Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Pasadena, CA

FAQs

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

  (626) 744-4241 is the non-emergency contact number for the Pasadena Police Department.

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

  Motorcycle accident victims can initiate a report request online on the Pasadena Police Department's webpage. They can also call the Pasadena Police Department’s Records Administrator at (626) 744–4555. To help the staff understand the accident report, the victims have to provide several pieces of information, including the subject, date, specific description of the accident, and complete contact information. The office can process requests in 10 days.

• What are the catastrophic injuries Pasadena motorcyclists sustain in motor vehicle collisions?

  Amputations, spinal cord damage, and brain injuries are among the devastating losses that Pasadena motorcycle riders and their passengers suffer because they have less protection compared to drivers and occupants of cars, buses, or trucks. Experienced personal injury lawyers help injured victims evaluate their cases and obtain the compensation that they are entitled to.

• Are Pasadena motorcycle riders still eligible for compensation if they were not wearing helmets when the accident occurred?

  Yes. The comparative negligence ruling in California enables motorcyclists in Pasadena to seek compensation if they are injured in a motorcycle accident, even if they were not wearing a helmet. Motorcycle accident lawyers guide victims through California’s comparative negligence standard to recover any portion of damages caused by the defendants. They negotiate offers in victims’ interests, provide industry context, and eliminate the burden of paperwork.

• How does California’s comparative fault rule affect motorcycle accident claims in Pasadena?

  The state’s comparative fault standard reduces the amount of compensation injured motorcycle riders in Pasadena receive from negligent parties because insurance companies try to place some of the faults back onto the plaintiff. The victims' financial compensation would be reduced according to their share of the blame for the accident.

• What is the average compensation for a motorcycle accident in Pasadena?

  There is no exact estimate for Pasadena motorcycle accident settlements, and the amounts vary from case to case. The settlement amount is determined by a number of factors, including medical expenses, the severity of the injuries, and lost income. Seventy-five percent of personal injury cases settle for less than $30,000, and some motorcycle accidents result in settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more when handled by an experienced personal injury attorney.

• How can Pasadena motorcycle accident victims prove that the negligent party was to blame for the accident?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Pasadena must argue that the defendants owed them a duty of care. The next issue to address is whether the defendants breached the duty of care by driving at high speed or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Injured plaintiffs also have to establish damages, such as lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

• 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.