After a motorcycle crash, riders experience more than physical injuries. They deal with hospital bills, missed work, damaged property, and the frustration of dealing with insurance companies that may not act in their best interest. It is natural to ask yourself, should I get a lawyer for my motorcycle accident?
The answer is yes, especially if you live in California. State laws are strict about fault, liability, and insurance coverage. Also, motorcycle accidents carry unique challenges that set them apart from standard car crashes. Having an attorney by your side can make the difference between getting short-changed and receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Follow along with Deldar Legal to see how we can help.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
Motorcycle riders face far higher risks on California roads than drivers of passenger vehicles. Without the protection of a car frame, airbags, or seat belts, riders are more exposed to serious harm during a collision. Even a minor impact can result in broken bones, spinal injuries, or long-term trauma. There’s also something in California called lane splitting, which increases risk for riders.
California is the only state that explicitly allows lane splitting. This is when motorcyclists can legally ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This practice can help reduce congestion and give riders an efficient way to move through gridlock on busy highways. It also comes with serious safety concerns. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recommends splitting only when traffic moves at 30mph or less in its lane splitting guidelines.
California’s Motorcycle Laws & Liability
Other than general rules of the road and lane splitting, California follows a comparative negligence system of fault in accidents. Essentially, it means fault can be shared among multiple parties. Even if you were partially responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation. However, insurance companies use this rule to their advantage by trying to place as much blame on you as possible.
A motorcycle accident attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the crash to prove who was truly at fault. They can also identify all potential sources of compensation, including multiple insurance policies that might apply. Motorcyclists in California must also follow specific laws regarding lane splitting, helmet use, and licensing. A violation of any of these can affect your case if not addressed correctly.
Costs of a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents come with their own set of financial consequences. Medical bills for surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. Lost wages from missed work and the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle only add to the burden. On top of those costs, insurance companies may try to settle quickly before the full extent of your injuries becomes clear.
Without an attorney, you could accept an offer that covers short-term expenses but ignores the long-term effects of your injuries. When you ask, should I get a lawyer for my motorcycle accident? Remember that your lawyer’s job is to calculate the total cost of your losses. This includes both current and future expenses so that you’re not left paying out of pocket later.
Should I Get a Lawyer for my Motorcycle Accident?
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer strengthens your case. They build a comprehensive case designed to prove liability and maximize compensation. Here’s how we do it at Deldar Legal:
- Scheduling your doctors’ appointments to help you receive the best medical treatment available.
- Investigating the accident scene and collecting evidence such as photos, videos, and police reports.
- Interviewing witnesses to confirm details and clarify events.
- Working with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Communicating with insurance companies to prevent unfair treatment.
- Negotiating settlements that reflect your true financial and emotional losses.
- Taking your case to court when insurers refuse to pay what you deserve.
Each of these steps requires precision and persistence. Insurance companies rely on several tactics to limit payouts in motorcycle accident cases. They may suggest that you were speeding or not wearing proper gear. They may delay communication, hoping you will accept a smaller settlement out of frustration. A lawyer can counter these strategies with evidence and legal arguments that expose unfair practices.
Hiring A California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Early Matters
Timing is critical in any motorcycle accident case. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories can fade. California also has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. Waiting too long to act can jeopardize your case. By hiring a lawyer right away, you give yourself the best chance of success.
Call Deldar Legal Today
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated personal injury attorney in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.