California is known for its laid-back culture, comfortable weather, beautiful landscape, and tourist attractions. It’s also a state known for busy streets, traffic congestion, and crowds, where personal injuries due to car and motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate reality of daily life.
Home to more than 800,000 registered motorcycles, California has more motorcyclists than any of the 50 United States, resulting in an equally impressive but disturbing number of motorcycle accidents and deaths each year.
This quarter, Motorcycle Advocates, leading California motorcycle accident attorney Hector Gancedo discusses the challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims and their families, and how having the right advocate in their corner can help them see the light at the end of an otherwise dark tunnel.
The Grim Truth About Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation and form of recreation. However, no matter how safe and precautious a rider is, accidents do happen, many of which are at the fault of other drivers or negligent third parties. Drivers are conditioned to be on the lookout for cars and trucks like their own, and often the motorcyclist is overlooked or unseen when a driver turns left in in an intersection, changes lanes on the freeway, or pulls out from a parking spot.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Analysis Reporting System reveals that there are more than 16,000 motorcycle accidents occurring annually throughout California, resulting in more than 15,000 serious injuries and over 500 deaths.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), those who opt to use motorcycles as their mode of transportation are 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident as compared to those who drive a car.
Motorcycles put individuals at an increased risk for serious injury in the event of a car accident or other collision. Unlike passengers in a car, motorcyclists have very little (if any) protection from impact, often leading to serious injury and death.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Most Dangerous Counties for Motorcyclists (fatalities and injuries)
Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Get the Justice and Compensation They Deserve
Insurance Companies Are Often Quick to Deny Claims, or Make an Offer for a Low Settlement
Insurance companies are “for profit” companies whose goal is to maximize returns for their shareholders. There is therefore an inherent conflict between the injured motorcycle rider and the insurance company. While the rider seeks to be fairly compensated for his or her bike and injuries, the insurance company seeks to maximize profits by minimizing and delaying payouts. Although insurance companies and their agents may be friendly and seemingly helpful, Motorcycle Advocates wants accident victims to keep in mind that these companies look out for their overall best interests, not those of accident victims.
Motorcycle Advocates advises that it is often unwise to accept a low settlement offer, to give a statement to the insurance company, or agree to anything verbally or in writing without having a personal injury attorney advocating on their behalf.
Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Claims
The aftermath of a personal injury can leave individuals and families in despair, often facing extensive medical treatments, lengthy recovery or rehabilitation, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and financial hardship.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help victims get the compensation they deserve. Motorcycle Advocates has extensive experience with motorcycle accidents that involve serious injuries and wrongful death.
Their personal injury attorneys understand the legal intricacies of motorcycle personal injury claims in California, leveraging extensive experience and a track record of successful client outcomes to level the playing field with insurance companies and help injury victims get the compensation they deserve.
Time is Limited for Accident Victims to Seek Compensation
Personal injury claims for motorcycle riders are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations which means an injury victim has two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit. However, the time limit can be far shorter if the rider is involved in an accident with a governmental or public entity, and longer if the rider is a minor. Motorcycle Advocates urges accident victims to consult with a competent attorney as soon as possible after an accident to avoid the permanent loss of the right to proceed with a claim for injuries.
Motorcycle Advocates advises that injury victims act quickly as there can be several disadvantages to waiting.
Why Filing a Claim Sooner Rather Than Later is Advisable:
Types of Compensation That May Be Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in California:
How Motorcycle Advocates Helps Accident Victims Deal with Unexpected Expenses
Bills start to trickle in within the weeks following an accident. Accident victims get bills from the paramedics at the scene, the emergency room where they were treated, the emergency room physicians, the radiologists who took the x-rays, CT scans or MRI’s, the hospital where they’re treated, and from the surgeon, the follow-up doctors, the physical therapist, and other providers.
Those fortunate enough to have medical insurance, can rest easier because most of the bills will be paid, leaving the accident victim responsible for deductibles and co-pays. However, those without insurance, will soon become well acquainted with the billing departments of the medical providers, or worse, their collection agencies. “Whether you have or do not have medical insurance, Motorcycle Advocates has vast experience dealing with all types of medical providers and health insurance companies,” according to Managing Attorney Hector Gancedo.
“Motorcycle Advocates analyzes your medical obligations and creates an individualized strategy to resolve them” says Gancedo. Considerable time is spent working on reducing obligations to medical providers and health insurance companies. By employing various legal strategies, Gancedo says victims may be able to reduce and sometimes eliminate the medical or health insurance obligation, depending on who the obligation is owed to, the amount of the obligation, when the case is resolved, and the type of policy and how the policy is written. The ability to reduce medical and related bills significantly impacts the motorcycle rider’s ultimate recovery from a motorcycle accident.
How Motorcycle Advocates is Helping Accident Victims Take Back Control of Their Lives
Leveraging decades of experience in law, battle-tested legal strategies, and a steadfast dedication to results, Motorcycle Advocates is known for pursuing ‘at fault’ parties aggressively, helping its clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Expect from Motorcycle Advocates:
About Motorcycle Advocates
Conveniently located at 1575 N Lake Ave Suite 202B, Pasadena, CA 91104, Motorcycle Advocates is part of the Gancedo Law Firm. A personal injury law firm dedicated to helping the ‘little guy’ fight for the rights, justice, and compensation they deserve.
Backed by more than 25 years of experience and millions recovered for its clients, the firm stands up as an advocate for those wronged by negligent third parties.
Those injured or interested in learning more about options regarding the complex claims process are encouraged to reach out by visiting the official website, or by calling 844-CYCLE 44 (844-292-5344) for a free consultation.
Media ContactCompany Name: Motorcycle AdvocatesContact Person: Hector GancedoEmail: Send EmailPhone: (626) 593-8144City: PasadenaState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://motorcycleadvocates.com/
