If you own a motorcycle, then you know that along with the incredible freedom that comes along with riding, you also accept the risks of an accident. Despite decades of attempts by both government entities and private groups to educate the car and truck driving masses about the need to watch out for motorcycles, they still fall short. Statistics tell us that the majority of the time when a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicle was at fault or more at fault in the accident. Of those accidents, drivers most often report that the reason they were involved in the accident in the first place was because they simply did not see the motorcycle. Motorcycle safety has also come a long way. Bikes are made better and come equipped with a number of safety minded options. Protective clothing is available to prevent or limit the severity if injuries if the worst happens. Many states now require protective head gear to be worn at all times to prevent or limit head injuries. Having said all of that, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the chances are good that you have suffered damages (injuries in legal terms). SO how do you know what your motorcycle accident case if worth?
According to California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates, determining the value of any personal injury claim can be complicated and may involve a number of factors that are specific to your case alone. There are, however, a few things to take into advantage in all motorcycle accident cases to help you determine the value.
1. Who was at fault? If the other person was 100% at fault, then that makes computing damages much simpler. While you may think that the other driver was completely at fault, that may not turn out to be the case. Even if you did share some of the fault, in California as long as the other person was MORE at fault, you may still be able to recover damages and receive compensation. Your compensation will simply be adjusted according to the amount of fault (or negligence in legal terms) that you shared in the accident.
2. What are your economic damages? Economic damages are quantifiable damages. These include things such as medical bills, lost wages, damage to your bike and others.
3. What are your non-economic damages? Non-economic damages are what most people think of as “pain and suffering”. Computing non-economic damages can be more difficult and may depend on this such as the type and severity of physical injuries you suffered and your general health before the accident.
Only an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney can accurately determine what the value of your motorcycle accident case is based on your specific set of facts. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, contact the motorcycle accident law firm of Ledger & Associates as soon as possible for your free detailed evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. They can be reached by visiting them online at www.ledgerlaw.com or by telephone at 1-800-300-0001.
