With its well-planned roads and lively atmosphere, La Mesa, California, is a popular destination for adventurous motorcyclists. However, along with its popularity, the area also experiences a high rate of motorcycle accidents. It’s a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone in La Mesa, regardless of skill level or caution. In case of an unfortunate event, seeking the assistance of a La Mesa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation and justice that you deserve.
Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries due to the lack of protection between the rider and the impact force, resulting in extreme casualties in the event of a collision with another rider, vehicle, or pedestrian. It may seem less frequent than car accidents, but motorcycle accidents are more serious. Data from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that for every 100,000 registered cars, there were 10.5 occupant fatalities, while for every 100,000 registered motorcycles, the number rose to 59.34 occupant fatalities. This indicates that motorcyclists face almost six times greater risk of a fatal crash compared to car drivers.
Contact Shamon Law, and we will handle your case with utmost care to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Carrying more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry, Shamon Law provides exceptional representation for both defendants and prosecutors.
Do I Need a Lawyer For a Motorcycle Accident Claim In La Mesa?
Sustaining severe injuries from a motorcycle accident can have a lasting effect on your life, including difficulties returning to work, post-traumatic stress disorder, or needing home care. These personal injury claims have significant financial consequences, with injured parties also seeking compensation for lost earnings and future wages.
Given the severity of injuries often resulting from motorcycle accidents, filing a claim for a motorcycle injury in La Mesa can be challenging and complex. And without the assistance of a La Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer, injured riders are at risk of receiving less compensation and facing costly settlements.
Motorcycle accidents in La Mesa often result in high medical costs, and insurance companies frequently deny, delay, or reduce compensation to evade paying out motorcycle accident claims. In addition, insurance companies tend to dispute these claims in court and carefully examine or inspect the claimant’s medical records in great detail. As a result, victims who lack the assistance of a competent lawyer often jeopardize their chances of receiving fair compensation.
But with a skilled La Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer in Shamon Law, you can get the best legal representation on your behalf to get your deserved justice, overcoming hindrances and complications. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Shamon Law are dedicated to working on all ends to ensure you get the deserved compensation for all your damages. You can book a free consultation with a La Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer to evaluate your case and determine the amount of compensation you are owed. To get started, call them at +1 619-458-3539.
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Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
According to the 2020 Traffic Safety Data on Motorcycles from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents in the US were divided into two categories: Single-vehicle crashes which accounted for 40% of the incidents, while the other 60% involved multiple vehicles. It indicates an alarming fact that motorcycle accidents caused 5,579 deaths in 2020, which is 11 times higher than the previous year’s report. To further elaborate on the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, let’s dive into some of them:
- Motorcycle accidents often involve inexperienced riders who may struggle to navigate challenging road and traffic situations due to the increased control and skill required to operate a motorcycle. This lack of experience can be a common cause of accidents.
- Another major cause of motorcycle accidents is riding under the influence of alcohol. 27% of fatal accidents showed that riders had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Alcohol and other intoxicating substances can severely impair balance and reaction time, making it extremely dangerous to operate a motorcycle.
- Many riders are prone to aggressively overspeeding, especially on freeways, which can cause them to lose control and result in accidents. This behavior is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Poor road or weather conditions directly make riding challenging, and even the slightest interruption on the road can cause a tire to slip, leading to accidents. Additionally, weather conditions like storms and rain can impact a rider’s balance and cause them to slip.
- Fatigue and tiredness also significantly impact a rider’s attention and ability to handle dangerous situations, leading to severe accidents. Riding requires complete concentration, and a tired mind can cause significant hazards.
- Riders may go unnoticed on the road, especially by drivers of larger automobiles who are more concerned with similar or bigger vehicles. Accidents often occur when motorcycles pass or overtake larger vehicles on left turns or turning roads.
Common Injuries Due To Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in La Mesa can cause various injuries, from minor to severe. By knowing these injuries, riders can take proper precautions to stay safe and get timely medical attention after an accident. The following are the most common motorcycle injuries riders may experience.
- Head and brain injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding caused by either blunt force trauma or puncture wounds
- Fractures of bones or ribs resulting from impacts or crushing forces
- Loss of limbs that may require amputation in severe cases
- Spinal cord injuries, which can result in total or partial paralysis
- Muscle injuries such as strains or tears, which may occur due to sudden movements or impacts
- Lacerations or scrapes caused by contact with rough or sharp surfaces
- Damage to internal organs due to blunt force trauma or foreign object penetration.
California Laws On Motorcycles
In California, individuals who hold a motorcycle permit must not be less than 15 and ½ years old. Applicants must be at least 16 years old when they apply for a motorcycle license. If under 21, a learner’s permit must be held for at least six months. All applicants must take the CMSP course, pass a vision and written permit exams, and provide a valid ID with a thumbprint.
The motorcycle permit exam in California is shorter than the driver’s license exam, but it should still be studied for. There are many free practice exams online. A motorcycle permit will be valid for six months, allowing riders to ride alone but not on the freeway or after dark. Before obtaining a license, all California motorcycle permit holders must pass a skills exam, typically conducted on a closed course in the DMV parking lot.
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How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney In La Mesa Help?
At Shamon Law, we perform several tasks and fulfill responsibilities that a Motorcycle accident attorney must do when handling a personal injury claim. This list aims to outline the benefits of having an accident injury attorney.
Review Your Case
We’ll review your case thoroughly based on the details you provide and relevant legal factors, then guide potential outcomes. We understand personal injury claims can be overwhelming, and we’re committed to keeping you informed and assisting you in making the best decisions for your situation.
Educate You
Our team at Shamon Law will aid you in explaining your legal rights and insurance policies, and we’ll also help you understand complicated insurance company statements. As part of the consultation, we’ll guide recognizing potential violations of your rights and taking suitable measures, whether through negotiating with the insurance company or taking legal action.
Do All The Paperwork
Even slight negligence or error in the forms or paperwork you send to your insurance company can work against you, allowing them to take advantage of the situation. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. So we’ll take care of all the paperwork to ensure everything is correct and robust when you provide evidence for your case.
Gather Evidence & Investigate
Shamon Law comprises experienced personal injury lawyers with the expertise and resources to collect compelling evidence to support your accident or injury claim. Our lawyers will perform a comprehensive investigation and collaborate with you to ascertain the right amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Negotiate With The Insurance Company
As your personal injury lawyer in La Mesa, Shamon Law will handle all communication with your insurance company, including phone calls and meetings. It will ease any worries about accidentally saying something to the insurance company that could harm your case. We prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of the situation and guarantee you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Court Representation
If the settlement meeting with your insurance firm doesn’t bring the desired outcome, we’ll take matters into our hands and see the court. As your legal representative in the court, we will file a lawsuit and take care of all the essential steps leading up to the trial. Your case will then be presented before a judge or jury, and we’ll ensure that we will put up a good fight, argue in your favor, and secure a victory.
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What To Do After You Get Into a Motorcycle Accident In La Mesa?
After a motorcycle accident, the top priority is seeking help for injuries. If you’re hurt, seek medical assistance immediately. If not, call for emergency services and provide aid to the injured. Move them away from the accident site to avoid further danger like fire or explosions. Once everyone is receiving care from medical professionals or is in a secure location, and if you are physically capable, there are specific actions you should take:
Record The Incident
After ensuring the safety of all parties involved, it is important to take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage, including any road conditions that may have been contributing factors to the incident. These photos can be used as evidence later on. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and any witnesses present, as this information may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Get Medical Attention
It is important to prioritize seeking medical attention, even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or injuries. Adrenaline in the body can undermine or hide symptoms, so getting a check-up is necessary. If you cannot drive yourself, arrange for someone to take you to the hospital. Remember that a medical report and doctor’s note can also serve as crucial evidence in your case.
Report The Incident To The Authorities
It is essential to report the accident to the authorities, regardless of whether it has been reported previously. If you are capable of doing so at the accident site, make the report immediately. If you received emergency treatment and were transported to the hospital, report the incident as soon as possible afterward. Under California law, all motorcycle accidents must be reported to the police or CHP within 24 hours and to the DMV within 5 days if the accident leads to a loss of over $1000.
Consult With a La Mesa Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Seeking advice from an accident attorney before submitting a personal injury claim to the insurance company will help you understand your legal rights and insurance policies. This will enable you to make informed decisions when negotiating with the defendant’s insurance provider.
If you have experienced substantial financial losses or severe injuries, it is highly advisable to acquire the services of a La Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer. They can thoroughly investigate the case, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. The lawyer can take legal action on your behalf if a settlement cannot be reached.
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How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a La Mesa motorcycle accident claim is calculated strategically in accordance with the different types of damages:
Economic Damages
Compensation for economic damages is the expenses incurred due to the accident and was paid out of your own pocket or through insurance. This can include medical bills, the cost of medication, therapy expenses, lost wages, property damage repair costs, and other similar expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover losses that don’t have a fixed value in money. These damages are for things like when you feel pain and have trouble living your life as you did before and for when you can’t do things you enjoyed in the past. The amount of money you get for non-economic damages is figured out by multiplying the amount of money you got for economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5, based on how bad the losses were.
Punitive Damages
If the other party was at fault for the accident due to negligence or intentionally causing harm, and they could have avoided it, the court may require them to pay punitive damages. The reason for this is to punish them for not valuing the safety of others.
Contact a Top-Rated Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Filing a personal injury claim and dealing with insurance companies can be a draining and emotional experience. It’s unfair that you must suffer the consequences of someone else’s mistake, no matter the situation. Motorcycle accidents often bring devastating consequences that are completely out of your control. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone, and seeking help from a qualified attorney can help alleviate some of the burdens and provide support during this difficult time.
If you need a La Mesa motorcycle accident lawyer for your motorcycle accident case, don’t hesitate to contact the expert lawyers at Shamon Law. Our experienced team specializes in helping victims of motorcycle accidents in La Mesa obtain the compensation they deserve. We work alongside professionals in different fields to gather all the necessary evidence, and our skilled lawyers are adept at negotiations with insurance companies. You can trust us to work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the most compensation possible. When you choose us, you can breathe easy knowing that we’re committed to helping you get what you deserve.
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La Mesa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
Under the California Statute of Limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years to file a property damage claim. But, if you find out about your injury after the accident, you will have one year from the discovery date to file a claim.
Generally, it takes about six months to go through the steps of filing a claim, investigating, and negotiating with the insurance company. Once an agreement is reached, you’ll receive the compensation within 2 to 4 weeks after signing the release. But if the case goes to court, the trial can take six months to two years, making the whole process much longer.
You can receive a free consultation with a lawyer to evaluate the many factors of your accident case and receive guidance on whether or not to hire legal representation. Consider hiring a lawyer if your case involves several parties, serious injuries, or insufficient evidence.
In La Mesa, most personal injury lawyers work on a “Contingency fee” policy, meaning you won’t need to pay them anything upfront. Instead, they’ll receive a fee of 33% or one-third of the compensation if they win your case. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying them from your own pocket. Instead, focus on your recovery and let them handle the legal details.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, the amount of money you could receive as compensation depends on a few things. These include how much you were hurt, how much money you lost because of the accident, and how much damage was done to your property. Of course, other things could also affect the settlement calculation, like how serious the accident was, who was at fault, and what kind of insurance you have.
Motorcycle riders with a Driver’s License need to follow rules that apply only to them. For example, they are allowed to go between lanes of traffic in specific circumstances, such as when the cars are moving slowly or stopped. However, going too fast is not allowed because it is unsafe and prohibited by law.
If you want to prove your case for a motorcycle accident, you might need the following:
- A report from a doctor that explains how you were hurt and what kind of pain you’re experiencing
- Reports from the police, CHP, or DMV
- Pictures or videos of where the accident happened
- Any footage that was recorded by security cameras
- People who saw what happened to give statements (witness testimony)
- Photos or written reports of any damage to the road
- Written evidence that shows the other person did something wrong (defendant’s negligence)
If the insurance company denies your claims after a motorcycle accident in La Mesa, it’s best to contact your state’s insurance department or consult a lawyer. You should report the claim immediately and have information about the other driver and evidence of the accident prepared. It’s important to file the claim with your own insurance company, not the other driver’s insurer.
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