One moment you’re enjoying the California sun on the road, then suddenly your ride ends in serious injuries and mounting bills. A driver didn’t see you or cut you off. Now, their insurance company is pressuring you for answers and offering less than you need.
You need a Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyer.
The Law Offices of Steers & Associates understands and is here to help. With over 40 years’ combined experience, we fight for injured riders and their families, providing guidance and support so you can move forward.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of motorcycle accidents, how to prove your case, what compensation you may be entitled to, and whether hiring a Lancaster motorcycle accident attorney is the right step for you.
A motorcycle accident can turn your world upside down—you may be dealing with pain, lost wages, trauma, and the fear of what’s ahead. What matters most is having someone in your corner who truly cares about your wellbeing and will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Talk to a compassionate Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyer
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes often result from someone else’s carelessness. Below are some of the most common causes our firm sees in motorcycle injury cases:
- Driver inattention. Many drivers fail to notice motorcyclists, especially when they’re distracted by phones, passengers, or GPS systems.
- Unsafe lane changes. When drivers don’t check their blind spots, they may sideswipe a motorcycle or cut it off completely.
- Speeding. Speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash when it happens.
- Following too closely. Tailgating a motorcycle is dangerous. Even a minor bump from behind can throw a rider from their bike.
- Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times and judgment, increasing the risk of deadly errors behind the wheel.
- Road hazards. Potholes, gravel, or poorly marked construction zones can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
- Doored by a parked vehicle. A sudden door opening into the path of a motorcyclist can result in a crash, especially in urban areas.
Every motorcycle accident comes with its own set of circumstances, but when someone else’s careless or reckless behavior leads to serious injuries, you have the right to pursue accountability through the legal system.
How Do I Prove My Case?
To recover compensation, you need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Under California law, this means showing four key elements:
- Duty of care. You must show that the other party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care. All drivers, for example, owe a duty to drive safely and obey the traffic laws.
- Breach of duty. Next, you must show that the other party violated that duty. This breach could mean speeding, texting while driving, or failing to yield the right of way.
- Causation. You must connect the negligent act to your injuries.
- Damages. Finally, you must demonstrate that the accident resulted in losses. These damages can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other measurable harm.
Proving these elements can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to recover, but you don’t have to handle it alone. A personal injury attorney can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a clear narrative that connects the other party’s negligence to the losses you’ve experienced.
Should I Hire a Lancaster Motorcycle Crash Attorney?
You’re not legally required to have a lawyer, but hiring one is almost always in your best interest. Here’s why.
They Deal with the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often act fast after a motorcycle accident, but not to help you. Their priority is minimizing payouts, which means they may use your words against you, delay your claim, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
A personal injury attorney serves as a protective buffer, fighting to preserve your rights.
They Build a Strong Case with Evidence
A Lancaster motorcycle injury lawyer will gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as eyewitness statements, accident scene photos, surveillance footage, and expert accident reconstructions. They will also work with your medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries and how they affect your life.
Without this foundation, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. Your attorney works to keep your story backed by facts, making your claim much harder to dispute.
They Calculate the Full Value of Your Case
Determining the value of a case involves more than simply adding up hospital bills. A Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyer understands how to assess damages, including:
- Medical costs,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Lost earning potential,
- Emotional distress, and
- Reduced quality of life.
They’ll work with financial experts if needed so that your claim reflects the true scope of your losses for today and in the years ahead. Your lawyer’s goal is to secure compensation that fully supports your recovery and long-term well-being.
They’re Ready to Go to Court If Necessary
While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, litigation may sometimes be necessary. A trial-ready attorney can file a lawsuit, prepare persuasive arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and present your case to a judge or jury.
If a trial becomes necessary, you’ll want someone in your corner who’s confident, prepared, and experienced in the courtroom. Having a litigator on your side signals that you mean business.
They Handle Legal Deadlines and Paperwork
The legal system is complex and time-sensitive. Missed deadlines, incomplete filings, or procedural errors can severely damage your case or even cause it to be dismissed.
A motorcycle accident attorney handles all paperwork, confirms that court filings comply with California law, and tracks important deadlines, such as the two-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
They’ll also manage ongoing communications with insurers, opposing counsel, and the court. This allows you to focus on healing while your case proceeds smoothly behind the scenes.
Contact a Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Fights for Riders
After a motorcycle crash, facing physical pain, medical bills, and lost income, it’s easy to feel like everything’s spinning out of control.
The Law Offices of Steers & Associates is here to help you take back control. With over 40 years of combined legal experience, our advocates have helped countless Californians secure compensation after life-changing injuries. We’re known for our:
- Direct, personal attention to every case;
- No upfront legal fees, meaning you don’t pay unless we win;
- Clear, honest communication every step of the way; and
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers and defense attorneys.
Contact us for a free consultation. Our legal team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve.
