Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana, CA

FAQs

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

  (714) 245-8049 is the non-emergency contact number for the Santa Ana Police Department.

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

  Copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents in Santa Ana can be obtained from the Records Division of the Santa Ana Police Department. Interested persons may fill out an online request for public records form routed to the Police Department. Requesters can also visit the Records Division at 60 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA, 92701.

• What kinds of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident qualify wounded plaintiffs in Santa Ana for financial compensation?

  Lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation bills are some of the damages that can be claimed after a motorcycle accident in Santa Ana. Plaintiffs can also pursue property damages to cover the loss of their motorcycles or the costs of repairing or replacing them. They are also entitled to punitive damages if their injuries were caused by drunk driving or operating vehicles in an illegal capacity.

• What are the factors considered in assessing the value of a motorcycle accident victim’s personal injury claim in Santa Ana?

  Economic and non-economic damages are added together to determine the value of a victim's personal injury claim in Santa Ana. These compensatory damages include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages against negligent parties can also be included in the claim to make an example of at-fault parties to deter others from acting similarly or committing similar wrongful behavior.

• How much do Santa Ana personal injury attorneys charge?

  The majority of personal injury law firms in Santa Ana work on a contingency fee basis. The term "contingency fee" refers to a type of fee arrangement in a case in which an attorney or firm agrees that the payment of legal fees will be contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. Such legal fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the compensation won for the injured plaintiff.

• How do motorcycle accident victims and their attorneys in Santa Ana prove in court how much pain and suffering they went through as a result of their accidents?

  By presenting evidence, such as records of visits to medical professionals and written opinions from physicians and mental health professionals, attorneys can show the extent of the physical and emotional suffering of their injured clients. Injured plaintiffs in Santa Ana must also provide a complete list of all medications prescribed in the aftermath of the accident, as well as which medications must be continued indefinitely, including medication for both physical and mental pain.

• Can motorcycle accident victims in Santa Ana represent themselves in personal injury claims?

  Yes, the law and the court allow injured riders to file, manage, and direct their lawsuits without a lawyer. This is called pro se legal representation whereby a person can argue on their own behalf in a civil case proceeding. Filing without legal representation might be problematic because the plaintiff loses out on the chance to receive legal advice and support.

• 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.