🏍️🚨Seeking Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Lawyer in Glendale, CA🚔🏍️
Greetings and welcome to our comprehensive guide on motorcycle accident lawyers in Glendale. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, seeking legal help is one of the most important steps you can take.
While it may be tempting to handle everything yourself, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about motorcycle accident lawyers in Glendale, from their advantages and disadvantages to frequently asked questions. So let’s dive in!
Introduction
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than other types of accidents, and are more likely to cause serious injury or even death. According to California Highway Patrol statistics, there were 474 motorcycle accidents in Glendale in 2019.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
However, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. That is where motorcycle accident lawyers come in. These lawyers specialize in handling motorcycle accident cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
But before you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
Advantages |
Explanation |
---|---|
Experience and Expertise |
Motorcycle accident lawyers have experience and expertise in handling these types of cases. They know the ins and outs of the legal system and can help you navigate it more effectively. They can also advise you on the best course of action to take based on the specifics of your case. |
Maximum Compensation |
Motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to help you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, damages, and losses. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for your rights in court if necessary. |
Reduced Stress and Hassle |
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can relieve some of that stress and hassle by taking care of the legal details, paperwork, and negotiations on your behalf. |
Contingency Fee Arrangements |
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you receive if you win your case. This can make hiring a lawyer more affordable for those who cannot afford to pay upfront. |
Disadvantages:
While there are many advantages to hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale, there are also some potential disadvantages to keep in mind:
- Cost: If you do not win your case, you may still be responsible for paying some legal fees, even if you hired a lawyer on a contingency fee basis.
- Time: Legal cases can take a long time to resolve, and hiring a lawyer may extend the length of time it takes to reach a settlement or go to trial.
- Communication: It is important to have good communication with your lawyer, but you may find that you have different expectations or communication styles than your lawyer. Make sure you choose a lawyer who is easy to talk to and who you feel comfortable working with.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you receive if you win your case. The percentage can vary, but is typically between 33% and 40% of the total compensation.
2. What should I look for in a motorcycle accident lawyer?
When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale, look for someone who has experience and expertise in handling these types of cases. Choose a lawyer who is easy to talk to and who you feel comfortable working with. It is also important to choose a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis so that you do not have to pay anything upfront.
3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Glendale?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the accident. It is important to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, as you may lose your right to pursue compensation if you wait too long.
4. What types of compensation can I receive after a motorcycle accident in Glendale?
You may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
5. What if the other driver in the accident does not have insurance?
If the other driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
6. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
7. What if the motorcycle accident resulted in a fatality?
If the motorcycle accident resulted in a fatality, the family members of the deceased may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can provide compensation for expenses related to the death, as well as loss of income and support.
8. How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
The length of time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident lawsuit can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Some cases may settle in a matter of weeks, while others can take several years to resolve.
9. What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation. This is where having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale can be especially helpful.
10. What if I cannot afford to pay a motorcycle accident lawyer upfront?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation you receive if you win your case. This can make hiring a lawyer more affordable for those who cannot afford to pay upfront.
11. Can I still pursue compensation if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?
California has a universal helmet law, which means that all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet. However, even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you may still be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
12. What if the motorcycle accident was caused by a defect in the motorcycle or a faulty part?
If the motorcycle accident was caused by a defect in the motorcycle or a faulty part, you may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturer or the company that designed the part. This is known as a product liability claim and can provide compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
13. Do I need a lawyer if the motorcycle accident was minor?
If the motorcycle accident was minor and you did not sustain any injuries or damages, you may not need a lawyer. However, if you are unsure whether you need legal help, it is always a good idea to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve. While there are some potential disadvantages to hiring a lawyer, the benefits outweigh the risks in most cases.
Remember to choose a lawyer who has experience and expertise in handling motorcycle accident cases, and who you feel comfortable working with. With the right lawyer on your side, you can navigate the legal system more effectively and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Closing/Disclaimer
We hope that this guide has been helpful in understanding your legal options after a motorcycle accident in Glendale. However, please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of your case.
The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but laws and regulations may change over time. We recommend that you consult with a lawyer or other legal professional for the most up-to-date information and advice related to your specific situation.