Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Fresno

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fresno, California?

  Dial (559) 621-7000 to call the Fresno Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Fresno, California?

  You may obtain a copy of your accident report through the public records request portal of the Fresno Police Department: https://www.fresno.gov/police/records-reports/.

• How much insurance coverage should motorcyclists get in Fresno?

  The minimum coverage thresholds for both drivers and motorcyclists in Fresno are (1) $15,000 for the death or injury to one person per accident, (2) $30,000 for the death or injury to multiple people per accident, and (3) $5,000 in property damage coverage. Motorcyclists may opt to purchase higher amounts of coverage in order to protect their assets following an accident they caused.

• Will you be fined for not having motorcycle insurance in Fresno?

  Yes, there are existing fines waiting for uninsured motorcycle drivers in Fresno, as well as for those who actually have insurance but fail to present proof when pulled over by authorities. The fines range from $100 to $2,000. To avoid running into these fines, comply with the state’s motorcycle insurance laws and always carry a copy of your policy whenever you are riding your motorcycle.

• Should you speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company after getting involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno?

  If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident in Fresno, it is advisable that you do not directly communicate and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company before seeking legal assistance. This is because the other party’s insurance company will not prioritize your best interests and might even pressure you into accepting a settlement offer lower than the amount you are entitled to. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer by your side is essential to ensure that your claim is not undervalued by insurance companies and the defendant’s legal team.

• How soon after getting involved in a motorcycle accident in Fresno should you file a lawsuit?

  If you figure in a motorcycle accident in Fresno, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This follows the state of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases, which include those resulting from motorcycle crashes. On the other hand, if you are looking to sue a government agency for contributing to the injuries you sustained in the accident, the deadline is only six months. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this time, you might not be able to recover damages.

• Can you still file a legal claim if you belatedly discover an injury from a motorcycle accident in Fresno?

  There is an existing “delayed discovery” rule in Fresno, which gives victims of motorcycle accidents the right to sue even after the normal statute of limitations has lapsed. If your injury was not discovered within the two-year window, you may be given an exemption. However, you will have to demonstrate or offer evidence as to why your injury was not discovered earlier.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.