If you were struck by a driver who is being held accountable for their behavior towards you within the criminal justice system, know that you can also hold them responsible via the personal injury claims process. Don’t shy away from exploring your civil options simply because the motorist who harmed you is subject to criminal investigation. The civil and criminal justice systems are separate, so cases against the same individual can be filed in both forums.
Fighting for Full Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injury Victims
When severe injuries have been suffered in a motorcycle accident, the victim is entitled to compensation for the following:
- All present and future medical bills. This included emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor’s visits, physical and occupational therapy, medications, medical equipment, and transportation to get to and from medical treatments.
- Lost wages and benefits. If the victim is unable to return to their former occupation or unable to work at all because of their injury, they are also able to pursue loss of future income and benefits, as well.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment
At the office of Barry P. Goldberg, we can help you seek full compensation for your injuries and other losses. Our firm’s Tarzana, CA motorcycle accident lawyer team will work diligently and use all available resources to get you the financial compensation you and your family deserve. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by calling our office to schedule a free consultation today. Our Tarzana, CA motorcycle accident lawyer team will evaluate your case and offer guidance as to the best legal course of action in your case.