After a serious motorcycle accident in Stockton, filing a legal claim may seem overwhelming. Accepting a quick settlement from the insurance company can feel like a simple solution. But beware — if you settle without learning your legal options, you could end up accepting far less than your motorcycle accident claim is worth. A skilled attorney from Demas Law Group can review your case and outline your legal rights in a free consultation.
Our law firm has over 30 years of experience representing California accident victims. With over $200 million recovered for our clients, our hard-hitting lawyers combine knowledge, dedication, and grit to fight for the maximum compensation injured people deserve. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Stockton motorcycle accident attorney.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many Stockton motorcycle accidents occur due to someone else’s negligence. California law defines negligence as a person’s failure to use ordinary care or skill to avoid harming others.
The top causes of motorcycle accidents caused by negligence include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Poor road maintenance
- Inadequately marked construction zones
- Defective traffic signals
- Mechanical failures
- Defective vehicle parts
These actions could be the fault of another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, a construction crew, or the municipality in which the accident occurred. In some cases, more than one party is at fault. In those circumstances, California law reduces a motorcycle accident victim’s compensation in proportion to their percentage of fault.
Why You Need a Stockton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring proven legal representation can be crucial as you pursue full and fair compensation for a motorcycle crash. These wrecks often result in severe injuries. Demas Law Group is here for you. Our motorcycle crash lawyers in Stockton can provide comprehensive support throughout your case.
Our firm includes top-rated attorneys and trial lawyers who have successfully represented clients in all types of personal injury claims. When you work with us, you’ll experience our Three Core Commitments:
- Commitment: First and foremost, we are committed to our clients. Some other law firms prioritize case volume over people, but we choose to provide personalized representation by building a motorcycle accident case based on your unique needs.
- Compassion: We care deeply about the people we serve, so we strive to understand the pain you’ve experienced and relieve any stress you feel about the legal process. We’re here to take care of you, including referring you to doctors so you get the medical care you need to heal.
- Communication: Personal injury cases can be drawn-out processes. Our team will communicate updates as soon as they’re available and answer any questions you might have.
Insurance Company Tactics in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Insurance companies often use unfair tactics to minimize payouts to motorcycle riders, especially those with serious injuries. Look out for strategies like:
- Fast settlement offers: Insurers make quick offers, often before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. Once you settle, the case is over. You can’t ask for more money if you realize your expenses are higher than what you accepted.
- Shifting the blame: The more they can blame you for the motorcycle wreck, the less your payout will be.
- Surveillance: Insurers may hire investigators to watch your activities to challenge your injury claim.
- Recorded statements: Never give a statement to the insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Your words could be used against you later.
- Medical record requests: Never sign a medical release form without seeking legal counsel. Your consent could give insurers access to your entire medical history, not just the information related to your motorcycle crash injuries.
Our team of Stockton personal injury attorneys knows how insurance companies operate. We can take over all communications with adjusters to protect your rights throughout the claims process. If they call to talk, all you need to do is provide them with your attorney’s contact information.
Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a variety of accident-related losses. Your lawyer may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages: Lost income due to time away from work during recovery
- Future earning capacity: Reduced ability to earn income due to permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress from your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other emotional trauma resulting from the accident
- Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with family members
No two accidents are alike, so the compensation you could receive from your insurance claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit will depend on the severity of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, and the impact of your injuries on your ability to work in the future.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash
The actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks following a motorcycle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here are important steps to protect your legal rights:
- If you can, take photos of the accident scene. Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, shattered glass patterns, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
- Get names and contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Save damaged clothing, your motorcycle helmet, and other items from the accident.
- Keep records of medical bills, pay stubs, other accident-related expenses, and correspondence with your employer and insurance company.
- Attend all appointments and complete prescribed treatments.
- Document daily symptoms and how they affect your life.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Stockton, CA
Obtaining fair compensation after a motorcycle accident can provide much-needed financial and personal relief. Demas Law Group is standing by to help.
Past clients can attest to our legal team’s dedication and support during their time of need. Nohemi T. writes:
“When one has an unexpected accident you want the best reliable business to guide you through ups and downs from the accident. Demas Law Group first made sure that I focus[ed] on feeling better and they would inform [me] of what I needed to do. For me that was the best advice and didn’t feel worried about the next step because they were on it. Everyone that was involved in my case was quickly responsive and very easy to communicate with.”
Demas Law Group is available 24/7 to answer your legal questions. Call or contact our law office today for a free consultation.
