Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Rancho Cucamonga

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Rancho Cucamonga?

Riding through the Inland Empire is a regular hobby for many Rancho Cucamonga motorcycle enthusiasts, but due to size, exposure, and lack of protection, motorcycle riders face inherent risks when sharing the roads with negligent drivers. 

If you were recently injured in a crash that was caused by a reckless driver, contact our law offices. Motorcycle accident lawyer, Daniel Kim and his award-winning team possess the knowledge and experience to get you compensated for your injuries. 

Schedule a free case evaluation with The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today. 

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so our clients never have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses. We only collect payment for our legal services if we can deliver a case win. 

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Rancho Cucamonga Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Daniel Kim and his legal team are highly skilled in dealing with insurance companies and getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve. Our personal injury law firm specializes in motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accident cases, so we are well-versed in California traffic laws. 

We give our clients individualized attention, tailoring each case to their specific needs, as no two cases are alike. Other noteworthy qualities of our law firm include:

• 99% success rate
• Over $300 million recovered in verdicts and settlements
• A+ rating from the BBB
• Access to the best medical care in Southern California
• Around-the-clock assistance, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

We have also been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and other distinguished legal organizations for our quality, top-tier services.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, making our award-winning services available to everyone. Therefore, there are absolutely no upfront costs and no legal fees until we can secure full financial recovery. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, Rancho Cucamonga motorcycle accident lawyer, Daniel Kim, can help.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Some personal injury cases can be resolved with each involved party’s insurance company. However, motorcycle accidents often result in significant damages, making the case extremely valuable; the more valuable the case, the more the other party’s insurance will fight to minimize compensation amounts.

The greatest benefit legal representation provides an injured motorcycle rider is security. Because a severe motorcycle accident often results in serious injuries with correlating costly medical bills, the at-fault party’s insurance provider will ruthlessly resist compensating a victim fairly. Because of implicit bias towards the perception that all motorcyclists are reckless thrill-seekers, the opposing side can win their argument. 

However, strong legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected. In fact, a recent study found that over 90% of individuals who were represented by a personal injury attorney received a payout, versus the 51% of individuals who represented themselves.

The benefits that an experienced Rancho Cucamonga motorcycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Daniel Kim provides are:

• A thorough investigation to establish fault: We will investigate the accident, gather evidence (witness statements, expert analysis, even video footage, police reports), and identify all liable parties.
• Accurately evaluate all damages: From medical bills to lost wages, we will assess the full impact of the motorcycle crash and advocate for economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages if viable.
• Aggressively negotiate: We refuse to accept a quick settlement out of convenience. We know each case’s value and will vehemently press for maximum recovery, refusing to succumb to the insurance companies’ tactics.
• Apply proven knowledge: Based on our experience, we offer clients the most realistic, yet favorable legal options, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Court representation: If negotiations stall or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will file a lawsuit and represent clients in court to get them the justice they deserve.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Generally, the statute of limitations under California law for personal injury accidents is two years from the date of injury or when the injury was discovered. If a claim is not made before the filing period expires, individuals lose their right to recover compensation.

There may be certain injuries that are not evidently apparent, such as internal injuries. If the victim discovers at a later time that an injury, like a traumatic brain injury or a pierced organ, was sustained, the statute of limitations would begin on that date.

In other instances, the statute of limitations could be reduced to just six months if a government vehicle or entity was involved in the motorcycle crash. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can confirm the statute of limitations deadlines and other important details to avoid the case from being compromised.

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover From a Motorcycle Accident?

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim fights for maximum recovery, getting clients compensated for the full extent of damages, including economic losses and non-economic losses (intangible losses, like pain and suffering). This consists of the following: 

• Medical Costs: All current and future medical expenses, including surgery, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up doctor appointments
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of a damaged motorcycle, along with other damaged personal property
• Lost Wages: Loss of income from missing work due to injuries or reduced earning capacity if unable to return to work
• Permanent Injuries: Disability, disfigurement, or scarring
• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of the motorcycle crash
• Reduced Quality of Life: Loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, or no longer being able to participate in activities that were once enjoyed

What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Like other motor vehicle accidents, a motorcycle crash can arise from a variety of reasons. However, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, unmarked lanes, broken traffic lights, missing road signs, or other neglected road hazards
• Car Dooring: When a car door swings open, hitting a motorcyclist
• Speeding: A motor vehicle reaching an excessive speed and reducing reaction time
• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, or other activities taking focus away from the road
• Left-Hand Turns: Swerving into a neighboring lane when making a left turn or not yielding to a motorcycle riders approaching from the opposite direction
• Manufacture Defects: Faulty bike parts, like breaks, tires, or other quality issues
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Switching lanes without signaling or before checking for blind spots 
• DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drowsy Driving: Similar to driving under the influence and can be just as dangerous
• Tailgating: Trailing a vehicle too closely, not allowing enough space to make immediate stops

This is not an exhaustive list. If a negligent driver or party is responsible, regardless of how common the cause is or not, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will hold them accountable. 

Who Is Liable for My Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining responsibility in California motorcycle accidents follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the party who caused the crash is financially liable for damages. This can consist of the following parties:
Other Motorists
If another driver’s negligence (failing to obey traffic laws, distracted driving, etc.) led to a car accident with a motorcyclist, they may be liable for injuries and losses.
Companies/Employers
When drivers are performing job duties at the time of such accidents (delivery truck drivers or ridesharing drivers), their employer might share or fully absorb legal responsibility for their employee’s actions.
Vehicle/Parts Manufacturers
Defective components (tires, brakes, etc.) within a motorcycle or the other involved vehicle can sometimes be contributing factors. In such cases, the manufacturer and other parties involved in the product’s distribution might be held liable for injuries and property damage.
Government Agencies
Local and state government agencies are responsible for the upkeep of poorly maintained roads or unaddressed road hazards that endanger motorists or other road users (bicyclists). NOTE: when a government agency is involved in a personal injury accident, the statute of limitations is reduced from 2 years to 6 months. 
The Plaintiff
The motorcyclist looking to file a personal injury claim may also share responsibility for the crash. Even in this scenario, the plaintiff is eligible to recover partial compensation because of the state’s comparative negligence laws. Awarded compensation is just reduced by the plaintiff’s determined percentage of fault. 
Consulting skilled motorcycle accident attorneys is crucial to accurately identifying the liable party and pursuing fair compensation for your damages.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

Immediately call for help and prioritize well-being following a motorcycle collision. This means collecting the other individual’s contact and insurance information, then calling 911 to file a police report and to document the event. If serious injuries are apparent, request an ambulance when calling the police.

Otherwise, still seek immediate medical attention once leaving the crash site. Some injuries are not always apparent, and only a doctor can recognize and treat such injuries. To ensure the next steps are beneficial to recovery and in line with filing a personal injury claim, contact an attorney in Rancho Cucamonga. 

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim offers a free consultation to all prospective clients and are available to take calls day or night, including on weekends and holidays. 

Can I Still Pursue a Case if I Was Involved in a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, if the hit-and-run driver is caught, an insurance claim may be filed to recover damages. To identify the fleeing driver, it’s vital to take note of all distinguishing characteristics of the driver and the vehicle. Then, immediately call the police to report the hit-and-run accident. 

If the driver is not identified, there are still options available. Motorcyclists with underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance policies can use coverage toward medical expenses and some lost wages.

Navigating the complexities of hit-and-run cases requires specialized knowledge and experience. Seeking legal representation ensures victims’ rights and options are protected, maximizing their chances of a successful outcome.

What Are the Most Common Injuries of a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accidents can result in a range from minor injuries to severe injuries based on the severity of the collision. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries that can be compensated in a personal injury case include the following:

• Severe Lacerations
• Contusions
• Road Rash
• Bones Fractures/Breaks
• Amputations
• Head and Skull Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Paralysis
• Neuropathy
• Facial Injuries
• Dental Damage
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful Death

This list is not exclusive to the only types of injuries that qualify for compensation. To ensure full and fair compensation is recovered, seek medical attention and legal counsel. This is necessary to document the full extent of injuries and associated medical bills for treatment. 

Wrongful Death Claim

If fatal injuries are sustained, the victim’s surviving family members can recover damages. For wrongful death cases, losses like lost wages, funeral expenses, and other losses catalyzed by the loss of a family member can be compensated.

Rancho Cucamonga Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Recent data from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that 26 motorcycle accident victims were injured or killed in Rancho Cucamonga. Collectively when it came to motor vehicle accidents, it was found that 70 accidents were speeding-related, 18 accidents were hit-and-runs, and 33 accidents occurred in the later evenings between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in San Bernardino County

Roadways and highways that experience regular traffic also undergo regular motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Some of the most accident-prone areas include the following:

• State Road 138 (“Pearlblossom Highway)
• Interstate 15 (I-15)
• Interstate 10 (I-10)
• Interstate 40 (I-40)
• Bear Valley Rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a case if I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle collision?

Because riders and passengers are legally required to wear motorcycle helmets, failing to wear a helmet may play a role in recovering damages. However, a personal injury attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents can analyze the case and assess its strength, as comparative negligence laws still make financial recovery a possibility.

How long does it take to resolve a motorcycle accident case?

The turnaround time depends on multiple factors. Therefore, it is not possible to predict a precise timeframe. However, most cases settle within 6 months to 1 year. The more complex the case (severity of injuries, multiple at-fault parties, etc.), the longer it may take to settle.

Will I have to go to court for my motorcycle accident case?

Most motorcycle accident cases are resolved outside of court through settlements with insurance companies. Depending on the assessment of the case and negotiation tactics, a motorcycle accident attorney may advise going to court to recover maximum compensation.

How much will it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Every law firm has different billing structures, charging by the hour, with a fixed fee, or on a retainer fee. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim works on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs; fees are only collected if the case is won.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?

Options are still available. If it’s part of the victim’s insurance policy, there is also Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which can compensate for damages exceeding the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. If this type of coverage is not part of the victim’s insurance plan, a lawsuit can be filed, but this is dependent on available assets.

Can I still pursue a case if the accident was caused by a road hazard or defect?

Government agencies are responsible for road maintenance. If there is evidence linking the hazard to the accident and it can be demonstrated that the responsible party neglected to resolve the hazard, a claim may still be pursued. However, there are shorter timeframes for motorcycle accident claims against government entities, so time is of the essence.

Can I still pursue a case if I did not have a motorcycle license at the time of the accident?

A case can still be pursued even if the rider was unlicensed, because California is an “at-fault” state. This means whoever caused the accident is liable for damages, regardless of the involved motorcyclist’s license status. However, be prepared for the other party’s insurance to argue that being unlicensed correlated with the accident due to lack of experience.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

Get a written explanation to understand why the claim was denied. A denied claim can be appealed if new evidence or a clearer explanation is brought forward. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the case and represent a client during the appeals process.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, Rancho Cucamonga, we exclusively handle motor vehicle accident cases. This allows us to offer the best service to our clients who want real experience and knowledge.

If you were recently involved in a crash, contact the top motorcycle accident lawyer, Daniel Kim. We offer a free consultation to get started. If you have questions, we have answers.
Call Our Rancho Cucamonga Office

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Directions to Our Rancho Cucamonga Office

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim – Rancho Cucamonga Office
Address: 9087 Arrow Rte., Suite #225, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 265-7444