Many people in Sacramento enjoy the experience of riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, many end up needing help from experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers. In 2018, it was estimated that there were more than 800,000 registered motorcycles in California, the highest number in the country. Not only do these vehicles provide a fast, efficient way to get around the city, but they are economical to own and operate. Motorcycles also give their riders a sense of freedom as they make their way around the city.
However, riding a motorcycle can also be dangerous. It’s riskier to ride a motorcycle than to drive a car. Even the most careful individual can get involved in an accident. No matter how closely you adhere to the rules of the road, you won’t be able to do much if someone else is negligent or reckless. Furthermore, motorcycles are less visible to other road users, and when motorcyclists crash, there’s no enclosed vehicle to protect them. If you suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, you must seek legal advice.
In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed on the country’s roads. This was twice the number who died in 2007. In 2016, a record high 5,337 motorcyclists died, and these accounted for more than 14 percent of that year’s road deaths. Notably, motorcycles only make up around three percent of the vehicles on the road. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said, motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic deaths.
Getting Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Motorcycle Accident
The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be severe, and they can change victims’ lives forever. You may suffer burns, whiplash, spinal cord damage, brain injuries, or fractured bones. Some people are left disabled or disfigured. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, they should have to compensate you. However, you shouldn’t assume that once you submit a claim to their insurer, everything will be fine.
The higher your claim is, the more reluctant the insurance company will be to pay. They may attempt to shift some of the blame to you or pay you a sum that barely scratches the surface of your losses. Insurance companies have a tendency to side with the other motorist instead of the motorcyclist. They may say the biker was not in a designated area, or they were going too fast. They may even say they should have moved out of the path of the other vehicle. However, many motorcycle accidents happen when drivers don’t see motorcyclists, or they assume they’re further away than they really are. They may turn into the bike’s path or pull out from a side road.
How California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law Will Affect Your Case
In California, you can get still get compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident. Even if you were 95 percent responsible, you might be able to recover damages. However, the amount will be reduced by your share of responsibility. If you were 25 percent at fault for the accident, you would receive 25 percent less than that to which you were entitled. That’s why it’s so important that you present strong evidence of the other party’s liability as well as proof that you suffered the losses you’re claiming. Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers assist their clients with all this.
Why Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are So Important
There are several steps involved in obtaining compensation following a motorcycle accident. For the average person who is nursing injuries, the process can be overwhelming. Very often, insurance companies take advantage of victims who are not familiar with the legal system or insurance practices. These injured people end up walking away with a lot less than they deserve. Let’s look at some of the things your attorney will assist you with.
Identifying the Most Appropriate Defendant(s)
Many accidents are straightforward, and the other driver involved is responsible. However, sometimes other defendants should be pursued for damages. The at-fault party may be the company that owns the vehicle, the mechanic who fixed it, or even the manufacturer of a part. Your attorney will investigate the accident to ensure that you seek compensation from the right party. In some cases, there may be multiple defendants. One of the things your attorney will consider is whether the party in question has enough insurance or assets to compensate you.
Providing a Realistic Idea of How Much You’ll Be Able to Recover
Accident victims always want to know how much compensation they stand to get. This helps them to determine if it even makes sense to pursue the matter. Your attorney will look at all the evidence, ask about all your losses, and take previous cases into consideration. This will help them to give you an idea of how much you can realistically expect. It also helps you to assess whether an insurance company is offering you a fair settlement. An experienced attorney will never promise you a massive settlement without knowing all the facts.
Preparing a Comprehensive Claim
You will need to present evidence of all your losses to the insurance company. This is likely to include medical reports, pay slips, eyewitness testimony, and expert opinions. Without proof of your losses, you’re unlikely to recover the damages you want. Your attorney will gather as much documentation as possible to show that your claim is justified. They will also ensure that both your tangible and intangible losses are considered.
Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial
Most people feel intimidated by the prospect of going up against an insurance company. However, attorneys deal with this every day, and they know how to make a case for fair compensation. If negotiations don’t produce an acceptable outcome, they won’t be afraid to fight the case in court and appeal the decision if necessary. You won’t be able to do this on your own.
Call the Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at TorkLaw
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to seek compensation alone. Instead of filing an insurance claim and hoping for the best, let our attorneys help you. We’ll investigate the case, gather evidence, add up your losses, and present the strongest case possible. Our lawyers will ensure that you get full and fair compensation, so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills. The more serious your injuries are, the more assistance you’ll need so you shouldn’t delay in getting legal advice. Contact the team at TorkLaw today to set up a free consultation.