Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle Accident & Injuries in Los Angeles
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. You also need to establish the motorcycle accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
2. I was injured in a motorcycle accident. What am I entitled to receive for my injuries?
In general, most people are awarded compensation for their pain and 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 in Los Angeles?
The statute of limitation refers to amount of time a motorcycle accident 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 accident 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 have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
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.
5. How much is my case worth?
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 also contribute to the value of your case, such as which party is ultimately at fault for the accident, the other party’s ability to pay damages, the impact of the injuries on your lifestyle, your health and physical condition prior to the accident, etc.
6. 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 able 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.
7. 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 you obtain the financial compensation you deserve is to contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
8. 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. Do not discuss any element of your case with the insurance company, as they can use your statements as evidence against you in court. If you are contacted by the insurance company, the best thing to do is to politely 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.
Contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Pacific Attorney Group Today!