Your Motorcycle Accident Claim May Be Worth More Than You Think

If you’ve been injured in a California motorcycle accident, you are trying to recover from injury while managing the many aspects of your claim, including doctor’s visits, therapy, pain and just trying to get back to your regular life. While dealing with all of those issues, the insurance company will want to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. But you need to make sure you are considering all factors involved in your motorcycle crash before settling with an insurance company. Once you settle, you cannot reopen your claim.

Our Goal Is To Maximize Your Financial Recovery

Insurance companies will try to minimize what they pay you. At the Law Offices of Patricia Turnage, P.C., we have worked on receiving fair, comprehensive settlements for our clients. We know how insurance companies think and how they undervalue claims in an attempt to pay out as little as possible in settling cases. They have lawyers working on their side. Having a lawyer on your side can help you seek the best possible settlement for your motorcycle injury claim. Our offices are in Hayward, California. Contact us at 510-470-5044 to find out how working with our team can help your case.

Consider All Of The Costs

When seeking compensation for a motorcycle accident injury, the settlement and costs can include more than you think. There are numerous factors to consider, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future earnings potential
• Scarring
• Loss of mobility
• Long-term effects of injuries related to your accident
• Damages for pain and suffering

An attorney can help you make sure all of the factors are being included in your claim. We help you manage the many aspects of your claim, so you can focus on getting your life back.

What To Know After A Motorcycle Crash In California

Motorcycle accidents can turn your life upside down in seconds, leaving you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills and countless questions about your rights. This FAQ section addresses the most common questions our Hayward clients ask us. While each case is unique, knowing these basics can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and potential compensation.

Is lane splitting legal in California, and can I still recover damages if I was lane splitting in Hayward?

California law permits motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic as long as they do it in a safe and prudent manner. However, your compensation might be reduced if an accident happens and you are partially at fault. This falls under California’s shared fault principles, where the court may reduce your compensation proportionally to how your actions contributed to your injuries. Insurance companies often claim that motorcyclists split lanes unsafely to reduce their payout. You need strong evidence showing how the accident happened to counter these claims. Photos, witness statements and traffic camera footage can help prove you rode responsibly during the incident.

Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

California law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, but failing to wear one does not excuse the other driver’s negligence in causing the crash. However, your total damages will likely be reduced. The other party’s insurer will likely argue that your injuries would have been less severe with proper head protection, particularly with head, neck or brain injuries. Under comparative negligence rules, the court may reduce your compensation by the percentage they determine your lack of helmet contributed to your injuries.

What happens if the insurance company blames me for the accident?

Insurance adjusters commonly attempt to shift blame to motorcyclists. However, this doesn’t mean your case is lost. Many motorcycle accident victims face unfair blame tactics, but having someone who understands the law on your side makes a significant difference in challenging these assertions and proving the other driver’s responsibility.

Contact Our Offices To Get Started

Call us at 510-470-5044 to learn how we can guide you through the process or use our online contact form.