Carlsbad Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents occur in many ways and have the potential to cause numerous injuries. Some of the most common injuries that riders and motorcycle passengers experience from motorcycle accidents include:

• Broken bones, some of which may result in nerve damage and require extensive surgical correction.
• Lacerations that potentially expose the victim to infection. Broken glass, twisted metal, and broken plastic are all common hazards in any vehicle accident.
• Friction burns from sliding on the road after falling from a motorcycle. While all motorcyclists should wear heavy protective clothing, their safety equipment will only mitigate, not prevent, serious injuries from friction burn after a fall or ejection.
• Crushing injuries, which commonly occur when a motorcyclist is pinned by a larger vehicle.
• Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries, some of which can result in permanent disabilities. Some traumatic brain injuries become fatal when the victim does not receive medical treatment immediately after a motorcycle accident.
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or full paralysis and leave the victim unable to work or live independently.
• Facial injuries that might result in permanent disfigurement.

It is common for motorcycle accident victims to sustain one or more of these injuries. For that reason, the risk of death is much higher in a motorcycle accident than most other types of vehicle crashes. An experienced Carlsbad, CA motorcycle accident attorney can provide individuals with these injuries with the best chance of securing compensation for their losses.

The purpose of any personal injury claim is to secure compensation for the plaintiff’s losses resulting from the incident in question. California state law allows personal injury victims to claim several types of compensation. The damages California personal injury lawyers can potentially help you recover from a successful claim include:

• Immediate and future medical expenses incurred from the accident. This type of compensation can cover emergency room costs, hospital bills, ambulance fees, and the cost of long-term care necessary after the accident, such as physical rehabilitation or occupational therapy.
• Lost income. It is common for motorcycle accident victims to be unable to work while they recover. If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim your lost wages as part of your motorcycle accident claim. Additionally, it is possible to secure compensation for lost future earnings if your injuries leave you completely unable to work due to a permanent disability.
• Pain and suffering. Severe physical injuries can cause excruciating pain, and motorcycle accident victims typically struggle with pain throughout their recovery. “Pain and suffering” compensation aims to provide economic relief that accounts for a plaintiff’s physical pain and psychological distress resulting from another party’s negligence. The amount the injured party receives typically hinges on the severity of their injuries and the likelihood of those injuries causing permanent disfigurement or disability.
• Property damage. When a larger vehicle crashes into a motorcycle, it is likely that the motorcycle will be severely damaged or destroyed beyond repair. The plaintiff in a motorcycle accident claim can recover the cost of repairing or replacing their bike along with other damages.

Since motorcycle accidents have a high chance of causing severe damages, the potential compensation a plaintiff could receive from a successful motorcycle accident injury claim can be substantial.

It is also important to note that California allows for the recovery of punitive damages if a defendant’s behavior exceeds the scope of typical negligence, indicates willful intent to harm, or displays a reckless disregard for the safety of others. For example, if the defendant caused the motorcycle accident in question due to driving under the influence of alcohol, it is likely that they will face punitive damages in addition to liability for the plaintiff’s other damages. Judges handling personal injury cases in California award punitive damages based on the severity of a defendant’s behavior and their overall wealth.

The vast majority of personal injury claims settle outside of court. Swift settlement is typically in the best interests of both the defendant and the plaintiff. Settlement negotiations are private, expedient, and typically allow both parties to avoid paying excessive legal fees. However, settlement requires both parties’ agreement to prove fruitful. If the defendant contests their responsibility for some of the plaintiff’s claimed damages or contests the amount of compensation the plaintiff claimed, a settlement can take longer. In the event the defendant outright denies liability for the incident in question, the case will move to litigation.

Litigation can be incredibly taxing on everyone involved, particularly when one of the parties fails to hire an attorney. Court proceedings are time-consuming, and any motorcycle accident case that goes to trial has the potential to drag on for months or even years depending on the complexity of the case. Hiring the right motorcycle accident attorney can significantly reduce the chance that the plaintiff must go to trial and help secure as much compensation as possible.

If you can settle your motorcycle accident lawsuit, the ordeal may only require a few weeks to a month or two before you complete settlement negotiations. However, if your case goes to trial, you may expect to be in court a year or longer.

Hiring an experienced Carlsbad motorcycle accident lawyer is the best thing any motorcycle accident victim can do to ensure an appropriate recovery for their losses. If you take the time to secure legal representation from an experienced lawyer, you can expect your case to proceed more swiftly while allowing you to recover in peace. A good motorcycle accident attorney will begin building your case by locating evidence that establishes the defendant’s responsibility for your damages.

Your attorney can also explore the full scope of the damages available for you to claim in your case, increasing your overall recovery beyond your initial expectations. If you sustained complex and life-changing injuries that have a significant economic impact on you and your family, your attorney can coordinate expert witness testimony that supports your case. For example, if you intend to claim lost future earning potential, your attorney might have a medical expert testify to the severity of your injuries and the level of disability those injuries entail.

Legal representation from an experienced Carlsbad, CA motorcycle accident lawyer is also essential if you must take legal action on behalf of a loved one who died in a motorcycle accident. Your attorney will help you understand the wrongful death claim process. While similar to a personal injury claim, a wrongful death claim entails some significant differences and is a more complex legal matter than a personal injury claim.

At the Law Offices of Craig F. Castle, our team knows that any motorcycle accident has the potential to be a life-changing experience for everyone involved. If another driver caused your motorcycle accident due to negligence, it is vital to take prompt legal action for the best chance of securing compensation for your losses. If you are ready to speak with an experienced and compassionate Carlsbad, CA motorcycle accident attorney, contact us today and schedule a complimentary evaluation of your claim.