Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Stockton

FAQs

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

  (209) 937-8377 is the non-emergency contact number of the Stockton police station.

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

  You may get a copy of an accident report in the records section of the Stockton Police Department. You can call (209) 937-8323 to request public records. When requesting an accident report, have the following information ready:

  • Report number
  • Name
  • Date, time, and location of the accident
  • Driver's license number
  • Vehicle plate number

• Do you still need a lawyer even if you are not seriously injured in a Stockton motorcycle accident?

  Yes. It is a good idea to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer even if you are not seriously injured. Not all injuries show right after an accident. Some injuries take hours, days, or weeks, so it is important to seek legal assistance to help you process your personal injury case.

• Does one have to file a motorcycle claim right away after the accident in Stockton?

  Injured riders are encouraged to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit as soon as possible. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340, all motorcycle claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Victims are given two years to file their claims from the date of the accident. If the plaintiff files a claim after the applicable statute of limitation expires, the judge will most likely dismiss the case.

• Who can be held accountable for a motorcycle accident in Stockton?

  At-fault parties in Stockton motorcycle accidents may include drivers, third-party drivers, manufacturers, distributors, and municipalities responsible for road maintenance. To determine which party to hold liable for victims' injuries, the legal team works with accident reconstruction experts and investigates to gather and review evidence, witness testimonies, and police reports.

• How much is a motorcycle accident claim in Stockton worth?

  The amount of compensation for a motorcycle accident in Stockton depends on how big the accident was and how extensive the victim's injuries were. The state of California follows a pure comparative negligence law, which means that victims' compensation is reduced by the percentage of their fault. For instance, if a victim has $100,000 in damages and is 20% at fault, they will only receive $80,000.

• Does one need to file a Stockton motorcycle accident report in the Department of Motor Vehicles?

  Yes. Collision cases that are over $1,000 in property damage and have caused serious injuries to individuals involved must be reported to the DMV. The report must be submitted within 10 days on a form called the "Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR1)". Failure to report the accident may result in driver's license suspension.

• 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.