Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Long Beach, CA

FAQs

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

  The Long Beach Police Department's non-emergency line is +1 562-435-6711.

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

  People can request police reports concerning accidents at the Long Beach Police Department's records division, which is located at 400 West Broadway. The reports are usually completed in three weeks and cost $25.10.

• Can the city of Long Beach and its government be sued in motorcycle accident cases?

  Yes, Long Beach and its government entities can be charged if their negligence results in an accident. This involves their failure to prevent accidents on potentially dangerous roads by setting up proper safety measures and signs to inform motorcycle riders and other commuters of the hazards involved. In a motorcycle accident case in 2021 that resulted in the rider's death, the city was sued in late 2022 by the victim's family for the same reasons.

• How is comparative fault determined in motorcycle accident cases in Long Beach?

  Comparative fault in Long Beach motorcycle accident cases is determined by proving whether a victim was driving recklessly by speeding or tailgating at the time of the accident. Plaintiffs are also deemed partially liable for their own injuries if they fail to wear helmets or obey road signs and traffic signals prior to getting injured. In such cases, a victim's settlement can be deducted based on his or her apportioned fault in line with the state's pure comparative negligence laws.

• Is lane splitting illegal in Long Beach?

  No, lane splitting is not considered illegal in Long Beach, in line with traffic mandates throughout California. However, motorcycle riders should not drive at speeds greater than 10 miles per hour compared to other commuters. They must also not lane split when the flow of traffic exceeds 30 miles per hour. A rider who fails to follow these restrictions can be deemed partially liable if their actions result in an accident.

• Who can be sued in motorcycle accidents that are caused by poorly maintained properties in Long Beach?

  In case a motorcyclist in Long Beach dies from injuries in an accident before a personal injury claim is filed, his or her family can file a survival action claim. In such a claim, family members can recover the same damages the decedent would have been entitled to pursue in case he or she did not die. These damages include coverage for medical care and lost income between the date of the decedent's injury and passing.

• What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases in Long Beach?

  The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases in Long Beach is two years. It often begins at the date of the accident, though it can also start when complications from underlying injuries begin to manifest on a victim's part. If minors are involved, the statute only begins once they turn 18. In addition, it starts at the date of a victim's passing if the accident results in wrongful death.

• 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.