Victim of a motorcycle accident?

How Does The Insurance Claim Process Work?

Insurance companies may evaluate claims based on their own interests and guidelines. Many injured individuals choose to consult a Sweet James motorcycle accident lawyer in San Francisco. 

We’ve built our firm on the values embraced by Main Street – not Wall Street. At Sweet James, we focus on representing our clients’ interests throughout the legal process. It is in our interest to advocate for compensation available under applicable law. Every case is unique and depends on the specific facts and law.

With our San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers in your corner, you may benefit from having experienced professionals assist with the insurance claim process. We can assist with the legal and insurance-related aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.

Contingency fees are used most often in personal injury lawsuits or worker’s compensation cases where money is being claimed.  In a contingency fee arrangement, attorney fees are generally owed to a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney only if a recovery is obtained. Fee arrangements are governed by applicable law and the specific terms of the attorney-client agreement.

Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorneys’ fees are typically owed only if compensation is recovered, as provided in the signed fee agreement.

It’s important to remember that state laws impose a time limit on filing a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawsuit. In California, San Francisco motorcycle accident claims are generally subject to a statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for seeking compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this deadline may be shorter in certain situations, such as when a government entity is involved, or longer in others.

Speaking with a  Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident injury lawyer may help you understand how these deadlines apply to your specific situation.

Motorcycle accidents often occur due to the distraction, carelessness, or negligence of the other driver. Here are examples of driver actions that may result in an accident:

• Speeding
• Cutting off a motorcyclist
• Turning in front of a motorcyclist
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Failure to see a motorcyclist
• Driving while impaired

Drivers who do not exercise proper care when making left-hand turns may cause a motorcycle accident. Here are examples of actions that can cause left-turn accidents:

• Not seeing a motorcyclist
• Panic stops in front of a motorcyclist
• Misjudging a motorcyclist’s speed or distance

If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, consider contacting the Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers.

A motorcycle accident can lead to serious injuries that change your life with substantial medical bills, pain and suffering, future medical treatment, and loss of wages.

Motorcycle accident injuries may result in surgery, extensive rehabilitation, severe disfigurement, and even lifelong pain management. Examples of motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Back, shoulder, and neck injuries
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Amputation
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns
• Death
• Disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Permanent loss or consequential limitation of use of a body organ, member, function, or system.

An experienced Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney may pursue compensation.

Seeking legal counsel and guidance may help you determine if you have a personal injury case. However, here are some of the criteria needed to establish a valid lawsuit:

• Prove you have suffered actual injury/harm
• Prove the other party is at fault
• Prove your injury was the result of the accident

There is no easy formula for measuring responsibility in an accident. Sweet James experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers may weigh the various facts of the case to determine potential liability and damages.

Even if you may be partly responsible for the accident, it may still be possible for you to be awarded compensation based on the degree of fault attributed to you. The overall figure or amount will vary. Your settlement may cover damages including but not limited to:

• Past and Future Wages Lost
• Medical Care
• Property loss
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life

California law generally requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards.

State helmet laws often allow two types of helmets (either must meet US Department of Transportation standards) – three-quarter face or full-face.

Helmets should fit snugly all the way around the motorcyclist’s head. Helmets must be free of defects, like cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

It is critical to have all injuries checked by professionals immediately after a motorcycle accident. Whether by ambulance, emergency room, urgent care facility or family doctor have all injuries examined immediately after a motorcycle accident – don’t wait. As soon as you are under medical care, you may consider contacting a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney.

After a San Francisco motorcycle accident injury, missing appointments for examinations, medical care or therapy may negatively affect a claim. If you don’t seek and follow prescribed medical care or therapy, insurance carriers may argue that your injuries are less serious than you claim. Your San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney can assist with the legal aspects of your case.

You do not have to speak with the insurance company of the party who may be responsible for injuring you. Speaking with the other party’s insurer without legal guidance may affect your claim. After seeking care for your injuries and notifying your insurance company of your San Francisco motorcycle accident, you may choose to have your San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, helping protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.

Some individuals choose to consult a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer to better understand their rights and options. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Deciding whether to consult a Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney is a personal choice. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights, options, and the potential benefits and risks involved before deciding how to proceed.

Distracted and careless drivers may not see a motorcyclist until it is too late. When a distracted or careless driver causes a serious accident, the driver may be held accountable. After a motorcycle crash, getting compensation, even if your injuries are severe, may be difficult. In some cases, drivers may dispute fault, and insurance companies may rely on their policyholders’ accounts when evaluating a claim. You may not want to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company before consulting a Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney.

We charge on a contingency fee basis. In a contingency fee arrangement, attorney fees are generally owed to a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney only if a recovery is obtained. Fee arrangements are governed by applicable law and the specific terms of the attorney-client agreement.

The most important thing to do is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Here are some additional steps to take:

• Get a copy of the police report
• Take photos of damages to your vehicle and your injuries
• Keep a record of your physical symptoms, medical visits, treatments, tests, and medications
• Keep a record of days missed from work
• Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, you may wish to understand your rights or seek legal guidance

Consider consulting with a Sweet James San Francisco personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement from the insurance company.

Sweet James San Francisco accident injury attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation for the following:

• Past and Future Medical Expenses Directly related to your accident.
• Lost Wages.
• Pain and Suffering.
• Mental Anguish.

Loss of Consortium as a result of wrongful death: In some cases, certain family members may be eligible to seek damages recognized under California law, subject to proof and legal requirements.

We approach every case with dedicated advocacy, and we treat each matter with care and individual attention.

Sweet James San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys know how insurance companies work. Before founding Sweet James, James defended insurance companies against injury claims. Knowing their playbook provides insight that informs our approach to motorcycle accident cases.

From start to finish, our strategy revolves around you. Developing a relationship with our clients to understand your loss and protect your interests is the cornerstone of our mission.

Our attorneys bring substantial experience to every case. While our compassionate San Francisco motorcycle accident attorneys seek recovery available under applicable law, you can focus on getting better.