Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Sacramento

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Sacramento police station is (916) 808-5471.

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

  You can submit or fax your written request to the Records Division, or you can fill out a form in person. A police report, however, can only be obtained by an authorized person, such as the victim or their agent. The procedure will take three to four weeks, and once done, the report will be delivered to you. You can send it by mail or fax to:

  Police Department of Sacramento Request for Records Report

  Suite 100, 5770 Freeport Blvd. 95822 Sacramento, California Fax: (916) 808-0636

• How do you obtain compensation in Sacramento for your motorcycle accident injuries?

  Submitting a claim with the at-fault insurance company, which is financially liable for your damages, and filing a claim with your own insurance company are two ways to obtain compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries; however, if the settlements or payouts are not fair, filing a lawsuit in Sacramento will be necessary.

• Is it necessary to hire a Sacramento lawyer after a motorcycle accident?

  Victims should contact a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. California's statute of limitations only allows two years from the accident date to submit a claim for fair compensation. Filing claims within two weeks after the accident might give claims the best chance of success and avoid mistakes, particularly with insurance companies. Sacramento accident attorneys can assist victims in negotiations with insurance providers to obtain compensation.

• How long will it take before receiving a settlement in Sacramento?

  It will take between six months and two years to receive a settlement in Sacramento. A final settlement will take longer if a full trial is required. Although most cases settle before trial, trial preparation is just as crucial for getting a fair settlement as it is for winning a case at trial.

• Is Sacramento in a comparative negligence state?

  Yes. Similar to other states, California assigns liability through a comparative fault system. Even if a person is partially to blame for a motorcycle accident in Sacramento, they can still seek compensation. Financial recovery, however, will be reduced in proportion to their fault. Victims should not let an insurance company falsely accuse them of causing the accident. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer will be a smart idea because attorneys can assist them in gathering the necessary evidence to show liability and maximize the settlement or verdict.

• Who is liable in a motorcycle accident in Sacramento?

  Motorists are liable for failing to observe traffic laws in Sacramento, driving while distracted, or failing to watch for motorbikes on the road. Similarly, if a motorbike rider fails to respect traffic regulations, he or she may be held accountable. A motorcycle rider who does not wear a helmet may be held accountable for any head injury. If the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will also be held accountable.

• 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.