Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Wichita

FAQs

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

  (316) 268-4221 is the non-emergency contact number for the Wichita police station.

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

  You can get a copy of a police report for an accident in Wichita on the 5th floor of the city hall at 455 N. Main. Reports can also be accessed at www.wichita.gov/accident.

• What documents do you need to file a motorcycle accident claim in Wichita?

  Law firms and adjusters in Wichita may ask for documents like insurance claim forms, accident photos, and medical and police reports. Witness statements, video surveillance, and witness statements are also helpful in assessing the actual value of damages and determining the at-fault parties. Victims may also be asked for their salary history to evaluate lost wages.

• What types of damages can you collect from insurance companies if you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Wichita?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Wichita are entitled to compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, property damages, and psychological trauma from insurance companies. They can also be paid for the treatment of fractured arms and legs, which are common injuries in motorcycle incidents. Charges from road rash, ligament, and spinal cord surgeries can also be reimbursed.

• What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Wichita?

  The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Wichita is lane splitting. However, the number of collisions caused by bikers changing lanes without checking if there is an approaching car is also high. Road hazards, including potholes, abandoned construction equipment, and badly tagged roadwork also contribute to biking incidents. Wichita Police Department reports that over seven motorcycle accident deaths happened in the first seven months of 2022 alone.

• How long does a motorcycle accident victim in Wichita have to file a claim?

  Survivors have up to two years to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in Wichita. However, getting help from a lawyer immediately is imperative to maximize damage recovery. According to the Court Statistics Project, it takes an average of 20 months before a victim can complete a lawsuit and receive a jury or court judgment.

• What can you do if you are hit by an uninsured motorcyclist in Wichita?

  Motorcyclists are required by Kansas law to have insurance. However, if a person is injured by an uninsured motorcyclist in Wichita, the at-fault party must use their own money to pay for the victim's medical expenses, property repair costs, lost wages, and suffering. Survivors can also seek compensation from their insurer to cover their financial needs.

• 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.