There is almost zero protection between a motorcyclist and other vehicles or the road when they crash. Additionally, the motorcycle’s size and weight compared to other vehicles means the motorcycle doesn’t stand much of a chance in a collision between the two.
Because of this, motorcycle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. When not fatal, these injuries can permanently change the lives of the victim and their family.
Many times motorcycle accident victims will require ongoing medical treatment or even permanent assistance with daily activities. The expense of these types of treatment combined with the inability to work can be devastating.
It is essential that you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. You need an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights.
You need Jacoby & Meyers by your side. Our accident lawyers have decades of experience winning big for our motorcycle accident clients and we want to do the same for you.
Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you make the best decisions for you. If we represent you, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (909) 245-8920 or complete the short form on our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Compensation in a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Case
Some of the possible types of compensation you may be entitled to could include:
- Economic damages such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. Economic damages are those than you may have receipts or invoices for or are more easily valued and calculated.
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life. These damages can be even more devastating than economic damages.
- Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions included fraud, malice, or oppression. For this reason, punitive damages are rare.
Factors that weigh heavily on the type and amount of compensation you can recover include:
- The type and extent of your injuries plays a big role in determining your recovery.
- The insurance policy limits greatly impacts your recovery since the insurance company will not pay more than the maximum amount of coverage. If the coverage is not sufficient, you may have to consider other options. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will consider all potential liable parties and sources of compensation.
- Evidence is crucial in your recovery. Your attorney needs to provide strong evidence through witness testimony, expert reports and testimony, and physical evidence.
- Having great legal representation certainly impacts your ability to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers know how to investigate an accident and identify the causes, potentially responsible parties, and sources of recovery. We also know how to discover and collect the strongest evidence to prove your case.
Tactics Commonly Used by Insurance Companies After a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident
Insurance companies exist to make a profit. The job of an insurance adjuster is to deny a claim when possible and when not, to settle it for as little money as they can.
To do this insurance companies try various tactics in motorcycle accident claims.
One way they try to avoid or limit paying a claim is to try shifting blame to the motorcyclists. They may treat the motorcycle rider as a reckless, daredevil type who takes unsafe risks.
They may also have long hold times when you call them or even drop the call when you are finally connected. Similarly, it may be difficult to reach a live person and only be able to communicate through an automated system.
They may send you complicated notices or other communications that are difficult to understand.
Another common tactic used by some insurance companies is to drag out the claims process. They may take a long time to respond to your claim, hoping you will become desperate as your bills pile up and you are unable to work.
These tactics can make it more likely that a motorcycle accident victim will accept a lowball settlement offer when they finally make one.
You need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to combat these tactics and get you the full compensation you deserve.
The San Bernardino accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers have more than five decades of experience protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims and winning big against insurance companies. We don’t need them to play fair to beat them at their game.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let us help you get every dollar you are entitled to.
What To Do After a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident
Getting the medical care you need should be your first priority after an accident. However, if you are able, there are a few steps you can take at the accident scene and after to protect your health and your case.
Some of those actions include:
- Call 911 or the local police to report the accident and get emergency help.
- Get a complete medical evaluation. Some injuries don’t show up right away but can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.
- Take photos or video footage of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- Document everything you can remember about the accident.
- Get the contact information of all parties and potential witnesses.
- Do not admit fault or apologize.
- Stay off social media. Insurance companies can use seemingly innocent posts against you to devalue or deny your claim.
- Follow up with all medical appointments and treatment.
- Seek the advice and representation of an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a San Bernardino motorcycle accident, we want to help you. Don’t let the insurance company give you the runaround. You don’t need to accept their lowball offer.
Get the representation of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to hold the insurance companies liable for the full compensation you deserve. At Jacoby & Meyers, we have a proven track record of winning big for our clients and we want to do the same for you.
Call us at (909) 245-8920 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get every dollar you deserve.
Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form