Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Huntington Beach, CA

FAQs

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

  The Huntington Police Department's non-emergency dispatch number is 714-960-8825.

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

  The Huntington Police Department Records bureau keeps reports at 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. An online portal is available for remote requests. If a fatality is involved parties may call 714-536-5641.

• What are the usual reasons behind motorcycle accidents in Huntington Beach?

  Driving while drunk is a common reason behind motorcycle mishaps Huntington Beach and inebriated drivers are prone to losing control and hitting motorcyclists. Distracted motorists pose risks due to increasing the amount of time needed to react to sudden events on the road. Mechanical failures also lead to accidents and the makers of faulty parts are exposed to liability.

• How much have motorcycle accidents won from accident cases in Huntington Beach and the state?

  In one Huntington Beach case caused by a tire failure, the claimant obtained a sum of $500,000. Within the state in general, plaintiffs in lane splitting and side-swipe collisions have been awarded up to $900,000. A sum of $12.2 million was recovered from the California Department of Transportation in a matter involving a poorly designed highway in Los Angeles.

• What do the damages in motorcycle accident cases from Huntington Beach cover?

  The damages in Huntington Beach cover the liquidated sums spent on the current and future medical care needed by motorcycle accident victims. The value of the destroyed property is subject to recovery including the cost of the plaintiff's bike. Rehabilitation expenses are also sought in lawsuits as are intangible harms like mental pain and lasting anguish.

• How are motorcycle accident lawyers in Huntington Beach paid?

  Motorcycle accident lawyers in Huntington Beach charge fees on a contingency basis and are only entitled to payment if a favorable outcome is obtained by the client. The attorney gets a cut of the payouts issued by the negligent party and the insurance company. It is also common for the initial consultation and case review to be given for free.

• Why is riding a motorcycle more dangerous for Huntington Beach Residents compared to occupying other vehicles?

  Motorcycles lack protective features that conventional cars have like sturdy exterior structures. Head injuries are common among Huntington Beach victims and helmeted individuals remain vulnerable to head and neck damage. The speed that motorcycles reach exerts a massive force on bodies that manifest when the bike suddenly stops, transferring the momentum to the biker and sending the latter flying.

• 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.