Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Downey, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Downey Police Department is (562) 861-0771.

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

  The Downey Police Department recognizes that going to the station and waiting in line can be inconvenient. Thus, accident reports are accessible online. If you wish to obtain a copy of your police record online, you must allow at least ten days from the date of the collision. Each report must be evaluated and authorized prior to dissemination. Online reports of traffic incidents that resulted in an arrest or fatality are unavailable.

• How long do you have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in Downey?

  In California, victims of motorcycle accidents have two years from the date of their accident to file a claim or lawsuit seeking monetary damages. In the event that a claim or lawsuit is not filed within two years, damages will not be recoverable. This legislative deadline is absolute, except for a few very limited exceptions. In order to ensure that you pursue compensation in a timely manner, it is crucial that you get legal counsel as soon as possible following your motorcycle accident in Downey.

• Can you file a claim against a motorcycle manufacturer for personal injury in Downey?

  Yes, you can sue the manufacturer after a motorcycle accident in Downey. However, to file a personal injury claim, you must demonstrate four aspects of product liability, namely: -There was a flaw in one of the motorcycle's components. -There was proper maintenance on the motorcycle involved in the collision. -You suffered losses or injuries. -A flaw was the cause of the motorcycle accident.

• What is the most common reason for motorcycle accidents in Downey?

  Motorcycle accidents in Downey are mainly the result of negligence. Cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles are involved in three-quarters of all motorcycle accidents in Downey. The top five driver negligence that leads to motorcycle accidents include speeding (29.5%), right-of-way violations (18.7%), improper left-hand turns (17.4%), driving under the influence (9.6%), and unsafe lane changes (5.8%). Other common reasons for motorcycle collisions are distracted driving, road hazards, and improper lane splitting.

• How can you prove fault in a Downey motorcycle accident?

  The California courts use the comparative fault law, which benefits everyone by allowing accident victims to seek compensation for their injuries, even if they partially caused the crash. However, the jury will allocate a percentage of fault to both drivers, which the judge will use to determine damages in Downey. In a traffic accident with a $100,000 damage determination and 30% fault, you would collect $70,000. Even if the courts find you to blame (over 50%), you can sue the other motorist for pain and suffering, lost pay, medical bills, property damage, etc.

• Which areas in Downey are accident-prone?

  A new study found that Downey is home to several of California's riskiest crossroads. The Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard intersection, which saw 36 crashes, 32 injuries, and no fatalities, came in at number four on the list. Its final "danger score" was 132.00, higher than the national average of 68.24. Additionally, other Downey intersections on the list included Florence Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, Florence Avenue and Old River School Road, Lakewood Boulevard and Stewart and Grey Road, Bellflower Boulevard and Imperial Highway, and Florence Avenue and Paramount Boulevard.

• 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.