Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Santa Rosa, CA

FAQs

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

  (707) 528-5222 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Rosa.

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

  You can print out the Report Request Form, fill it out, and either mail it in with a $2 payment or turn it into the Records Counter Monday-Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

• What should you do if you are a victim of a motorcycle accident in Santa Rosa?

  If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident in Santa Rosa, call a local police department or the Highway Patrol. Photograph the crash site and the vehicles involved. Find and obtain the name, address, and phone number of the potential witnesses. Contact your insurance provider. Additionally, hire an experienced Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorney to assist you in filing a claim and pursuing fair compensation.

• What injuries do motorcycle accident victims suffer in Santa Rosa?

  Motorcycle accident victims in Santa Rosa may suffer serious injuries during accidents. Some of them include broken bones, soft tissue damage, and spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, lacerations, internal bleeding, organ damage, and facial disfigurement.

• How many years after a motorcycle accident can you file a claim in Santa Rosa?

  Like other personal injury cases, motorcycle accident claims must be filed within two years of the event or accident. However, if the negligent or liable party who caused your accident is associated with a government agency, such as a fire or police vehicle, a claim must be filed with the appropriate governmental entity within six months of the incident. If you do not file your claim against a public entity within the six-month statute of limitations, your claim will be barred and you will not be compensated.

• Who can be held liable for motorcycle accident injuries in Santa Rosa?

  Whoever caused the accident may be held liable for your losses. This could be another driver or motorcyclist, a pedestrian, a manufacturer of defective motorcycle parts, or even the city or another government agency. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Santa Rosa can help you determine if you have a potential insurance claim against a negligent party. Attorneys can listen to your story and advise you on how to file a claim against the responsible parties

• How can motorcycle accident attorneys in Santa Rosa help you?

  An experienced Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to punitive damages. If a loved one died in a fatal motorcycle accident, survivors may file a wrongful death claim against the party who caused the accident. Lawyers represent you and can assist you in recovering financial losses due to medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurance provider refuses to pay just compensation, they will take your case to court and fight for your legal rights.

• 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.