Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pasadena, CA

Many residents of the Pasadena, CA, area enjoy riding motorcycles. While most of these people can ride without issue every day, motorcycle accidents happen regularly throughout California for a wide range of reasons. Motorcycles offer very little physical protection to their riders and passengers. Even when proper safety gear is worn, an accident can have devastating consequences.

Personal Injury Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Pasadena, CA

If you or a loved one recently sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident someone else caused, it is vital to know your rights and the value of reliable legal counsel if you want to recover compensation for your losses. A Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer is an invaluable asset in this situation. The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can provide the comprehensive legal representation you need in this challenging situation.

Why Do I Need a Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

California state law allows you to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy when another driver’s actions have injured you. However, the other driver may not have enough insurance coverage to fully cover your damages. In this situation, you would need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to hold them accountable for damages not covered by their insurance.

Unfortunately, many vehicle accident victims struggle with their auto insurance claims and their subsequent personal injury claims. The right Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can assist with both of these recovery mechanisms. The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes offers fully client-focused legal counsel in every case we accept. Our goal for every client is to maximize their recovery and eliminate uncertainty regarding liability for their losses.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pasadena, CA

Motorcycle accidents can happen without warning, sometimes resulting in injuries and economic losses to multiple victims. Some of the most commonly reported causes of motorcycle accidents in the Pasadena, CA, area that generate complicated insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits include:

• Distracted driving, which is responsible for the majority of all vehicle accidents in the US each year.
• Intoxicated driving, which can easily lead to criminal charges and civil liabilities for the at-fault driver.
• Speeding, which reduces the time and space a driver has to avoid collisions in many situations.
• Lane-splitting, which is the act of sharing a lane of traffic with another vehicle or passing between slower-moving lanes of adjacent traffic.
• Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, swerving, cutting off other drivers, or braking suddenly in front of other drivers following closely.
• Poor visibility. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to notice than larger passenger cars. Therefore, all drivers must remain attentive behind the wheel and move carefully in areas with lots of traffic congestion and poor visibility.
• Mechanical failures. If a motorcycle accident occurs because of a mechanical failure in the bike or other vehicle, the manufacturer could be liable under California’s product liability laws, or a mechanic may be liable due to improper installation of a part or careless maintenance.

A Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can review the details of your recent accident to help you establish exactly how the accident occurred and who is responsible. The first step in recovery after any vehicle accident in California is determining fault for the incident.

Dealing With Auto Insurance Claims for a Motorcycle Accident in Pasadena, CA

In California, every driver must have auto insurance that provides at least $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, at least $30,000 in total accident bodily injury liability coverage, and at least $5,000 in property damage liability coverage. Unfortunately, California has a large percentage of uninsured drivers, and even if an at-fault driver does have insurance, it may not be enough to fully compensate your losses.

A Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, seeking as much compensation as their policy allows for your damages. This can potentially help you swiftly secure a portion of your total owed compensation. In addition, having a lawyer sign your demand letter to the insurer will encourage them to process your claim efficiently in good faith.

Filing Your Personal Injury Case

When insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident. This claim can help you recover any medical expenses their insurance couldn’t cover, including any long-term treatment costs you will face for a severe injury, such as a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or any other injury resulting in permanent damage. You can also seek compensation for lost income if the accident leaves you unable to work for an extended time. Finally, you can seek property loss compensation for whatever insurance can’t provide.

Beyond these economic losses, you also have the right to seek pain and suffering compensation. Your attorney can help you determine an appropriate amount based on the severity of your injuries and whether you are likely to face long-term or permanent disability from the incident. Success with your personal injury claim requires meeting all applicable court filing deadlines, proving the full range of your claimable damages, and establishing a clear link between the defendant’s actions and those damages.

Most personal injury cases end in settlement negotiations. Your Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can help you negotiate a fair resolution to your claim through the settlement process, but if the settlement fails for any reason, your case will go to trial. The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can provide valuable guidance and prepare you for whatever legal proceedings you are likely to face as your case unfolds.

Contact Our Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today – Free Consultation

It is vital to act quickly to ensure the best chance of recovering your motorcycle accident losses. California enforces a two-year statute of limitations. After that, you have to file a civil claim for an injury, and this window can close more rapidly than many expect. Finding the right Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your case as soon as possible is the best way to ensure a fuller recovery. If you are struggling in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident that someone else caused, the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can help. Contact us today and schedule your consultation with a reliable Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney.