Garden Grove Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Garden Grove, California
Motorcycle accidents are known as being uniquely devastating, with a high potential for riders getting thrown off and suffering serious or permanent injuries. Garden Grove, CA is no stranger to these incidents, especially on highways and busy intersections, resulting in very difficult physical and financial consequences for victims and their families.
California law recognizes the vulnerability of motorcycle riders when they’re involved in a collision caused by someone else, such as the driver of a car or truck that violated their right of way. Victims may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other ways they’ve been affected. At Setareh Law a skilled Garden Grove motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources to place your case in the strongest possible position.
The Legal Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims in California
California’s personal injury laws are designed to protect victims of preventable, negligence-related harm, including motorcycle accidents. However, there are specific legal standards that have to be met in order to have a viable lawsuit. In the context of a motorcycle accident, the elements for proving the at-fault party’s negligence and liability include:
- Duty of care: The other party had an inherent legal responsibility to avoid causing harm, such as by operating their vehicle safely.
- Breach of duty: This includes demonstrating that the liable party violated this duty through actions such as speeding, driving while drunk, or ignoring a stop sign.
- Causation: This includes establishing that the at-fault party’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident and any resulting injuries.
- Damages: Damages are the evidence of losses the victim suffered due to the at-fault party’s irresponsible behavior.
The types of damages that can be compensated as part of a motorcycle accident personal injury claim can be broadly categorized as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These can include:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Loss of income over a specific period
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
These are the tangible, quantifiable losses that resulted from the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These subjective damages refer to the emotional and psychological impacts of the accident, which don’t have a direct monetary value but will significantly impact the victim’s quality of life, including:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or physical impairment
Having the strategic legal guidance and support of an experienced Garden Grove, CA motorcycle accident attorney can empower victims during every step of the legal process, from establishing the at-fault party’s liability to substantiating the full extent of your damages.
Challenges of Pursuing Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims in Garden Grove, CA have a legal path for getting compensation for their injuries, usually by filing a claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance coverage policy or pursuing a lawsuit directly against them. Either scenario comes with obstacles that can make the process stressful, such as:
Unfair Stigma Against Motorcycle Riders
One of the first barriers to pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident is the pervasive stereotypes against riders, especially the perception that they’re reckless and likely to take unnecessary risks. This unfair stigma can potentially affect the legal process, with motorcycle riders more likely to be blamed for an accident regardless of the actual circumstances. Dealing with this bias effectively will often require clear, undisputed evidence that the victim was following all traffic laws at the time of the collision.
Insurance Company Tactics to Undermine Valid Claims
Insurance companies are highly motivated to either undervalue motorcycle accident claims or deny them altogether. Some of their common tactics are:
- Blaming the victim: Disputing liability by trying to pin some or all of the blame on the claimant.
- Minimizing injuries and contesting medical treatments: This can range from arguing the victim is exaggerating their injuries to questioning the necessity for some of their medical care.
There may also be delays that drag out the claims process. This is a strategy to wear victims out and push them to accept a lower offer.
Contact the Experienced Garden Grove, CA Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Setareh Law Today
The road to physical and financial recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and complicated. You’ll need a skilled advocate in your corner who has experience handling these specific cases, especially when it comes to proving fault and establishing liability. Setareh Law’s Garden Grove motorcycle accident attorneys have a solid track record of success in helping victims secure the resources they need to move on from a serious motorcycle crash.
If you’re currently dealing with the fallout of a motorcycle accident in Garden Grove, CA that wasn’t your fault, contact us today to learn about your best legal options. California has a strict two-year deadline for being able to initiate legal action after an accident, and it takes time to prepare a strong case, so you should file a claim sooner rather than later to protect your rights. Call (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help you. Our team also speaks Spanish.
