Northridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are popular ways to get around for people who don’t want to sit in gridlock, want to take advantage of the scenic roads and beautiful weather in Southern California, and enjoy the thrill of the open road. However, all these attractive qualities can be suddenly forgotten when you’re in a motorcycle accident and replaced with painful injuries, financial worries, and costly repairs to your bike. The skilled Northridge motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law know your pain and are here to help you get back on track. Robert and Gary have more than 45 years of experience fighting for clients like you to get the check and the closure you deserve so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you to recover the compensation you deserve.

Motorcyclists are well aware of the fact that any accident they’re involved in could very easily be fatal for them, so most riders operate their bikes with extreme caution. Unfortunately, motorists often do not operate their vehicles with the same care and attention, with potentially deadly consequences for smaller vehicles like motorcycles. Almost 80 percent of all drivers have admitted they text and drive – an illegal and extremely negligent behavior – at least every once in a while. It’s also common for drivers to forget they share the roads with motorcycles and fail to actively look for them when they make turns or change lanes. Accidents commonly occur due to:

• Unsafe or illegal lane changes
• Failure to check mirrors for approaching motorcycles when turning or switching lanes
• Failure to look for approaching motorcycles upon exiting or entering any roadway
• Dooring, or accidentally opening a driver’s side door into the path of an oncoming rider
• Texting and driving and other distracted behaviors

Though motorists cause the majority of motorcycle accidents, dangerous road conditions including uneven pavement, potholes, and also result in injury-causing accidents.

Motorcyclists are at high risk of an accident when they brave the roads in and around Northridge. Not only do they have to contend with crowded city streets and drivers behaving badly or not actively looking for riders, they must usually take at least one of the major freeways bordering the city to their destingation – the 118, 101, or 405. Crashes usually end in catastrophic injuries or death even when a rider wears all the recommended protective gear, as motorcycles offer must less protection to riders than other motor vehicles do for their occupants. For example, not long ago a 19-year-old Northridge college student was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a car.

Injured riders often pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit claiming a party’s negligence caused the accident and their injuries. Usually the defendant in these cases is a motorist, but any person or entity at fault for the accident in some way due to their negligent behavior may be liable. Possible defendants include:

• Motorcycle manufacturers
• Negligent repair shops
• Government agencies failing to design, build, and maintain safe roadways

Riders who can establish liability by showing someone’s negligence caused a motorcycle accident and injured them may be able to recover damages to make them whole for the losses they’ve suffered. Courts may award damages for injuries such as:

• Medical expenses
• Motorcycle repairs/property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Though you make feel overwhelmed at the prospect of making important decisions or being proactive after a traumatic motorcycle accident, even a few easy steps can greatly affect your chances of being successful in a legal claim for damages and help your physical recovery along the way.

• Call 911 if any injuries or property damage occurred.
• Call the police.
• Notify your insurer an accident took place but refuse to give a recorded statement. Remember you do not have to talk to them about details of the accident – just give them your name, policy number, and let them know an accident occurred.
• Never admit fault, say you’re sorry, say you’re “ok” or “fine” when asked about your health, or post anything about the crash or your injuries on social media.
• Get medical care immediately even if you believe you weren’t hurt.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any other relevant evidence such as stop signs and other traffic control devices.
• Collect the contact information of every involved motorist, witness, and responding law enforcement officers.
• Keep receipts, paystubs, medical bills, and any other documents that reflect financial losses.

After a motorcycle accident you may think you can’t afford an attorney due to medical bills or an inability to return to work and earn a paycheck. The Northridge motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law know the stress you’re feeling and believe you deserve professional, skilled representation – that’s why all our cases are taken on a contingency fee, so you don’t pay until you’ve gotten paid. Contact us today to see how Robert and Gary can help and why you want their team in your corner.