Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Torrance, CA

FAQs

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

  The Torrance Police Department's non-emergency phone numbers are (310) 328-3456 and (310) 618-5641.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your police report by going to the Records Division in the main lobby of the Torrance Police Department at 3300 Civic Center Drive. You are encouraged to phone them first at (310) 618-5529 to check if the report is available. For $16, you can access your police report online by clicking the following link: https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home

• Can you wait for a while before suing a negligent government entity in Torrance, California, for causing a motorcycle accident?

  The statute of limitations in California for motorcycle accidents is two years. However, if the claim is against a government entity or agency, the time period is drastically shortened to just six months. This is called an administrative claim and must be filed using the government's form. They then have 45 days to respond to you. If your claim gets rejected within 45 days, you can now take your case to court. The statute of limitations will now start to run from the date the denial was mailed to you. In the event that you do not hear back from them or receive a rejection letter, the usual two-year statute applies, though it would be unwise to count on having two years to accomplish this.

• What if somebody who doesn't speak fluent English was ordered by a judge to attend a driving program/course in Torrance, California, after a motorcycle accident?

  You are encouraged to speak up and tell the judge about this in order for them to find a way for the program to be useful to you. Ask for the form called “LA-400 Service Not Available in My Language: Request to Change Court Order.” Once provided, all you have to do is fill out the questions asking about:

  1. Your name and the languages that you speak
  2. Your contact information
  3. Information about the court order from the judge

  You will then have to choose between asking the court to change your order or asking the court for more time to participate in the program. This is usually done when language assistance is available. If you know the exact date, you will be asked to provide this. Submit this form to the clerk of your court and keep a copy.

• Can you still sue the government of Torrance for a motorcycle accident if you've already missed the six-month deadline?

  There may still be a chance with the California Court of Appeals by petitioning the court for relief from section 945.4. Of course, this depends on the circumstances that led to you missing the time window, but there have been instances when denials of petition have been reversed. Again, this must be filed within six months from the date of the court rejecting your “Application to Present a Late Claim.”

• Can an injured motorcyclist still sue the other negligent driver for an accident in Torrance, even though their vehicles didn't collide?

  This is called a “no-contact” crash which happens mostly, ironically enough, because of the motorcyclist swerving to avoid crashing into something. And yes, you can still sue the other driver if it were proven that their negligence caused you to crash. For cases like this, the importance of hiring an attorney can't be understated as they would know how to establish that the other party is at fault, especially if the accident left you with serious injuries.

• Should recorded statements be given immediately after a motorcycle accident in Torrance, California?

  Insurance carriers ask for recorded statements to better understand what happened. Most of the time, all that is needed from you is your basic biographical information, such as your name and age. Beware of giving anything more than this, as whatever information you provide may be used against you. If, for example, you were asked if you were fine, and you responded with “yes,” then this may be used as justification that you don't need too much compensation. Additionally, you shouldn't be answering questions about your well-being after an accident if you haven't yet seen an attorney, especially a doctor, as some injuries take some time to develop signs and symptoms.

• 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.