Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hayward, CA

FAQs

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

  Call 510-293-7272 if the non-emergency incident occurred within the city borders of Hayward.

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

  To obtain a Police Report, submit a Request for Police Report via mail or in-person to: Hayward Police Department - Front Counter 300 W. Winton Ave. The Hayward Police Department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. but is closed on weekends and holidays. Reports must be picked up in person during these hours.

• How much can I expect to recover from a settlement or judgment following a Hayward motorcycle accident?

  There is no formula or standard procedure for estimating the potential settlement amount or jury verdict in a Hayward motorcycle accident case. It depends on various criteria, including liability, the kind and severity of injuries, the nature and severity of the permanent disability, economic losses, disfigurement, and embarrassment. While attorneys can make general estimates based on the outcomes of trials and settlements in similar instances, there is no accurate way to anticipate how much an injured person would recover in a specific case.

• What happens if the motorcycle accident in Hayward was caused by an employee or vehicle of the city or county?

  The California Government Code governs public entity claims. This code establishes particular administrative claim filing requirements and provides government bodies with statutory immunities and other protections. An individual who believes that the city or county was at fault for their motorcycle accident must immediately contact an attorney, since the period for filing claims against state and municipal agencies is the shortest (180 days).

• Under Hayward regulations, are motorbike accidents handled differently than automobile collisions?

  Generally, motorcycle accidents and automobile accidents are treated identically, but in practice, jurors are harsher and less lenient towards motorbike riders than they are towards automobile drivers. And this is frequently an unfair generalization. The jury sometimes perceives that the motorcyclist is reckless but, depending on your attorney's experience with Hayward motorcycle crash cases, these preconceptions can be overcome by establishing that the person was doing everything correctly, was just trying to get their destination, and was not at blame.

• Is filing a wrongful death claim different from filing a personal injury case following a motorcycle accident in Hayward?

  Personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims following motorcycle accidents differ in a number of ways. Hayward, CA, law permits certain parties, such as the surviving spouse or children, to claim compensation for wrongful death. In some instances, the plaintiff may be a parent or another person. In addition, the negligent person may face criminal penalties, especially if they were under the influence of alcohol or driving carelessly.

• After being harmed in a Hayward motorcycle accident, is it advised to deal with insurance companies directly?

  No, your attorneys should be the ones to handle all discussions with insurance companies following a Hayward motorcycle accident. Insurance company adjusters are trained to influence policyholders and are inclined to protect their companies' interests. In addition, you may say something that could incriminate you, consequently preventing insurance companies from compensating you fairly for your injuries and damages.

• 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.