Motorcycle and Auto Accident FAQs in Riverside, CA

Get Answers about Motorcycle and Auto Accident Injury

You’ve been injured out on the road in a motorcycle or auto accident. You have begun to heal, but the accident has left you with medical bills, lost wages at work, and questions about compensation for your pain and suffering. Turn to the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler to make everything clear and file your claim. Our firm has been practicing for more than 31 years. We are dedicated to providing expert legal representation to all of our auto accident clients, including professional guidance about first steps and all the complexities of the law. No matter where or when your accident occurred or what type of vehicle you were in, we offer professional insights to make the right choices when pursuing legal action. Take some time to review the most frequently asked questions concerning motorcycle and auto accidents below, then contact our firm to schedule your free legal consultation.

How Long Will My Motorcycle Accident Case Take To Be Resolved?

Every car, motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle accident case is unique. Many factors determine your case’s outcome and the restitution for your pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. Insurance companies conduct their own investigations and will try to settle at the lowest possible cost to them. They may not give you everything you’re entitled to under the law. We change that outcome. There is also the issue of proving who or what was at fault. Defective auto parts, driver distractions, and aggressive driving also play their role in your accident. We must seek out those truths and use them to obtain the compensation you deserve. However, when conducting legal action on your behalf, we center all our services on justice, expediency, and the best possible outcome. Our firm strives to provide you with the resources you need in 30 days to six weeks, depending on the elements of your case.

How Much Money Should I Expect From The Motorcycle Accident I Was In?

Like the length of time for your case, the monetary amount for your compensation will depend on the factors involved in your accident. For instance, if you are a passenger and receive minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, or bruises, you will receive a lower amount from the insurance company or the other driver. Accident cases also depend on who was at fault, mechanical failure, improper commercial vehicle maintenance, and more. If you are the driver of the vehicle that took damage from another driver, things change. You may have suffered more severe injuries, required more time to recuperate, and accrued higher medical bills. In that case, your settlement would be larger. Our attorneys gather all the facts of the case, determine where the fault lies, and aggressively seek the maximum for our clients. These figured can be anywhere from $15,000 on average or up to $1 million for drivers with extensive injuries, auto damage, pain, and suffering.

How Do I Prove I Am Not Responsible For My Motorcycle Accident?

Unfortunately, most insurance companies possess a negative bias against motorcycle drivers and payout under that bias. It is for this reason that the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler conducts our investigations. We want to help you prove you were not responsible for your motorcycle accident. Proving you were not at fault comes down to several factors:

• Did you have the right of way?
• Was the green light a standard green light and not a green arrow?
• Did the other driver acknowledge you?
• Were you or the other driver impaired by texting, drugs, alcohol, medication, or inattentional blindness?
• Was anyone changing lanes or distracted?
• Factors of proving credibility

We take into account all of the case’s unique factors and gather evidence ourselves using various methods. We consult police reports, seek independent witnesses, look for surveillance camera footage, and take scene photographs when available. We will also consult crash reconstruction experts and obtain medical records and EMS reports to prove the other person’s culpability and serve you best.

I Was Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident. What Should I Do?

When you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and immediately gather evidence that can serve you in court. First, get to safety. Then, call 911 to get medical professionals on the scene. Next, do not remove your motorcycle gear before being examined by an EMT or medical professional. Once you have been cleared, gather evidence, including taking pictures, writing notes, and obtaining a copy of the police report. You should also talk to the other driver to swap insurance information and any additional contact information. Finally, hire an attorney from the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and get the settlement you want.

How Likely Is It To Be Seriously Injured In A Motorcycle Accident?

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles are involved in serious or fatal crashes 27x more than passenger cars. That is why it is essential to stay vigilant on the road and gather as much evidence as possible for any legal or medical scenarios that may arise.  

My Life Has Been So Chaotic Since My Motorcycle Crash That I Haven’t Even Thought About A Claim. Can I Still Bring One?

In the state of California, there is a time limit on filing claims for motorcycle accidents. The good news is the time allotted is up to TWO YEARS. Call the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler, and we’ll arrange all the filing for you and work to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler for Your Free Consultation

After an accident, you’re going to have questions. It’s only natural, especially if you have never been in an accident before. Our firm will walk you through every step of the legal process, from fact collection and evidence to final payouts for your pain and suffering, to make things easy and give you peace of mind. Contact our firm today and schedule your free consultation.