Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Simi Valley

FAQs

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

  People can contact the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950 for non-emergency queries.

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

  Residents can visit the Simi Valley Police Department's Records Counter between 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. to request for accident reports. The department is located at 3901 Alamo Street. In addition, people can send mailed requests for reports using information such as a driver's name and license number, as well as the date, time, and location of the accident in question.

• Are motorcycle accidents frequent occurrences within Simi Valley?

  Yes, motorcycle accidents are frequent in Simi Valley, with the city seeing an average of 20 crashes per year, or nearly twice a month. These add to the annual average of 200 accidents that occur throughout Ventura County, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Crashes and collisions often happen due to distracted, drunk, and aggressive driving, as well as speeding.

• Is it required for motorcyclists who are involved in an accident in Simi Valley to report it to the DMV?

  Yes, California law requires those involved in motorcycle accidents in Simi Valley to report the accident in question to the state DMV if there are injuries or property damage worth over $750. It also requires riders to file a report in case an accident leads to the death of a victim. If the incident involves an uninsured motorist, a plaintiff must submit an SR1 form as well to the DMV as proof for uninsured motorist coverage.

• Does lane splitting count as negligence on the part of those involved in a motorcycle accident in Simi Valley?

  Because the act of lane splitting is not illegal according to California law, a rider involved in an accident in Simi Valley can only be considered negligent if they did not follow the proper safety ordinances involved. This includes bobbing in and out of traffic, making unsafe turns, or blocking the path of another motorcycle or car while lane splitting. On the part of victims, such negligence can result in deductions to their potential damages.

• Are helmets required for motorcycle riders in Simi Valley?

  Yes, motorcyclists in Simi Valley are required to wear helmets, in accordance with California law. Such helmets must adhere to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and failure to wear a helmet results in a rider being penalized. In motorcycle accident cases, a victim can have their settlements reduced if they were not wearing a helmet, and especially if they have predominantly sustained head injuries as a result.

• Is motorcycle insurance mandatory for riders within Simi Valley?

  Yes, California law stipulates that all motorcycle owners in Simi Valley and the rest of the state must have motorcycle insurance. The minimum amounts required by local mandates are $15,000 for injuries or death per person and $30,000 per accident, as well as $5,000 for property damage. These can be compounded with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to help accident victims cover damages caused by a driver who has no liability insurance or whose coverage is insufficient.

• 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.