Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Marin County

FAQs

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

  (415) 479-2311 is the non-emergency contact number for the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

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

  Copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents in Marin County can be obtained from the Central Marin Police Authority's Records Department, with the address at 250 Doherty Dr, Larkspur, CA 94939. A police report costs $10 and is usually ready for pick up in about seven to ten business days.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Marin County?

  Lane splitting, although legal in California, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and cars making left-hand turns are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Marin County. Motorcycle accidents can be disastrous for riders due to a lack of protection. Muscle damage, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries are common in motorcycle accidents.

• Why is drunk driving in motorcycle accident cases in Marin County more complicated than other types of personal injury cases?

  In drunk driving and driving under the influence (DUI) motorcycle accident cases in Marin County, defendants face not only criminal charges from the state but also civil claims from the victims they have injured. Driving while intoxicated increases the likelihood of an accident occurring and the extent of the resulting damage. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in fines, incarceration, and the loss of driving privileges for negligent drivers. Their penalties will also automatically increase if they injure or kill another person.

• What is the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage required in California to ensure that motorcycle accident victims in Marin County receive the compensation they deserve?

  California law requires every driver in Marin County to have a minimum coverage policy of $15,000 for physical injuries incurred by a single person, $30,000 for all persons injured in a single accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Drivers are also encouraged to buy underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

• Can Marin County motorcycle accident victims file a claim if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

  Yes, people injured in Marin County motorcycle accidents can file a claim because California's motorcycle helmet law has no effect on accident liability under the state's comparative negligence standard. This means that any party involved in a motorcycle accident can be assigned legal liability or financial responsibility. Personal injury claimants should watch out for insurance adjusters who may try to reduce or deny personal injury claims by asserting that helmet law violators are not entitled to compensation.

• How long do motorcycle accident victims in Marin County have to file an accident lawsuit against at-fault parties?

  Marin County motorcycle accident victims have two years from the time of the accident to file personal injury claims under the California Code of Civil Procedure sections 312–366. If a claim is not filed within this time frame, the victims of motorcycle accidents will be unable to recover compensation for their losses.

• 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.