Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont helps anyone that’s been hurt in a motorcycle accident throughout the city. When you’re on a motorcycle, every road comes with its own set of risks. But some are riskier than others, none more than an intersection. If you’ve been injured in Fremont due to someone else’s negligence at an intersection, contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident in Fremont?
Motorcycle accidents might be legally similar to other accidents, but they often cause more serious injuries, making them more complicated. Whether you need a lawyer depends on your specific situation. If your accident was minor, you might not need one. However, handling it alone could lower your chances of getting the financial support you deserve.
Because motorcycle accidents can lead to major medical and financial issues, having our experienced Fremont motorcycle accident lawyers on your side could make all the difference.
- Find out who’s responsible for your accident.
- Gather and review important evidence.
- Take care of all legal communication.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies for you.
- Get your case ready for trial if necessary.
Motorcycle accidents can be both physically and emotionally taxing. We’re here to make the process easier for you and your family in Fremont.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident at an Intersection in Fremont?
The aftermath of any motorcycle accident in Fremont is a scary time. Most likely, you’re dealing with pretty apparent injuries and other damage. But it’s also an important time for your potential claim. Even as a victim, you have to put together a case with evidence and information. This starts right after the accident happens, and in order to be successful, you’ll need to do the following:
- Get to safety and check for injuries – Move to a safe spot off the road before assessing any injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so it’s important to call 911 for an ambulance and police help even if you don’t feel injured right away.
- Get evidence – Before moving your motorcycle, take photos or videos of the scene, noting the location and time of the accident.
- Talk to witnesses – One good thing about an intersection accident is that they usually have plenty of witnesses. If possible, speak with some and get their contact information. Look for traffic cameras that might have captured the accident as well.
- Note crash factors – Document the scene to find possible causes, like obscured traffic signals, road hazards, or the other driver’s condition, especially if they appear impaired.
Taking these steps is a huge part of building a strong claim. But again, a motorcycle accident is going to lead to injuries and other damages that you’ll have to deal with first. That’s why it’s important to look at the legal process and what your options are.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a Motorcycle Accident at an Intersection?
Legally speaking, your options don’t change when there’s a motorcycle accident at an intersection in Fremont, whether it’s at Mowry Avenue or Stevenson Boulevard. When you’re injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you get to file an injury claim to recover damages.
In order to do this, you generally have two options:
- File an insurance claim
- File a personal injury lawsuit
An insurance claim happens outside of court, so it’s a lot less formal and wraps up quicker. The tradeoff is that it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. They get to decide how strong your claim is and how much they want to give you in a settlement. And their goal is to pay you as little as they can.
On the other hand, a lawsuit gives you a fairer chance at getting equal damages. However, it usually takes much more time and effort. Here are some common types of damages you can recover in a motorcycle accident claim:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your motorcycle or any other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries are fatal
The amount of damages you can recover depends on the specifics of your accident. If your injuries are severe, you may be able to get more in damages. However, if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced by that same percentage. Additionally, you have to file your claim within California’s statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Motorcycle Accident at an Intersection?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident at an intersection in Fremont, several parties could be responsible for your injuries and damages. Determining who is at fault is a crucial step in filing a claim. Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver who hit you – Most of the time, the driver that hit you was careless or was trying to run the red light. If so, they are going to hold most of the liability for the accident.
- Motorcycle or parts maker – If a defect in your bike caused the crash, the manufacturer could be at fault.
- City or road maintenance agencies – If bad road conditions or broken signals caused the accident, the city or road maintenance team might share some liability.
- Construction companies – If the accident happened in a construction zone due to hazards or poor warnings, the construction company could be responsible.
- Pedestrians – A pedestrian crossing improperly could also be held accountable for causing the accident.
What all of this boils down to is negligence, which is the legal standard for assigning liability. This is important because it narrows down who you’ll file your claim against, but more importantly, who pays for your damages.
How Hurt Can You Get in Motorcycle Accidents at Intersections in Fremont?
Obviously, it’s not difficult to see why motorcycle accidents happen so often at Fremont intersections. The very nature of an intersection is that cars, pedestrians, and other motorcyclists are all coming together. When you also factor in negligence, it makes accidents inevitable.
Regardless of why or how it happens, it’s likely going to leave you injured. Worse, this is true even if you do everything you’re supposed to do as a motorcycle rider, even wearing protective gear. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:
- Head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Neck and spine injuries
- Burns
- Cuts, bruises and scrapes
- Internal organ damage
Again, these types of motorcycle accidents are especially serious. This makes the legal process very important to your physical and financial recovery, and our team will be there to support you throughout the entire thing.
Contact Our Fremont Motorcycle Accident Lawyers After an Intersection Accident
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident at a Fremont intersection, you have certain options. But more importantly, you probably have injuries and other losses you need to deal with. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we understand what you’re going through and can help. We’ll explain your rights and then guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.