Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The number of casualties due to motorcycle accidents has soared in recent years. More than 1.2 million people received emergency medical care for motorcycle accidents between 2001 and 2008, and almost 25,000 people died as a result of motorcycle accidents in that same period. Younger adults were at the highest risk of dying or being injured in a crash, and the consequences can be life-altering.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, one of our seasoned Los Angeles motorcycle attorneys will fight for the compensation to which you are entitled and can help you get your life back on track. Motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or killed while riding than any other group of roadway users. More than 3,000 motorcyclists in Los Angeles are involved in crashes every year, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable due on our roads, but safe driving habits and proper personal protection can reduce the risk. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid all roadway dangers, and drivers who fail to yield the right of way, are distracted, or are aggressive can all threaten your life, well-being, and livelihood. We have helped motorcyclists who have suffered as a result of equipment failure, dangerous road conditions, sudden lane changes, tailgating, and other common causes of accidents.

We can help you too.

Let An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Help Your Case

Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles understand the unique needs of motorcyclists because we are motorcyclists. Many of our attorneys ride occasionally or regularly, which means that we are passionate about motorcyclists’ safety and well-being. We have seen firsthand how bikers are often easily overlooked by other roadway users and many times fail to get respect or consideration from other drivers.

We have also seen the long road that may be ahead of cyclists who are hurt or have lost loved ones in a crash. We use our real-life experiences to build strong cases for our clients and their loved ones. Suffering as a result of a motorcycle accident can be devastating, and you need someone strong, tough, and ready to advocate for your interests and fight for your rights.

We Offer Free and Convenient Consultations

Insurance companies may contact you immediately after the crash, but agreeing to any kind of compensation, admitting fault, or even just talking to them could keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident. You will not even need to come to our office; we can visit you at home or in the hospital to make it easier for you, especially while you are recuperating.

Your initial consultation with our Los Angeles motorcycle accident injury lawyers is always free, and we handle all litigation costs. You owe nothing to us until we obtain a satisfactory settlement agreement for you.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Without a roof, a steel frame, airbags, and other safety features, motorcyclists typically sustain some of the most serious injuries when they are involved in a crash. Accidents involving motorcycles are typically caused by the same negligent acts that cause other serious crashes on the road. The only difference is that without the safety features of other vehicles, bikers usually sustain much more serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are as follows:

•     Unsafe lane changes
•     Speeding
•     Biker or driver inexperience
•     Unsafe conditions
•     Reckless or distracted driving
•     Improper turns
•     Impaired visibility
•     Defective or malfunctioning motorcycles or motorcycle parts

Lane Splitting Under California Law

On August 19, 2016, Assembly Bill 51 was signed by the governor, effectively making the practice of lane splitting legal in the state. California was the first state in the country to enact such legislation.

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist moves between two other vehicles on a roadway, riding on the dividing line between two different lanes of traffic. Many negligent drivers try to use the practice to shift blame to the motorcyclist that was seriously injured in a crash. However, because lane splitting is legal, this cannot be used by negligent drivers as a defense.

Even though lane splitting is legal, there are limits to it that bikers should know about. For example, lane splitting is only legal when a roadway is divided into two or more marked lanes of traffic that are traveling in the same direction. Motorcyclists must also follow certain speed limits when lane splitting.

You Can Recover Compensation For Injuries You Sustained in a Motorcycle Accident

Financial compensation is designed to help you recover not only immediate financial losses but also any ongoing and potential future expenses you may face as a motorcycle accident victim. This can include costs for:

• Doctors’ bills
• Emergency room care
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Living expenses during recovery

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles

The days and weeks following a motorcycle accident are incredibly confusing. You may know that you can file a claim but to be successful with it, you must take certain steps to protect your case. The most important steps to take after a motorcycle crash are as follows:

•     Remain calm and do not say too much at the scene, such as apologizing or admitting you were at fault.
•     Move to a safe location, if possible, so you are not involved in a secondary accident.
•     Check yourself and others to determine if anyone was injured.
•     Call the police so they can visit the scene and write and file an official report.
•     Collect certain information, if you can, such as the driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
•     Take photographs and video footage of the scene, as these can be used as evidence when filing your claim.
•     Seek medical attention either at the scene or immediately after you leave, so your injuries are fully documented.
•     Report the accident to your insurance company, as your policy may require it and failure to do so could result in the cancellation of the policy.
•     Contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who can help file your claim and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Taking the above steps will help ensure that your case is as strong as possible from the outset so you have the best chance of success with your claim.

Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Will Fight For You

Negligence and recklessness are among the most common causes of motorcycle crashes. Car and truck drivers often claim they failed to see the motorcyclist they hit. They may even try to deflect blame onto the motorcyclist.

Whether your accident was due to a negligent, reckless, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired or irresponsible driver, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles will fight aggressively to protect you and get the maximum compensation possible for you. We will hold the responsible party or parties accountable for your injuries or loss, even if the accident was a result of a defective bike part, poor road conditions, or other factors outside your control. Call (213) 985-1120 to learn more about your legal options today.