Los Angeles and Orange County Motorcycle Injury FAQs

1. If I was injured in a motorcycle accident, am I automatically entitled to receive compensation?

No. Just because you were injured in a motorcycle accident does not mean you are automatically entitled to financial compensation. It is up to you and your attorney to prove to the judge how the accident has taken a financial toll on your life, including what expenses you have already incurred, as well as those expenses that you expect to incur in the future.

2. I was injured in a motorcycle accident. What am I entitled to receive for my injuries?

The type of compensation you are entitled to receive will depend on your unique situation. Factors such as who was at fault, how severely you were injured, your current employment and salary, marital status, etc. will have an effect on how much compensation you receive. In general, most people are awarded compensation to cover the following: pain, suffering, medical expenses, emotional or mental distress, rehabilitation, lost wages, financial hardship, future expenses, property damage, wrongful death, etc.

3. What is the statue of limitations for a motorcycle accident case?

The statute of limitation refers to the set time period the victim has to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party. In California, a motorcycle accident victim has two years from the date of his/her injury to file their lawsuit. Failure to file a claim within the set amount of time waives the victim’s right to seek damages or take further legal action. It should be noted that people under the age of 18 years old have until their 20th birthday to file a claim. For more information about California’s statute of limitation, as well as exceptions to the rules, please contact one of our experienced Los Angeles and Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys today to set up a free consultation.

4. How long will my case take?

There is no specific set length of time for a motorcycle accident case. The amount of time it takes to complete a case depends on a number of factors, and is different for every case.  In general, complex cases that involve multiple parties, and cases regarding serious accidents take longer to complete than simple motorcycle accident cases.  Simple cases can be resolved in as quickly as a few months to no more than a year.  Complex cases can take anywhere from one to three years to complete.

5. How much is my case worth?

Unfortunately, there is not a set answer to this question. There are a number of factors that will determine how much your case is worth, and each case has a different value depending on its unique circumstances. In general, the more severe your injuries are, the more your case is worth. Other factors will contribute to the value of your case, such as which party is ultimately responsible for the accident, the defendant’s ability to pay damages, the impact of the injuries on your lifestyle, your health and physical condition prior to the accident, etc. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Los Angeles and Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys can evaluate your case, and give you an idea of how much your case is worth. However, it is important to remember that compensation is never guaranteed.

6. Why should I hire an attorney to represent me?

It is always in your best interest to hire an experienced and reputable attorney to handle your motorcycle accident case. Personal injury law can be complex, and difficult to handle if you are not familiar with the court system.

At the El Dabe Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping motorcycle accident victims protect their rights and obtain compensation for their injuries. We work one-on-one with our clients to develop an effective legal plan, and increase their chances of obtaining favorable results in court.

7. If the accident was partially my fault, am I still eligible to recover damages?

If you are found partially at fault for causing the accident, you may still be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries. In California, the courts use “comparative negligence” to determine the percentage to which each party was at fault, and consequently how much in damages the victim is entitled to receive.

For example, if the victim is found to be 30% at fault, then he/she is entitled to collect 70% in damages. However, it is important to remember that compensation can never be guaranteed, even when the defendant is found to be 100% at fault.

The best way to ensure you receive the maximum amount in damages is to contact an experienced Los Angeles and Orange County motorcycle accident attorney. At the El Dabe Law Firm, our talented attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.

8. What if the party responsible for my accident has no insurance?

If the other driver has no insurance, you can collect compensation for your bodily injuries through your own insurance policy if you have “uninsured motorist” coverage and “med pay.”  After you have exhausted your own insurance coverage, there are a few more options you have to consider. The best way to ensure that you obtain the financial compensation you deserve is to contact an experienced Los Angeles or Orange County motorcycle accident attorney.

At the El Dabe Law Firm, we aggressively pursue all avenues to make sure our clients receive the compensation they need to cover their medical costs, lost earnings, and other financial hardships that resulted from the accident.

9. What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?

It is best to refrain from making any statements to the insurance company if they contact you, whether it is your own insurance company or the other party’s insurance company. Do not discuss any element of your case with the insurance company, as they can use your statement as evidence against you in court.

If you are contact by the insurance company the best thing to do is to kindly refer them to your attorney without disclosing any information about your accident. If you are asked to make a statement, make sure your attorney is present at all times. At the El Dabe Law Firm, we have many years of experience working with insurance companies, and know effective ways to increase your chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.

10. What should I bring with me when I go to the lawyer’s office?

The more information you have regarding your accident, the better. When your attorney has access to more information, he/she can give you better advice and a more thorough evaluation.

It is important to bring any documents regarding your case, such as accident reports, medical charts, eye witness accounts, reports, insurance information, photographs of the accident, etc.  These documents will assist your attorney in developing a strong case and helping you obtain compensation for your injuries. It is not a problem if you do not have any documents at the time of your first meeting. The attorney can obtain them for you.