Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

FAQs

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

  661-327-7111 is the Bakersfield Police Department non-emergency phone number and there are online portals for reporting incidents over the web.

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

  The Bakersfield Police Department keeps records at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301-5109. There is an online request portal for retrieving incident and crime reports and phone inquiries are possible at 661-326-3883 for traffic mishaps.

• What value does a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer add to my claim?

  A Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer is skilled at negotiating with insurance providers to prevent lowball offers that fail to cover the full extent of one's injuries. Personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency basis and earn a fraction of the negotiated settlement or litigation award, minimizing the impact on the victim's finances.

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

  Motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield are caused by swerving vehicles that cut bikers off. Drunk driving is a common issue and causes motorists to fail to yield or observe the speed limit. At worst, the driver is too intoxicated to see the motorcycle and causes life-altering bodily harm at best or death.

• What are the damages recoverable for motorcycle accident claims in Bakersfield?

  A motorcycle accident plaintiff in Bakersfield is entitled to restitution based on the cost of hospital bills and property damage sustained in a crash. Lost wages are recoverable for the unworked days resulting from medical treatment. Claims are possible for the emotional trauma that lingers after an incident, and the loss of consortium with one’s partner.

• Why is a motorcycle accident lawyer vital for cases in Bakersfield?

  Judges are prone to bias against motorbikers due to a lingering reputation for taking risks. Jurors prejudge motorcycle riders and need to be convinced that the victim was diligent and aware of the other vehicles on the road. Catastrophic harm is also often present and a lawyer is adept at negotiating the due compensation needed.

• Besides driver error, what are other reasons for motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield?

  A potential cause of motorcycle crashes in Bakersfield is bad weather. The reduced visibility and grip on the road reduce the ability to foresee and respond to dangers. Road maintenance is also an issue and poorly-kept highways are hazardous. For these reasons, the state imposes a universal helmet law and fines riders who violate it.

• 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.