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Motorcycle riders have less protection than other motorists on Stockton’s streets. They’re just like bicyclists who have no huge vehicle to shield them from the impact of a crash and rely solely on helmets for safety. So, when the unthinkable happens, and motorcycle riders find themselves in an unforeseen accident, the injuries are almost always devastating.
What’s worse is that stigma and unfair stereotypes about motorcyclists can affect how insurance providers and other drivers speak to or negotiate with you. Without legal counsel, it’s easy for them to undermine your story, blame you for the accident, and minimize your payout. And you have to deal with all of that while healing from physical injuries, too.
Don’t face the aftermath of a terrible motorcycle crash alone. Our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process to make sure your story is heard, and those liable for your injuries pay their dues. Dealing with a motorcycle accident and don’t know what to do next? Schedule an appointment with our team for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Many of the motorcycle accidents that happen on Stockton’s roads are completely preventable. Unfortunately, plenty of motorcycle riders, third-party drivers, and pedestrians get hurt anyway, and it’s all because of the negligence of some motorists. Here are some of the most frustrating yet common reasons motorcycle accidents occur in the first place:
At Thompson Law, our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers make it their mission to get you the full settlement amount you deserve.
Meeting that goal starts with collecting evidence. We’ll make every effort to gather police reports, witness statements, all your medical records, surveillance footage from the day of the road accident, and more. With the information we gather, we’ll determine who was at fault for your injuries and calculate the value of your claim.
As your official legal counsel, it’s also our duty to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We know how to talk to even the most aggressive adjusters without backing down. So, you never have to worry about us accepting a payment offer lower than what you deserve.
And if they don’t propose a fair settlement, we won’t be afraid to file a lawsuit for you to demand proper compensation in front of a judge and jury. We’ll work tirelessly to fight for your rights with a solid litigation strategy until you get the best settlement or court award possible.
Of course, we’re also here for moral support. Whatever questions or concerns you have throughout the legal process, we’re here to answer them. We’re your partners in reclaiming your life after a motorcycle accident, and we’re committed to getting you the justice you seek.
Want to know what else we can do to strengthen your case? Schedule a call with us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Stockton has traffic and safety laws in place specifically for motorcycles. These laws are designed to protect not only motorcycle riders but also every other vehicle or pedestrian sharing the road with them. Here’s a quick overview of some of these local laws.
Stockton’s Code of Ordinances § 10.28.020 mandates that motorcycles aren’t allowed on any public or private land in the city unless it’s an improved street constructed and approved by the City of Stockton. That means you can’t just ride your motorcycle on empty lots, dirt roads, fields, and more unless you are the owner of that private property. By limiting where motorcycles can drive to safer areas, the law reduces the risk of motorcycle accidents.
California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets every time they hit the road. This protects these motorists from severe head injuries.
Meanwhile, Stockton’s Code of Ordinances § 10.28.030 mandates the use of a well-maintained muffler for all motorcyclists. Mufflers help dissipate the loud noise motorcycles emit. Motorcyclists are also prohibited from using bypass tools and devices that make their vehicle louder than it should be. This lessens noise pollution on the road and promotes safer driving by not distracting other motorists or drowning out important road sounds, like sirens and horns.
The California Vehicle Code § 25650.5 dictates that every motorcycle manufactured and registered after January 1, 1978, should have one or two headlights. These lights should automatically turn on when the motorcycle engine starts. That means they should be turned on even in the daytime. This makes motorcycles much easier for other cars to see, thereby reducing road accidents.
Most of the time, either of the two parties involved in the accident are liable for the crash. Usually, it’s the bigger vehicle that fails to see or yield to the motorcycle. If the crash was because of poor road conditions, liability can also be put on the City of Stockton.
However, it’s important to remember that California follows comparative negligence laws. That means if you’re found partially at fault for the motorcycle accident you were involved in, the damages you receive will be reduced according to your degree of fault.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were also found to be 50% at fault for the accident, you take home $50,000 instead of the full amount.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Stockton can help demonstrate the other party’s liability in your case through these four steps:
There are many types of damages our lawyers can take into consideration when estimating the value of your claim. Here are just some that we can obtain compensation for on your behalf:
The more severe your injuries, the higher the damages you can obtain from the negligent party. Our lawyers can work with you to calculate the amount you deserve and fight relentlessly to make sure you get it.
Motorcycle riders have the same rights as other motorists on the road. We make it our mission to advocate for those rights. Our goal is to stand up for those injured in motorcycle accidents and make sure they get the justice and financial compensation they’re entitled to after someone else’s negligent actions.
It’s important to exercise the utmost care when traversing the roads of Stockton, especially if you’re riding a motorcycle. But there are some roads in particular that are extra risky, whether it’s because of heavy traffic in the area or the high speed at which vehicles go.
Here are some of the high-traffic, risky, accident-prone streets where you should stay extra alert when passing through on a motorcycle:
Not sure what your next move should be after getting involved in a road collision involving a motorcycle? Here’s exactly what you should do once you get your bearings and are able to spring into action:
Filing a lawsuit and talking to insurance companies to get compensated is very important, sure. But there’s nothing more crucial than getting top-quality care for your injuries, especially right after a motorcycle accident. Here’s where you can get the best medical care in Stockton, whether it’s immediately after the crash or later on while you’re recovering slowly:
No, you shouldn’t negotiate with their insurance provider without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind. Their ultimate goal is to minimize payouts, and they’ll do whatever it takes to give you the smallest compensation possible. That could mean blaming you with no concrete evidence and taking advantage of your kindness by lowballing you.
The best way to go about negotiating with an insurance adjuster is by seeking the guidance of a lawyer. Our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers can help estimate the actual value of your claim so you know if you’re being lowballed by insurance companies. We also step in and liaise with them on your behalf, and we won’t back down until you get a fair settlement.
At the scene of the motorcycle accident, everything you do or say can have a huge impact on your claim later. To protect your rights, it’s crucial to be aware of the biggest pitfalls to avoid, especially when it comes to talking to insurance companies that have tons of sneaky tactics up their sleeve. Be wary of these common mistakes that can make or break your case:
Insurance companies will seize every opportunity to pin the accident on you. So, if you apologize or admit fault to the other driver involved in the crash, it could be used to blame you later on. When you exchange information with the other motorist, try not to talk about the details of the accident or explain yourself in any way. Only talk to your attorney about the details of the incident.
Collecting evidence from the very start is pertinent for any road accident claim. Without photos and videos of the crash and your injuries, it can be difficult for the court to paint a picture of the extent of your pain and suffering. That can end up lowering the settlement amount.
You might think that hiring legal counsel is unnecessary, especially if your injuries are minor. However, handling insurance claims and legal processes can be very overwhelming when you’re trying to recover even from small injuries. A lawyer can help negotiate your settlement faster, allowing you to put this chapter behind you without stressing yourself out so much. Leave it to the experts, and you’ll get the best outcome possible for your case.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases after a motorcycle accident is two years after the road crash takes place. If you don’t file a lawsuit or attempt to make a claim within that timeframe, you could be barred from your right to receive compensation, even if the accident was very clearly not your fault.
If you’re suing a government entity, like the City of Stockton, the statute of limitations shrinks down to just six months. That makes it even more important to speak with an attorney and take legal action right away.
Healing from injuries after a motorcycle accident isn’t just about getting back into shape physically. It’s also about having your story heard and bringing those liable for your pain to justice. We’re here to do just that.
Our Stockton motorcycle accident lawyers help you with every legal move you make. That takes out the guesswork with talking to insurance companies and filing your paperwork. We’ll do the legwork while you rest, recover, and wait for us to fight the legal battle for you.
Let’s reclaim your life together. Contact us to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today!
The settlement amount you receive for a motorcycle accident depends heavily on the severity of your injuries. If you had minor injuries and minimal damage to your vehicle or other belongings, you might be awarded tens of thousands of dollars. But for more serious injuries that led to missed work days, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, or even a wrongful death, you’re looking at a settlement upwards of $500,000 to millions of dollars.
Although there’s a big stigma against motorcycle drivers, in most accidents, it’s actually a third-party vehicle that causes the crash. Motorcycles are small and speedy, so bigger cars often don’t notice them on the road, leading to an unexpected crash. Of course, every case is different, so it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who can accurately determine fault in your unique case.
Motorcycle accident lawyers in Stockton don’t typically charge a flat fee for their services. Instead, they work on a contingency fee. That means they take a percentage of the final amount you receive in settlement, typically between 25% and 40%. That gives you the opportunity to focus on your physical healing without stressing out about spending money on hiring legal counsel.
Yes, you do. Insurance companies are experts at twisting motorcycle accident cases to make it seem like you’re at fault, even when you think it very clearly isn’t. To avoid having to deal with insurance adjusters who lowball your payout, hire a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. That way, you can rest assured that you’re getting the true value of your claim, not a minimal payout.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
