If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Pasadena, we know how stressful and overwhelming it can be. You are in pain, you have medical bills coming in the mail, and you're not sure what to do next. A Pasadena personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can take care of the entire claims process for you. We will fight to get you maximum compensation.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
It’s normal to wonder how much a motorcycle accident settlement might be, but the answer depends on many factors. These include how serious your injuries are, how the accident affects your life, and the details of your case. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve achieved settlements ranging from $2.75 million for back injuries to $200,000 and $100,000 in other cases. Every case is different, but you can trust us to be honest and work hard to get you the best possible result.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?
We understand how difficult it can be to wait for a motorcycle accident settlement, especially when your life has been turned upside down. While every case is different, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- How Bad the Injuries Are: Serious injuries often take longer to settle because we need to fully understand their long-term effects on your health before settling your case.
- Insurance Negotiations: If the insurance company treats you fairly, the process can move faster. However, if they refuse to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be needed, which can take more time.
- Typical Timelines at our Law Firm:
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- Without a Lawsuit: Most cases settle within 10 months.
- With a Lawsuit: Cases generally settle within 18 to 36 months after the accident.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our personal injury attorneys are focused on making the process as easy as possible for you, while working hard to get the compensation you deserve. Call us today.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Collision
After a motorcycle accident, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps to take. The best way to help your case is to avoid screwing it up at the beginning.
Don’t Skip Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, might not show up right away. Waiting on getting medical treatments could make your injuries worse and give insurance companies a reason to doubt your claim.
Don’t Admit Fault
At the accident scene, avoid saying anything that could be taken as an admission of fault, like, “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them.” Fault isn’t always clear and admitting blame could hurt your case later. Stick to sharing the facts with the police and others involved.
Don’t Deal with Insurance Alone
DIY is a very bad idea when it comes to legal claims. Insurance adjusters work to save their company money, not to help you. Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. You might accept less than you deserve or hurt your case without realizing it.
Don’t Post on Social Media
It might be tempting to post about your accident, but don't do it. Insurance companies love it when you it when use post things to social media about your case. They will use anything you share—even innocent posts—to argue against your claim.
What are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Being in a motorcycle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and wondering how it all happened. While every accident is different, there are a few common situations that often cause these crashes. Understanding them may help you make sense of what happened.
Left Turn Collisions
Many motorcycle accidents happen when a car makes a left turn in front of a rider. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or don’t give them the right of way. If this happened to you, it’s a common situation—and one where the driver is often at fault.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Lane change accidents happen when a car moves over without checking for motorcycles. Drivers sometimes forget to check their blind spots or don’t realize how hard it is to spot a bike. If this sounds like your accident, know you’re not alone—this is a common danger riders face.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Distracted drivers and those under the influence are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Whether it’s texting, using a GPS, or drunk driving, these actions often lead to accidents. Many drivers claim, “I didn’t see the motorcycle,” but that doesn’t make them any less responsible.
If you’ve been in an accident, you might feel lost and unsure of what to do next. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’re here to listen, guide you, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face this alone. You can trust our Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyers to handle all of this for you while you focus on getting better.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
From head injuries to road rash, motorcycle crash injuries can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on your life. Here are some of the most common injuries our law firm sees and how they can affect you.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are one of the worst outcomes of a motorcycle accident. Even with a helmet, traumatic brain injuries can happen and often result in long-term issues. They can affect everything from your health to your ability to work or enjoy life the way you used to. If you’ve suffered a TBI, you may need a lot of money to cover medical care, lost income, and the changes to your quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage is serious and can result in a catastrophic injury. These injuries often happen when a rider is thrown from the bike or slides on the road. They can lead to permanent mobility issues and require months or even years of treatment and rehabilitation. The costs can be incredibly high, but you deserve compensation for the care you need and the income you may lose.
Fractures and Broken Bones
We see broken bone injuries a lot in motorcycle accidents. Riders are often thrown from their bikes, and areas like the legs and hips get injured easily. These injuries may require surgery, long hospital stays, or physical therapy, keeping you off your feet—and away from work—for a long time.
Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Road rash might might not sound like a big deal, but it can be incredibly painful and leave permanent scars. It happens when your skin scrapes against the pavement, and without the right protective gear, the damage can be really painful. Road rash often occurs with other injuries, like broken bones or head trauma, making recovery even harder.
Recoverable Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’re here to take that weight off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on course.
There are three main types of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims:
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses that pile up after an accident, like:
- Medical Bills: From emergency care to physical therapy and long-term treatment.
- Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other belongings.
- Lost Wages: The paycheck you missed while recovering from your injuries.
- Future Income: If your injuries make it impossible to return to work, we’ll fight for compensation for lost earning potential.
We’ll help you gather the records you need to make sure no expense is overlooked.
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses are harder to measure, but they’re just as real:
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Mental Distress: The anxiety, fear, or trauma you’re now carrying with you.
- Loss of Relationships: How your injuries have affected your connection with loved ones.
We take the time to understand your story because these are not just numbers—they’re your life.
Punitive Damages
If the negligent driver was reckless or acted with extreme negligence, we may pursue punitive damages. These aren’t just about compensation—they’re about holding that driver accountable and preventing others from suffering the same fate.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Understand California's Laws
As a motorcycle rider, knowing the state’s motorcycle laws can help you stay safe and protect your rights if an accident happens. Here’s how these laws work and how they may affect your case.
Helmet Laws
Wearing a helmet is required by law for all riders and passengers in California. Helmets reduce the risk of brain injuries by 40%, making them critical for rider safety. If you weren’t wearing a helmet during an accident, insurance companies might try to reduce your claim. However, California’s comparative negligence laws still allow you to pursue compensation, even if you share some of the fault.
Lane Splitting Rules
California is one of the few states that allows lane splitting, letting motorcyclists ride between cars in slow or stopped traffic. While it’s helpful for navigating congestion, safety should always come first. Follow these tips to stay safe while lane splitting:
- Check your surroundings, including lane width, nearby vehicles, weather, and lighting.
- Avoid riding next to large vehicles like buses, big rigs, or motorhomes.
- Stick to the far-left lanes when possible—they’re usually safer for lane splitting.
- Never ride on the shoulder—it’s illegal and not considered lane splitting.
- Make yourself visible by avoiding blind spots, wearing bright or reflective gear, and using high beams during the day.
- Keep in mind that higher speeds and big speed differences between vehicles increase danger.
If you’re in an accident while lane splitting, fault can be harder to prove. Insurance companies may try to blame you, but with an experienced lawyer, you can protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Motorcyclists in California must have an M1 or M2 license to ride legally. If you don’t have a license and are in an accident, you can still seek compensation for damages like medical bills and lost wages. However, it may complicate your case.
Our Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Prove Negligence
Proving fault after a motorcycle accident can be difficult. Negligence is often involved, such as unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or reckless left turns. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, including drivers, manufacturers, or even government agencies responsible for road maintenance. Insurance companies usually try to reduce payouts by shifting blame, making experienced legal representation absolutely necessary.
Proving Negligence
To prove negligence, you must show that the other party’s actions caused your injuries. Reckless driving, distractions, or driving under the influence are common examples. It’s also important to demonstrate that rider error wasn’t the only factor. Acting quickly to gather evidence and working with a skilled lawyer at our law firm can help build a strong case.
The Role of Evidence in Your Case
Photos, witness statements, and documentation of road conditions are critical to proving fault. A pain journal can also show how the accident affected your life. Acting quickly ensures evidence doesn’t fade over time.
Comparative Fault in California
California allows multiple people to share fault. Even if you’re partly responsible—like not wearing a helmet—you can still seek compensation, though it may be reduced. A skilled lawyer in Pasadena can fight insurance companies that try to shift blame onto you.
How a Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a motorcycle accident, victims often face serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional stress. A motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can handle the legal process, gather key evidence, and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on recovery.
Why You Need A Lawyer
Motorcycle accident claims are more complex than car accidents due to severe injuries and specific California laws. A skilled attorney from our office can investigate the accident, obtain accident reports, determine liability, and deal with insurance companies that may try to reduce your payout. This ensures that negligent parties are held accountable and that you can focus on healing.
Handling Insurance Claims
Insurance companies routinely undervalue or deny claims. Filing your claim quickly helps preserve evidence. Compensation may include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and future income. An experienced attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement and protect you from low offers. In California, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. Don’t wait.
Legal Action When Needed
If settlement talks fail, an attorney from our office can prepare your case for trial, meeting deadlines and proving fault. Getting legal support soon after the accident ensures evidence is preserved and strengthens your claim.
A motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Offices of Adrianos can help you get justice and compensation, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Contact Us for Help After a Motorcycle Crash in Pasadena
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, you’re not just another case. We treat you like one of our own, fighting for the justice and support you deserve so you can focus on healing. Let us handle the hard part while you take care of yourself.
If you call now, we can start working on your case today.
