The legal system generally handles motorcycle and car accidents in the same way. In both cases, lawyers need to identify the liable party and hold them accountable for paying for all losses caused by the collision.
However, motorcycle accidents may result in more severe injuries, and injured motorcyclists may face additional challenges to securing compensation, especially if they weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. You can learn more about these issues with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents in the Legal System
California’s legal system does not typically handle motorcycle accidents differently than car accidents. In both cases, you can only secure compensation for your losses if a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can show that:
- Someone else owed you a duty of care
- The other party violated the duty they had to you
- The liable party’s actions directly caused your collision
- The collision caused your injuries and financial losses
If your attorney can establish negligence, you may have the option of securing compensation through an insurance settlement or a personal injury lawsuit. These options exist after both motorcycle and car accidents.
So, are car accidents handled differently than motorcycle accidents? In most cases, you will follow the same legal steps to get compensation after both kinds of collisions.
Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: Helmet Laws
California requires everyone who rides on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. You should keep these laws in mind when preparing to ride.
Motorcyclists who end up in a crash without a helmet can face legal challenges beyond what a car driver would expect. For example, the liable party could try to claim that your injuries occurred because you were not wearing your helmet.
You may still get damages after a motorcycle accident if you crash without a helmet, but the process becomes more difficult. Therefore, it’s essential that you contact a lawyer immediately regarding this situation.
(310) 526-8383Are Motorcycle Accidents Handled Differently Than Car Accidents for Insurance?
Generally, insurance companies handle motorcycle crashes like car accidents. In both cases, these companies may try to avoid providing the injured party with fair compensation to protect their bottom line.
Fortunately, a motorcycle accident attorney can handle insurance negotiations for you after a collision, giving you more time to recover and leveling the playing field.
Insurance Policies May Vary for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists may not face the same insurance requirements as other motorists. In many cases, insurance companies require higher premiums for motorcycles, but not always.
Regardless of your policy’s premiums, you can seek help from a lawyer after a crash to secure fair compensation.
How to Handle a Motorcycle Accident in California
An attorney can provide personalized information about how to handle your motorcycle accident claim. However, in most cases, you will want to:
- Immediately contact the police to tell them about the crash
- Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle
- Get contact information from eyewitnesses
- Write down what you remember about the crash
- Seek medical treatment
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer
An attorney will then handle legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on healing. Your lawyer may:
Find the Liable Party
Your lawyer can assess the facts about your crash and determine who caused the collision. The responsible party may need to cover all of your losses.
Investigate to Gather Evidence
Lawyers need to provide proof of negligence for both motorcycle and car accidents. Your attorney may collect evidence by interviewing witnesses, collecting videos that show the crash, or acquiring a copy of the police report.
Hiring a lawyer immediately after a crash can make it easier for your law firm to gather all relevant evidence.
Track Your Losses
Your attorney can keep a record of all the losses you sustained in a motorcycle crash, just as they’d do for a car accident. Depending on your situation, you may receive money to pay for your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost pay and diminished earning potential
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Vehicle repair costs
You should provide your lawyer with information about all the losses you sustained to increase your chances of securing fair damages.
Resolve Your Claim
Lawyers often resolve claims for both car and motorcycle accidents by negotiating with the insurance company that represents the liable party. Settlement negotiations may take several months after a motorcycle or car crash.
If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, your attorney may help you file a personal injury lawsuit instead.
Talk to Us About Handling a Motorcycle Crash
Are motorcycle accidents handled differently than car accidents in California? Typically, the legal system handles these accidents in the same way: making the liable party cover an accident victim’s losses.
You can get immediate help building a claim after a crash from our team at Omega Law Group. We’ve secured millions in compensation for clients like you. You can learn more by calling or completing our online contact form.
