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Lake Forest Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcyclist is exposed. They are also relatively hard for other drivers to see because of their small size and ability to maneuver quickly. For all these reasons, motorcycle accidents can do great injury to the rider, particularly if they are thrown from the bike. If you are in an accident that is caused by another’s negligence, you need an experienced Lake Forest motorcycle accident lawyer to help. Work with a capable personal injury attorney that could get you the compensation you deserve.
Negligence Claims for Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accident claims are classified as negligence claims. To be successful with a negligence lawsuit, the rider must demonstrate these four elements:
- The defendant had a duty of care to the injured motorcyclist
- The defendant was not driving in a reasonably careful manner and thereby breached their duty
- This lack of care contributed to the accident
- The plaintiff was injured or their property was damaged
If both drivers were driving in a way that contributed to the accident, liability will generally reflect the relative degree of contributory negligence assessed to each driver. Damages will be adjusted according to this assessment.
Responsibilities That Local Motorcyclists Have
Although drivers have duties to drive carefully, motorcyclists also have responsibility for avoiding injury. Motorcycle helmets are a requirement for all riders and passengers on a motorcycle. They must also always have their headlights on, even during the day.
There are also mandatory coverage requirements for motorcyclists – $15,000 for death or injury to one person, $30,000 for death or injury to two people, and $5,000 for property damage.
Gathering Information After a Crash
All accidents are destabilizing, however, if possible, the motorcyclist should gather all the necessary information while at the scene, except if incapacitated. If they are incapacitated, their priority should be to receive medical attention. Driver’s license information, contact numbers, witness information, insurance information, and license plate numbers of those involved are all the data that must be collected in order to have a successful motorcycle accident claim.
Most people have smartphones, which can be used to take pictures of the scene, and any property damage to the car and motorcycle. It is also a good idea to get a copy of the police report when it becomes available. For help gathering all necessary information after a motorcycle crash, reach out to a Lake Forest motorcycle accident lawyer.
How a Lake Forest Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
One of the most important protections a Lake Forest motorcycle accident attorney can provide is to negotiate with the insurance company on the opposite side of the lawsuit.
They may try to take advantage of the rider’s confusion and need for medical care by prematurely offering a quick settlement of the claim. An attorney can be your central advocate in the civil claims process and can help prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
The statute of limitations for filing a negligence claim in California is two years. Therefore, contact an experienced Lake Forest motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after a motorcycle accident.