Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Riverside, CA

FAQs

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

  (951) 354-2007 is the non-emergency contact number of the Riverside Police Department.

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

  There are several ways to request a copy of a police report in Riverside. You can submit a request online at the local official website, make a request in person at one of the police stations, or mail a written request to their main stations at 4102 Orange St, CA 92501 and 10540 Magnolia Ave. Ste B, Riverside 92505.

• What happens to your motorcycle accident case in Riverside if it is found that you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

  Riverside is under California state law, which means all motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear a helmet at all times. If you are not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle crash, the court will hold you partially liable based on the comparative negligence theory. You can still receive compensation for your injuries, but being partially at fault will have an impact on how much you will get.

• What are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Riverside?

  Unregulated or unsafe driving, defective roadways, driving under the influence of a heavily intoxicating substance, and a driver's inattentiveness while on the road are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Riverside. Bad weather and a lack of proper motorcycle maintenance can also cause motorcycle collisions.

• Who should be held liable for your injuries in a motorcycle collision in Riverside?

  Several individuals or parties may be held liable for your injuries from a motorcycle accident in Riverside. To identify the at-fault parties, the cause of the crash should first be determined. For example, if the crash was due to defective roadways or any potential hazards on the road, the city of Riverside may be held directly responsible for your injuries.

• What are the types of legal compensation you may get in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Riverside?

  The type compensation you can receive in a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Riverside depends on the damages you incurred. Your injuries may have a long-term effect or completely change your living conditions. For this reason, your damage claims may include coverage for your medical needs and recovery, property damage, and total potential income loss.

• What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Riverside?

  If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in Riverside, the first thing you should do is check on all the parties involved in the crash and ask for medical help immediately. Contact the nearest local police station to report the accident. You should gather the other party's information if their negligence was to blame for the accident, because you will need it if you pursue a case or make a settlement request.

• 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.