Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we’re dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims. One of the most common motorcycle accidents you’ll find here are ones with turning vehicles. Even though they’re common, a left-turn accident can lead to severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, or if you need more information on your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
Your legal options don’t depend on what kind of motorcycle accident you’re in. But, after a left-turn motorcycle accident, you might be unsure of what steps to take next and whether you should get a lawyer.
If you’ve been injured, you have the right to file a claim, but handling a claim on your own can be very challenging, especially while recovering. There’s a lot to manage, from paperwork to dealing with insurance companies, which can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your rights and options, and if you choose to move forward, we’ll investigate your case, accurately assess your damages, and handle all insurance negotiations. Our goal is to make things easier for you so you can focus on healing while we take care of the legal work.
What Damages Can You Get in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Being in a left-turn motorcycle accident is obviously going to cause you some damage. There’s two ways to look at it. First, there’s your obvious physical injuries from the accident itself. But there’s also your “legal” damages, which are closely related, but not necessarily the same.
As a victim of an accident in Fremont, the law allows you to seek financial support for your losses. To get these damages, you’ll need to file an injury claim–either an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Both options allow you to provide evidence and basically show the extent of your damages. The stronger your claim is, the more you can recover. More to the point, though, your damages are going to be unique to your accident. With a claim, you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or lost earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your motorcycle and any other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Make sure to file your injury claim within two years of the accident, as required by California law. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to file a claim for damages at all.
How is Liability Figured Out in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
In most left-turn motorcycle accidents in Fremont, liability is usually pretty clear: it’s often the driver who hits you. Legally speaking, this amounts to negligence, which is the legal standard for setting liability in a claim. This means they’ll have to pay for your damages.
But at the same time, it depends on what happened. In most left-turn accidents, the driver is considered negligent when they do things like:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Misjudging the distance between their vehicle and your motorcycle
- Being distracted by their phone or something else inside their vehicle
- Driving under the influence
However, like any accident, others might share some of the liability if they contributed to the accident in some way. Usually, this involves:
- Other drivers not directly involved in the accident
- Other motorcyclists
- Passengers or pedestrians
- Motorcycle parts makers
- Car makers or parts makers
- The City of Fremont’s road maintenance agencies
Figuring out liability for the accident is crucial because it not only sets the course of your claim in terms of who pays for your damages, but it tells you who you’ll be going up against in the claims process. So then, it’s in your best interest to put together the strongest claim you possibly can.
What Steps Can You Take to Strengthen Your Claim?
The more time you spend on your motorcycle in Fremont, the less you probably expect to be in an accident–particularly in areas you’re familiar with. But here is the problem with a motorcycle accident: it’s often totally out of your control. This is frustrating, but when a left-turn accident happens, you (the victim) have to take certain steps to protect your potential claim. This includes the following:
- Call 911 – Make sure to check for injuries and call 911 for an ambulance right away. When EMTs get there, have them look you over. It’s also a good idea to get further care at a hospital after everything at the scene is taken care of.
- Report the accident – At the same time, have the 911 dispatcher send the Fremont Police Department (FPD) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to the scene. They’ll help you get important information you’ll need for your claim.
- Swap information with the driver – Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver if possible. If they flee the scene, it makes the accident a hit-and-run, so make sure to tell the police. Also, take down whatever you can remember about the driver and the car.
- Start getting evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Don’t repair or replace your damaged motorcycle or property right away, as this evidence is important for your claim.
By following these steps, you not only support your health, but also build a strong foundation for your claim. Being proactive shows an insurance company or jury that you’re taking the right steps to protect your interests.
How Injured Can You Get in a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident?
Even though each left-turn motorcycle accident in Fremont may have its unique aspects, certain injuries are common across these cases. Despite taking precautions like wearing a helmet and safety gear, the following injuries can still occur:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Neck and spine injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Mental and emotional damage
To reduce the risk of these injuries, it’s crucial to wear helmets and protective gear, follow traffic laws, and stay alert. However, even with precautions, accidents can still happen–especially if you’re riding in heavy traffic during peak hours in Fremont. Remember, though, that if you’re injured, our team is here to help you through the claims process.
Experienced Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Fremont Are Here to Help
A left-turn motorcycle accident in Fremont can disrupt your life in many ways, from injuries to property damage, to a simple loss of how you enjoyed riding previously. At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process and help you get better. Contact us today for a free consultation.