On August 11, 2015, at 4:40 p.m., our client rode his 2007 Yamaha R6 motorcycle eastbound on Interstate 580, approximately 0.6 miles west of Hacienda Drive. While adhering to traffic laws, he was struck by a negligent driver, resulting in serious injuries, lost wages, and substantial medical expenses.
Details of the Motorcycle Accident
This was a motorcycle versus automobile collision caused by a 2013 Toyota Prius driver. The at-fault driver sideswiped our client under clear weather and road conditions. The impact resulted in severe back and dental injuries. Paramedics Plus transported him to Eden Medical Center in Dublin, California.
Case Facts and Legal Advocacy
Following the accident, our client required extensive medical treatment, including wound care and physical therapy. He underwent trauma activation at Eden Hospital, receiving CT scans and MRIs. He suffered severe lacerations to his upper left leg and right front ankle, requiring stitches. Healing was prolonged, and he was unable to work for over six months.
Travelers Insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurer, initially argued that our client was partially at fault due to lane splitting. GJEL Accident Attorneys countered this argument, emphasizing the legality of lane splitting in California and the absence of negligence on our client’s part.
Faced with significant medical bills (due to a lack of medical insurance) and lost income, our client sought legal representation from GJEL Accident Attorneys.
He sought answers to critical questions:
- Who would be responsible for his medical bills?
- How would he manage the financial burden and potential lost income?
- What if he faced permanent, life-altering injuries?
GJEL attorneys promptly evaluated the case and initiated a thorough investigation, including obtaining the police report from Dublin CHP and engaging private investigators and accident reconstruction experts.
Successful Settlement and Resolution
GJEL Accident Attorneys filed a lawsuit, anticipating the need for litigation to secure a fair resolution. As evidence was gathered, Travelers Insurance agreed to a $250,000 settlement before trial. Attorneys Jim Larsen and Andrew Gillin successfully navigated the case, securing a favorable outcome for our client.
Key Case Details:
- Insurance Companies: McGraw Insurance Services, Travelers Insurance
- Police Report: Dublin CHP
- Vehicles: 2007 Yamaha R6, 2013 Toyota Prius
- Accident Location: I-580 just west of Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA
- Medical Facilities: Paramedics Plus, Eden Medical Center, Alta East Bay Pathology, Central Valley Imaging Medical, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, Altamont Emergency Physicians, Sutter Gould Medical Group, Doctors Hospital of Manteca
- Injuries: Pain to right elbow, right and left knee, right ankle, right top of the ankle, left inner thigh, laceration to the left leg.
This case highlights the importance of understanding motorcycle laws, particularly lane splitting, and the necessity of holding negligent drivers accountable. Despite initial attempts by Travelers Insurance to shift blame, GJEL Accident Attorneys’ thorough investigation and expert analysis of the accident led to a successful $250,000 settlement for our client.
This outcome underscores the value of having experienced legal representation to navigate complex insurance disputes and ensure injured parties receive the compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing disputes with insurance companies. GJEL Accident Attorneys understands injured motorcyclists’ challenges and is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
We prioritize our clients’ well-being and work diligently to secure the maximum compensation possible, allowing them to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our dedicated team will thoroughly evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and fight for your rights. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Antioch office to schedule your legal consultation.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.