Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents: The Differences When Filing a Claim
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Getting into an accident on the road is scary, no matter what kind of vehicle you are driving. Those who live in Los Angeles know all too well how reckless some California drivers are, whether in a car or on a motorcycle.
Drivers of all vehicles have a responsibility to follow the laws and drive with consideration for others. Those who fail to drive responsibly can be held liable for the damages they cause.
If you or someone you know in the Los Angeles area has been injured in an accident, call the personal injury lawyers at Saeedian Law Group to find out whether you may be eligible for financial compensation.
What to Do After an Accident
The fallout of a car accident is felt long after the initial impact. Lingering injuries, medical bills, and lost wages continue to affect victims of car accidents long after their crash — not to mention emotional distress and trauma resulting from the incident.
These damages and more could potentially be compensated if another driver is found to be at fault. In order to put yourself in the best position possible, you should contact a law firm directly following any crash. Having experienced legal representation will ensure that you do not accept any quick payouts that amount to less than you deserve.
Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accident Claims
Motorcycle accidents and car accidents both pose serious threats to all drivers. The safety risks involved with car and motorcycle accidents, however, are vastly different.
Motorcyclists are at a much greater risk for serious injury or even death. This is because motorcyclists have much less equipment to cushion the impact of a crash and are often thrown off their bikes during wrecks.
The process of filing claims for motorcycle or car accidents is similar. In both cases, you will want to secure experienced legal representation specializing in your area of need.
This means that if you are in a motorcycle wreck, you should seek an attorney who has a background in representing motorcycle accident victims. Motorcycle accident law is very complicated and requires a specific skill set and knowledge base, usually only gained from experience in that area.
Bias Against Motorcyclists
One of the main reasons that motorcycle accidents are more complex is the bias that exists against motorcyclists.
When filing a claim for a car accident, you must prove that you were not at fault and that another driver was at fault. This is the same burden of proof that motorcyclists must provide when making an injury claim; however, courts and insurance companies alike, are often guilty of bias against motorcycle drivers.
Insurance Companies and Biases
Stereotypes of outlaws and biker gangs have led some courts to hold unfavorable views of motorcyclists. This bias often means that motorcyclists have to work harder in court to prove that they were not at fault in an accident.
Insurance companies will sometimes use these historical biases against motorcyclists to justify lowball settlement offers. Insurance companies also have historically denied claims for motorcyclists, claiming that motorcyclists were not responsible while riding.
For these reasons and more, you should never accept a settlement for a motorcycle accident without trustworthy legal representation.
Contacting a Los Angeles Motorcycle and Car Accident Attorney
At Saeedian Law Group, our team of personal injury experts will assist you in pursuing every penny you deserve. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle or car accident in the Los Angeles area, contact Saeedian Law Group today to discover whether you could be eligible for compensation.