Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Santa Monica

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Santa Monica Police Department is 310-395-9931.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your police report in Santa Monica by submitting a request in person, by phone, or online. Visit the Santa Monica Public Safety Facility at 333 Olympic Drive to request one in person. You can also call the Records Unit at 310-458-8431. For online requests, you should create an account at santamonicaca.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(chmacqx2iepb4222sgvb23zj))/supporthome.aspx and submit a Public Records Request. Reports are usually available within 10 days.

• What information should you give the insurance company after a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica?

  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica, you can provide your contact information and a brief description of your injuries to the insurance provider. Following that, you have the right to refuse to give any additional details about the accident without the assistance of a Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer.

• How much is your case worth if you are partially liable for a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica?

  If you are partially responsible for causing a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica, your potential case value is determined by the percentage of your liability. For instance, if you are 40% liable for the accident, the same percentage will be subtracted from your case value.

• How can your lawyer prove the nature and extent of your injuries after figuring in a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica?

  After being in a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica, your lawyer can prove the nature and extent of your injuries by presenting a variety of documents. These include medical records, medical bills, your statement, witness testimonies, and photos or videos of your injuries and property damage caused by the accident.

• How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Santa Monica?

  Under California law, personal injury lawyers can take about 33% or one-third of the settlement award for every successful case. In line with this, most motorcycle accident lawyers in Santa Monica operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that a lawyer will not charge their clients unless they have won their case.

• Who can receive financial compensation after a motorcycle accident in Santa Monica?

  Individuals who have been severely injured in a Santa Monica motorcycle accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver can receive financial compensation. Victims can file an injury claim for their physical and psychological injuries, such as impaired cognition, paralysis, chronic pain, mental or emotional trauma, and inability to generate income for themselves or their loved ones.

• 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.