Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Visalia

FAQs

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

  To report non-emergencies, call the Visalia Police Department at (559) 734-8116.

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

  You may get in touch with the Visalia Police Department's Records Unit at (559) 713-4222.

• What are the common injuries from motorcycle accidents in Visalia?

  Injuries from motorcycle accidents range from minor to catastrophic, and some of the most common ones include lacerations, bruises, amputations, and eye injuries. Visalia motorcycle accident victims are also at a serious risk for head and spinal cord injuries, catastrophic damage to internal organs, and death. Because injuries do not often manifest themselves immediately after an accident, victims must contact lawyers to discuss their legal alternatives.

• Is lane-splitting for motorcycles illegal in Visalia, CA?

  California has no law prohibiting lane splitting. A study by the Institution of California, Berkeley, even supports the notion that lane splitting is a safe approach as long as the motorcycle is not traveling 15 mph faster than traffic. However, lane splitting can also lead to assumptions of rider negligence and fault in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Visalia.

• If a motorcycle crash victim in Visalia accepts a check from an insurance company, can they still seek additional compensation later?

  No. If you accept an insurance company's settlement and cash the check, there is no way to reclaim extra money. In many circumstances, a rider may sustain neck or spine injuries and be unaware of them for days or even weeks following an accident. Also, what one may think is only minor surface damage to a motorcycle can turn out to be a substantial mechanical issue. Speaking with an attorney is advised before accepting offers from insurance companies.

• Can a family seek compensation if a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident in Visalia?

  Yes. Those who have lost a loved one in a Visalia motorcycle accident can file a wrongful death claim against a driver's insurance provider to recover financial compensation. Families can file a claim for reimbursements for burial costs, ambulance fees, and loss of emotional and economic support from the deceased.

• Can a rider sue for damages if he/she didn't wear a helmet and was in a motorbike accident in Visalia?

  Yes. A rider can still seek compensation even if he/she was not wearing a helmet when he/she was hit and injured by another driver. The rider may have to accept some responsibility for his/her injuries, but the other driver normally bears a considerably larger share of the blame. Under Visalia regulations, the rider might still be awarded a sizeable sum of money even with a reduced settlement.

• 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.