Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Thousand Oaks, CA

FAQs

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

  The Thousand Oaks is covered by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which is reachable at (805) 654-9511.

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

  The East County Patrol Station Records department is at 2101 East Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

• If I was not wearing a helmet when I was injured in Thousand Oaks, do I still have cause to sue?

  Yes, while the law of California applied in Thousand Oaks requires one to wear a helmet, this will not prevent your recovery of damages and result in a reduction of the award. A plaintiff who is partially at fault for a personal injury will suffer a proportional reduction in compensation, not a total denial like in stricter states.

• What are the common consequences of motorcycle accidents in Thousand Oaks?

  Motorcycle accidents in Thousand Oaks lead to damaged spinal cords and brain injuries that lead to impairments in quality of life and one's daily activities. Bones may be broken and necks wrecked, reducing ranges of motion. The victim's skin also suffers from road rash due to friction with the rough and hot road. At worst, the accident can result in a wrongful death.

• What is the best way to deal with insurance companies following a motorcycle accident in Thousand Oaks?

  The best way to deal with insurance companies in Thousand Oaks after a motorcycle accident is to refuse to speak with them in person and refer them to a lawyer. The adjuster's goal is to resolve the claim for damages as quickly as possible while releasing as little money as the insurer can get away with. Expect the indemnity firm to push for lowered payouts and accuse the victim of partial fault.

• What should motorcycle accident victims in Thousand Oaks do right after the collision?

  In Thousand Oaks, immediately contact the authorities and file a report, especially if anyone was hurt or killed during the incident. Whenever urgent medical care is needed, contact a professional emergency crew to obtain treatment. Also, obtain the contact and insurance details of the others at the scene and get in touch with a lawyer.

• Why should a motorcycle accident plaintiff in Thousand Oaks get a lawyer?

  A motorcycle accident victim in Thousand Oaks should get a lawyer to process the volumes of evidence supporting a claim for damages, ranging from doctors' papers to insurance documents. Attorneys are tied to expert witnesses like accident reconstruction crews who can craft the claimant's narrative for the court. A legal professional is also skilled in negotiating settlements.

• 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.