When motorcycle accidents happen in California, riders and their passengers can be more than seriously or permanently injured. They can also be killed. Between lost wages, medical expenses, and the loss of the motorcycle, it can be a stressful experience. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Woodland Hills, California, first read the answers to the following questions and then contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Are Motorcycle Accidents in California Always the Fault of the Person on the Motorcycle?
No. In fact, more than one person can be at fault. The driver of the other vehicle, the motorcycle passenger, inadequate signs or signals, the manufacturer of the motorcycle, and even the employer of the other driver if the vehicle was being used for business could all be at fault for the accident. Fault, or liability, is determined in California motorcycle accidents using a standard known as comparative liability (more on the subject here). This means that the court would look at both the motorcycle driver and the other parties involved to determine liability. If the other driver is found to be 90% at fault for the accident and the motorcycle driver was found to be 10% at fault, then the motorcycle driver may be awarded almost all of their damages (within the confines of the law).
I Don’t Feel Hurt. Should I Refuse Medical Care?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately get checked out by medical professionals. Even if you don’t feel like you’re hurt, you still could be. Between the chemical reaction taking place in your body because of the accident (adrenaline is released in the body during accidents which numbs pain) and the possibility of an internal injury that doesn’t show symptoms, you could be suffering from injuries that are not obvious to the untrained eye. What’s more, internal injuries can get worse if they aren’t treated. Additionally, getting medical treatment right away can help your insurance or legal claim for damages.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company without an Attorney?
While you should definitely contact your insurance company and the insurance company of the other involved party to report the accident, it can be dangerous for you to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. Even if your insurance company wants to pay your claim, they may not want to give you what your claim is actually worth. Before you sign anything from an insurance company regarding your claim for a motorcycle accident, let an attorney look over it first. Here’s why:
At the end of the day, an insurance company is still just a business. Businesses exist to make a profit. Many insurance companies will look to pay little to nothing for your motorcycle accident claim to protect their profit. An experienced Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorney can look out for your best interest and help you get what you deserve for your injuries and losses.
For more information on what to do after being injured in a motorcycle accident, contact accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
