Granada Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles can be both enjoyable and convenient – they are ideal for avoiding gridlocked traffic, easy parking, and taking advantage of Southern California’s beautiful weather. However, when a motorcycle accident occurs riders usually face pain, mounting expenses, trauma, and confusion on how to get their lives back on track. The experienced Granada Hills motorcycle lawyers at Walch Law are here to answer your questions, explain the lawsuit process, and fight for the check and closure you deserve. Robert and Gary have over 45 years of experience getting results for clients and have a 95+% success rate. Call us today to get started!
Granada Hills Motorcycle AccidentsWith the massive, congested 5, 405, and 118 freeways crisscrossing the area around Granada Hills in Los Angeles County, motorcyclists are at high risk of accidents in the area from any of the countless vehicles behaving negligently on the roads. Motorcycle accidents often occur as a result of:
- Distracted driving
- Hazardous roadways
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failure to yield
- Vehicles entering main roads without checking for motorcycles
- Dooring – opening a vehicle door into an approaching rider accidentally
Motorcycle accidents resulting from these behaviors can easily cause catastrophic injuries or death due to the size difference between motorcycles and other vehicles as well as the lack of protection for riders. Riders lucky enough to live can face injuries that can have lifelong after-effects and create astronomical medical expenses, such as:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Fractures
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skin damage
- Road rash
- Head injuries including concussions or traumatic brain injuries
Just this year, a man riding a motorcycle lost his life when he was struck by a motor vehicle while traveling on the Eastbound 118.
Who is to Blame?In most cases, the at-fault party responsible for your injuries is fairly obvious. Usually, another motorist will have caused your motorcycle accident. However, it’s important to speak with a skilled Granada Hills motorcycle accident lawyer; it’s possible that other parties may be liable instead of or in addition to a motor vehicle driver. For example, you may be able to sue:
- The government agency charged with building safe roads or maintaining them in safe condition
- The manufacturer of either the vehicle that struck you or your motorcycle
- Any repair shop that performed negligent repairs or maintenance
Most motorcycle accident injury victims file personal injury lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries. Though nothing will undo the trauma you’ve experienced, if you prove someone’s bad behavior caused the accident and your injuries you may be entitled to compensatory damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Permanent disfigurement, scarring, or disability
- Pain and suffering
In some cases, you may be entitled to an additional award of punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoer for extremely bad behavior. However, these damages are rarely awarded and difficult to prove, so it’s best to consult with an experienced Granada Hills motorcycle accident lawyer to avoid costly legal mistakes.
Steps to Take After Your AccidentThough it may seem overwhelming, it’s critical that you take a few simple steps to help your argument for compensation, protect your case, and give yourself the tools to recover emotionally and physically.
- Call 911 right away if anyone is injured or property is damaged
- Notify law enforcement, cooperate with the officers, and get a copy of the accident report from the police
- Notify your insurance company but avoid giving a recorded statement to them
- Do not apologize, admit fault, comment about injuries or lack of injury, give any recorded statements before speaking to an attorney, or say you are fine or okay
- Seek immediate medical treatment even if you believe you weren’t hurt
- If possible, photograph the accident scene, involved vehicles, your injuries, evidence such as skid marks, and traffic control devices like stop lights
- Get contact information for everyone involved in the crash, all witnesses, and responding police officers
- Contact an experienced Granada Hills motorcycle accident lawyer
It’s important you move quickly to protect your rights and your case for recovery after a traumatic motorcycle accident. If you don’t think you can afford to hire a personal injury lawyer due to mounting medical bills or a financial shortfall due to your inability to work, we’re here to let you know all cases at Walch Law are taken on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing until we win your case and you get paid. When you call today to schedule your free, no obligation initial consultation we will answer your questions, explain the process of lawsuits, and get started fighting for you right away.