San Diego Motorcycle Attorney
Retain a San Diego Motorcycle attorney who will fight for your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: When should I contact an attorney?
Q: What types of cases do you handle?
Q: What are your attorney fees?
Q: What types of claims are considered “Personal Injury” claims?
Q: What damages may I be compensated for in my personal injury case?
Q: What must be proven before filing a California personal injury claim?
Q: How long does it typically take to settle California motorcycle injury cases?
Q: Will I have to go to trial?
Q: What if I am in the hospital or at home and unable to get to an attorney’s office?
Q: Do you pay the expenses that will be incurred in pursuing the claim?
Q: How do I know if I have a California personal injury or motorcycle accident claim?
Q: How do I get paid for my damages?
Q: What is my California motorcycle accident or injury claim worth?
Q: How long will it take to pursue my case?
Q: Will I recover more by getting an attorney than trying to handle the claim on my own.
Q: Can my attorney get the medical care providers and hospitals to reduce their charges?
Q: Are motorcyclists bad drivers and are they liable for most auto vs. motorcycle accidents?
Q: Should I talk with the Insurance Adjustors or Representatives before talking to an attorney?
Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? What if they call me?
Q: Where do you accept cases from?
Q: When should I contact an attorney?
A. After leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced motorcycle accident and personal injury attorney as soon as possible. I always promptly return all calls and emails.
You need to know what to do and what not to do as soon as possible so you do not jeopardize your injury claim. Also, right after the accident the scene is unchanged and the recollections of witnesses are fresh.
Many people assume that accidents involving a motorcycle are the fault of the rider. Motorcycle accident cases require a knowledgeable attorney to competently handle any bias that motorcyclists may face from those investigating the accident. Dean A. Goetz has had many years of experience successfully handling motorcycle cases and will carefully evaluate all aspects of the case to obtain the maximum benefits for you. Attorney Goetz will fight hard for you to make sure you get everything you are legally entitled to receive.
Dean Goetz is available to provide a free consultation and to answer all of your questions immediately and at no charge. Contact Dean Goetz at (858) 481-8844 or email him for a FREE CONSULTATION. Or complete the case form here.
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Q: What types of cases do you handle?
A: I handle all types of personal injury cases including accidents involving motorcycles, automobiles, bicyclists, boats, work related injuries, and slip and fall injuries.
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A: I handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney fee will be a percentage of any recovery. If we are unable to recover any money damages, you pay nothing. Dean Goetz will also advance all litigation and investigative costs.
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Q: What types of claims are considered “Personal Injury” claims?
A: There are various claims that may be filed as personal injury claims. These claims include bicycle, motor vehicle, motorcycle, boating, slip and fall and work-related accidents resulting in injuries.
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Q: What damages may I be compensated for in my personal injury case?
A: Monetary compensation includes damages for pain and suffering, loss of income and hospital and medical bills. Damages usually cover both present loss and expected future losses.
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Q: What must be proven before filing a California personal injury claim?
A: In the majority of personal injury claims, the plaintiff (the injured party) has the responsibility of proving their injuries were the result of negligence by the defendant. If you successfully show that your injury or injuries were the full or partial fault of the defendant, you may be compensated for your losses.
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Q: How long does it typically take to settle California motorcycle injury cases?
A: It depends on the nature of your case. Larger personal injury claims usually take longer to settle than smaller claims. Generally, it will take 6 months to 2 years to resolve a claim.
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Q: Will I have to go to trial?
A: The vast majority of personal injury cases do not go to trial. However, I approach each case as if it is going to trial because you have to be willing to go to trial in order to maximize your settlement.
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Q: What if I do not have medical insurance and no money for a doctor? How can Dean Goetz help me get medical treatment?
A: We can IMMEDIATELY put you in touch with doctors and medical care providers who will treat you right away without requiring medical insurance or money up front. We have access to experts and other resources that allow us to aggressively pursue your claim and maximize your results. We will investigate and litigate your case and make sure you get medical treatment. For a free evaluation of your case, call Dean Goetz now at 858-481-8844.
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Q: What if I am in the hospital or at home and unable to get to an attorney’s office?
A: Dean Goetz will come to wherever you are and answer all your questions. He is also available by phone at any time.
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Q: Do you pay the expenses that will be incurred in pursuing the claim?
A: Yes, we advance the expenses in almost all cases.
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Q: How do I know if I have a California personal injury or motorcycle accident claim?
A: If you have been injured in an accident which was not your fault, you probably have a personal injury claim. You will have to prove that the other person was negligent (at fault) and that you were injured in the accident.
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A: Liability is another way of saying “fault” for an accident. Multiple parties can be deemed to be liable for your injuries, including yourself. If you are partially responsible for your own injury, then you will be deemed “comparatively negligent,” which will reduce the amount you could be awarded in a lawsuit.
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A: Damages are the harm you have suffered as a direct result of the accident expressed in monetary terms Damages include the amount of the medical expenses you have incurred, medical expenses you will incur in the future, past and future loss of income incurred, damage to your motorcycle and clothing , pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
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Q: How do I get paid for my damages?
A: By pursuing a legal claim which may require filing a lawsuit. Most cases settle but we will file a lawsuit and pursue it all the way to trial, if we are not satisfied with the settlement offers we receive.
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Q: What is my California motorcycle accident or injury claim worth?
A: If we know the full extent and permanency of your injuries we can give you an estimate of the likely settlement value of your claim. Until this is known, only a very broad range estimate of case value can be made. There is no legal book or standard formula or rule of thumb to determine the value of a personal injury claim. Financial considerations can include lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, loss of consortium, and property damage. Economic factors like age, current level of employment, and education will also be taken into account when determining how much compensation to award. Punitive damages may also be awarded. To give you an idea of the level of compensation you might receive, we will need to discuss your case further.
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Q: How long will it take to pursue my case?
A: It depends on the nature and extent of your injuries and the time it takes you to heal and several other factors. Every case is unique and presents its own issues. The nature of the case will set the length of time necessary to bring your action to its conclusion. During your initial consultation, Dean Goetz will be able to give you a better idea of how long your particular case may take.
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Q: Will I recover more by getting an attorney than trying to handle the claim on my own.
A: Anything is possible but this is highly unlikely in a significant injury case. If you have a serious injury, you need an attorney to make sure you get what you are entitled to receive.
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Q: It is clear that the auto/truck driver is liable for my motorcycle accident. Why do I need an attorney?
A: You need an attorney to make sure:
- You are not being taken advantage of by the insurance adjustors;
- You maximize your recovery;
- You have someone on your side because the insurance company has many lawyers and adjustors who are working hard to reduce the insurance companies financial exposure;
- You don’t make statements that will hurt your case while you are talking to the adjustor;
- You are being treated by competent doctors and medical care providers who will be able to prepare a report properly explaining the full extent of your injury;
- Your motorcycle accident scene is preserved in good photos;
- The motorcycle accident is properly and completely investigated and reconstructed by trained experts;
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Q: Can my attorney get the medical care providers and hospitals to reduce their charges?
A: Yes. If it becomes necessary to get medical care providers to reduce their bills, we will do whatever we can to make that happen.
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Q: Are motorcyclists bad drivers and are they liable for most auto vs. motorcycle accidents?
A: No, the opposite is generally true. Motorcyclists are often injured by negligent car drivers. In the majority of cases, the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way and caused the accident. Also, motorcycle riders are approximately 25 times more likely to be killed in a road accident and are 5 times more likely to be injured than a person riding in a passenger vehicle. There are a wide range of causes for motorcycle accidents, many of which include:
Limited visibility - Intersections, buildings, parked vehicles, shrubbery, etc.
Road hazards - Potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, and uneven pavement.
The claimed invisibility of motorcycles - The motorcyclist is not seen by other drivers. Truck drivers have a hard time seeing motorcycles because they often have blind spots and do not see the comparatively small motorcycle, which can result in collisions.
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Q: Should I talk with the Insurance Adjustors or Representatives before talking to an attorney?
A: No. Call an attorney as soon as possible. The insurance adjustors are trained to get you to make admissions or make statements that will harm your case. The insurance companies are not interested in helping you. They are only interested in reducing the value of your claim and paying you as little as possible. Insurance companies are not on your side.
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Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? What if they call me?
A: NO. Do not give an oral statement to the other side’s insurance company. If you do, you will regret it. If you are contacted, be polite, but decline to talk. Insurance companies' claims adjusters are professional negotiators, with extensive experience in using every technique to get you to say things that will harm your case. Politely tell them that you will have your lawyer talk to them. Do not agree to let them take a recorded statement of your conversation.
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Q: Should I decline Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) on my motorcycle or car?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Many accidents are caused by uninsured motorists or motorists with the minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 per person. If you get in a motorcycle/auto accident, you will probably have more than $15,000 in initial medical bills. The only way you are going to be compensated, if the auto/truck driver is uninsured or underinsured, is if you have UM/UIM coverage.
ALSO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage. You should get $300,000 or more in UM coverage, if your company will sell it to you. Insurance Companies don’t want you to have this coverage because they know as a motorcycle rider you will probably use it and they don’t want to pay claims. Insurance companies will try to talk you out of getting UM coverage but don’t let that happen. It is not expensive when you consider the total cost of insurance or your risk factors.
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Q: Where do you accept cases from?
A: I am admitted to the California State Bar. Although I am located in Solana Beach on the N. Pacific Coast Highway 101, I will handle cases throughout California. The following cities and counties are close to my office in Solana Beach:
California Cities:
101, Alpine, Bonita, Bonsall, Camino del Mar, Camp Pendleton, Campo, Cardiff by the Sea, Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hwy 1, Imperial Beach, La Jolla, La Mesa, La Quinta, Lemon Grove, Logan Heights, Miramar, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Mission Valley, National City, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Pacific Coast Highway, Palm Springs, PCH, PCH 101, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Marcos, Scripps Ranch, Serra Mesa, Solana Beach, Spring Valley, Sunset Cliffs, Temecula, Tierrasanta, University City, Vista, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Twenty-nine Palms, Hot Springs, Indian Wells, El Centro, Hemet, Temecula, Wildomar, Borrego Springs, Big Bear, Borrego Springs, Palmdale, Victorville, Ridgecrest, Lancaster, Apple Valley, Yucca Valley, Barstow, Lake Los Angeles, Tehachapi, Trona, Bishop, Mammoth, Lone Pine, Independence, Olancha, Lancaster, Rosamond
California Counties:
San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Imperial, Ventura, Inyo, Tulare, Kern, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Montery
