Northridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Northridge Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been hurt in a California motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to damages and compensation that can help you heal. To recover damages for your losses, it’s important to understand your rights as well as the laws that are going to dictate your future legal proceedings. To give yourself the strongest chance of securing the compensation you deserve, it’s vital that you seek help from an experienced Northridge motorcycle accident lawyer.

When you work with a skilled Northridge personal injury lawyer from our firm, you can take advantage of all the skills, resources, and experience we bring to the table. Our team at Freeman & Freeman, LLP has helped to recover tens of millions of dollars for our clients through our superior legal services. We work to ensure our clients understand their rights, are treated fairly, and receive the compensation they’re rightfully owed.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in California

Motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in California for years. Because motorcyclists are less protected than many of the other vehicles on the road, injuries and fatalities involving motorcycles tend to be much more devastating. In 2021, motorcycle accidents contributed to about 13 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in California. Additionally, between 2021 and 2022, motorcycle fatalities increased by 3.8 percent.

There are approximately 139,137 motorcycles registered in Los Angeles County alone. Unfortunately, even if a motorcyclist operates their vehicle safely, other drivers on the road may not show the same type of caution. At Freeman & Freeman, LLP, we’re dedicated to protecting motorcyclists’ rights when their safety and livelihood are compromised.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Northridge

If you plan to file a personal injury claim in Northridge after a motorcycle accident, you typically must do so within two years of the incident or the death of the victim. It’s important to note that the statute of limitations is shorter for accidents that involve government-owned vehicles. In these cases, you must file your claim within six months of your accident. If you miss your statute of limitations deadline, you lose the ability to file a valid personal injury claim in Northridge.

Most personal injury claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your Northridge motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and fight to secure the highest amount of compensation available to you.

If you can’t reach a settlement outside of court in Northridge, your claim will have to go to trial. Navigating court proceedings can be complicated, which is why having an attorney on your side can make an immense difference in the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim.

Wrongful Death Claims From Motorcycle Accidents in Northridge

If you lost a loved one in a Northridge motorcycle accident due to another driver’s actions, you may be able to seek compensation on behalf of the victim. To do this, you must file your claim within two years of the death of the victim to have a valid wrongful death case.

In California, the following people can recover damages from a wrongful death case:

• Spouse or domestic partner
• Beneficiaries or heirs
• Children
• Dependent minors living in the household
• Next of kin
• Parents

California law differentiates between negligence and gross negligence, which can impact the overall settlement amount of a wrongful death case. Negligence refers to actions that don’t meet an appropriate level of care. Gross negligence pertains to actions that voluntarily or willfully disregard reasonable care, essentially meaning the offender knew their actions could cause serious harm and performed them anyway.

Under California’s wrongful death laws, the amount of damages you can recover increases with the offender’s level of culpability. If you can prove they acted with malice, you can expect to secure a higher settlement amount. You should consult a skilled lawyer from our firm to better understand your eligibility for a wrongful death claim in Northridge.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident in Northridge?

A: While you’re not required to work with a Northridge personal injury lawyer when filing a claim for a motorcycle accident, it is highly recommended that you do. Navigating the legal proceedings that come with a personal injury claim can be complicated and tiresome, even when you’re not recovering from a crash. By working with an accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while having a steadfast advocate fight for the compensation you’re owed.

Q: How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Typically Worth in Northridge?

A: Your settlement amount depends on the severity of your accident and your injuries. Additionally, it’s critical to establish fault in these cases since California follows pure comparative negligence guidelines. These guidelines state that you can recover damages even if you were slightly at fault. Generally, your liability, the severity of your injuries, the amount of negligence involved, and the skill of your lawyer will all impact your final settlement.

Q: How Much Do Northridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Charge?

A: The cost of working with a Northridge motorcycle accident lawyer can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and your lawyer’s experience. Typically, Northridge personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee for their services, which means they are not paid until their client wins a case.

Q: How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Settlements Take to Settle in Northridge?

A: The time it takes to get through a motorcycle accident settlement is highly dependent on the details of your case. The willingness of the insurance companies to cooperate, your ability to reach a settlement agreement, and how long you need medical care can all determine how long your case takes. If your claim ends up going to trial, you can expect the process to take longer since you have to abide by the court’s timelines.

Talk to a Northridge Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today

At Freeman & Freeman, LLP, our team has over three decades of experience representing Californians through personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. We work with accident scene specialists, investigators, mechanics, medical professionals, and more to conduct a thorough investigation of your incident and work to secure the maximum settlement amount for you.

If you’re ready to talk about filing a personal injury claim in more detail, reach out to our office to set up an appointment with a Northridge motorcycle accident lawyer today.