Sometimes, driving down the freeway feels like freedom. The wind rushing past, the open road, and your favorite song playing in the background. What’s not to love?
This feeling of pure bliss can turn into chaos in a split second if a distracted driver drifts into your lane. All of a sudden, you are fighting for your life.
That’s the thing about California freeways. They are extremely dangerous because they are some of the busiest routes in the country. You can expect constant traffic and very aggressive drivers. One wrong move could cost you your life.
What makes things even worse is the attitude of the insurance companies. They prioritize their bottom line and will ask you to settle for far less than you deserve.
And unless you have a great freeway motorcycle accident lawyer, you will have to pay out of pocket for your injuries.
Why You Need a Freeway Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Imagine you just got off a long shift and as you head back home on the I-10, a driver makes a sudden lane change. They miss their blind spot, total your bike, and leave you with serious injuries.
Some of these injuries might take months to heal, and others you have to live with for life.
While there is much to romanticize about life in California, the reality of freeway crashes isn’t one of them. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclist deaths, which is the highest number ever recorded in the U.S.
Collisions on a freeway can cause broken bones, head trauma, and in many cases, instant death. The traffic in some of these areas moves so fast that it is nearly impossible to tell what the cause of the accident was. It is important to note that freeway accident liability isn’t always straightforward.
You need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who is not new to this. They can help you gather evidence, reconstruct the events of the accident with the help of experts, and build a case to prove who was at fault.
An experienced attorney can also act as a shield against insurance companies that often put victims in financial stress by refusing to cover their medical bills. And that is the last thing you need.
Accidents like this can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Whether it’s medical bills or lost wages, you deserve compensation. With the help of a motorcycle injury lawyer, you can take on a billion-dollar insurance company and actually win.
What Makes a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were in a freeway accident, know that you have quite a fight ahead of you. You need an expert on your side, because your future depends on the outcome of your case.
How can you tell who’s the best motorcycle accident lawyer? Any lawyer can read you the terms of a settlement. But it is a trial-tested lawyer that carries weight and won’t be intimidated by insurers. A seasoned attorney who’s won many similar cases is the one who will force insurance companies to take your claim more seriously from the start.
You must hire an attorney who is familiar with the complexities of California’s freeway dynamics. Local expertise matters because only a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of California traffic law will understand the bias against motorcyclists and freeway accidents.
To put it simply, here are the qualities that you should look for in a lawyer for freeway accident cases:
- Trial experience
- Proven results in motorcycle and freeway cases
- A deep understanding of California’s traffic laws and riding culture
Remember, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are hiring a strategic ally in what is the biggest legal battle of your life.
Why Location Matters: Los Angeles and Beyond
Los Angeles is a busy city, and routes like the I-5, 405, and 101 are some of the busiest roads in the country. Freeways are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Hiring a lawyer who knows the complexities of LA traffic gives you a competitive advantage. However, understanding the LA courts, judges, and defense attorneys is what it really takes to win a case.
You can’t expect a lawyer who isn’t rooted in LA to understand the freeways, legal system, and the judges. So, it is best to hire a reputable lawyer in LA to handle your motorcycle freeway accident case.
What to Expect from a Freeway Motorcycle Accident Claim
A crash can be the most traumatizing and overwhelming experience of your life. While you are busy with hospital visits, physical therapy, and insurance calls, a good attorney can take charge of what comes next.
Here’s what you can expect from a freeway motorcycle accident claim:
– Investigation
A good lawyer will start an investigation to get a better understanding of what happened. This may include reviewing police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.
– Evidence Preservation
The next step would be to ensure that crucial evidence is not only documented but preserved for the jury to view.
– Medical Experts
The next step would be to talk to doctors and specialists to get a better understanding of the injuries you have sustained and how they will impact your life.
– Negotiations
While insurance companies might try to push you to settle, it is your attorney’s job to make sure that all your losses are fully valued.
– Trial Preparation
While most cases might not go to trial, it is your attorney’s job to prepare for it. The fact that you’re prepared to go to trial is sometimes enough to make insurers give you a better settlement.
Why Experience Makes a Difference
When it comes to motorcycle crashes, experience makes all the difference. An experienced attorney can tell right off the bat if an insurance company is lowballing you.
They can advise you on whether or not you should take an offer before you have spent your entire life’s savings. An experienced lawyer also knows when you should fight a settlement, and they know just how likely you are to benefit from taking a case to trial.
The benefit of working with seasoned litigators is that they have the skill, local knowledge, and a powerful team that you can rely on. If things take a turn for the worse, and you have to go to court, they have your back.
Steps to Take After a Freeway Motorcycle Crash
Sirens blaring, cars rushing past, and adrenaline masking the full extent of your physical damage. The first few moments after a freeway motorcycle crash are critical, which is why every decision you make matters.
Here’s what you need to do immediately after a crash to protect yourself:
– Call
Call 911 and tell them you are injured, even if you think the injuries are minor. You need to create an official record of your accident and get first responders on the scene.
– Seek
Seek medical attention immediately so that a doctor can determine if you have internal trauma, as well as tend to physical injuries.
– Document
Document the scene if possible. You can take pictures of the crash, vehicles involved, and witnesses nearby, and ask for their names and contact information.
– Avoid
Avoid talking to insurance adjusters until you have contacted your lawyer. Avoid answering questions and agreeing to settlements without reviewing them.
If you or your loved one is injured, share this article with them to help them find the right lawyer. You can also contact a freeway motorcycle accident lawyer at Freeway Injury Lawyer to get the settlement you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need a lawyer after a freeway motorcycle accident?
Because insurance companies rarely offer fair settlements. A lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if needed, fight for you in court so you get the compensation you deserve.
- How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in California?
Most freeway motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything up front. They only get paid if they win your case.
- What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, bike repair/replacement costs, and long-term care needs if the injuries are severe.
- How long do I have to file a claim after a freeway accident in California?
The statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the accident for personal injury cases. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation.
- What should I do immediately after a freeway motorcycle accident?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, get witness details, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
- Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault.
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or by pursuing other liable parties (like employers or third parties involved).
- How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case?
It depends on the complexity of your case. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others can take a year or more. A skilled lawyer will push to resolve your case efficiently without sacrificing fair compensation.
- What makes freeway motorcycle accidents more dangerous than other crashes?
Freeways have higher speeds, aggressive drivers, and heavier traffic, making collisions more likely.
- How do I choose the best motorcycle accident lawyer in California?
Look for a lawyer with trial experience, proven results in motorcycle cases, and a deep knowledge of California traffic laws.
