Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hollywood, CA

FAQs

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

  The Hollywood Community Police Station is reachable at 213-972-2971, while the LAPD's general non-emergency number is 877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273).

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

  The Hollywood Area Records Unit is reachable at 213-972-2977, and its station is at 1358 N. Wilcox Avenue.

• How do insurance companies in Hollywood pin the blame on motorcycle riders following an accident?

  An insurance company in Hollywood will put the blame on a motorcycle rider by alleging that the bike was splitting lanes when the collision occurred or was running around another car. The insurer may also accuse the claimant of making an illegal turn. These imputations are used to justify an outright or partial denial of a plaintiff's accident liability claim.

• What are the common kinds of damages that a motorcycle accident victim in Hollywood can claim?

  A motorcycle accident victim in Hollywood can claim quantifiable damages covering the wages they were unable to earn while recovering from their wounds, as well as their reduction in earning capacity due to physical impairments. Additionally, medical bills are recoverable, as are intangibles like the loss of consortium a spouse experiences once an injured partner passes away.

• Who are the parties liable for motorcycle accidents in Hollywood?

  The parties liable for motorcycle accidents in Hollywood are those who were negligent and whose misconduct caused the incident. These may be:

  • The manufacturer of defective motorcycle parts
  • Repair companies that inadequately fixed a vehicular problem that led to a collision
  • Government agencies and private employers whose employees caused the crash while on the clock

• How much time does a motorcycle accident plaintiff have to file a case before the courts in Hollywood?

  A motorcycle accident plaintiff must follow California law and file a suit in Hollywood no later than two years after the incident happened. If the injury was not readily apparent and was discovered at a later date, the two-year period does not begin until the diagnosis was made. Wrongful death suits are also counted from the date the victim died.

• Are the police and jury biased against motorcycle accident claimants in Hollywood?

  The police and juries in Hollywood and Los Angeles County can be biased against motorcycle accident claimants. There is a perception that riders are thrill-seekers, and this is worsened by an association with violent gangs. Cops have also been known to immediately pin the blame on a speeding biker even if the other driver has a comparative fault.

• 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.