Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Brie

29 Jan, 2023

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - California has the highest number of motorcyclists in the country, and it is unacceptable for drivers to treat them as inferior. Motorcycles have the same right to be on the roads in Los Angeles as any other type of vehicle, and drivers who behave as if they have ownership of the roads put motorcyclists in danger of serious, often fatal, injuries. In a collision with a car, truck, or bus, the motorcyclist usually bears the brunt of the impact and sustains the most physical injuries. While some motorcyclists may be fortunate enough to escape with just broken bones and road rash, others may suffer from debilitating and life-threatening injuries such as spinal cord damage and internal injuries, if they survive the accident at all.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have been involved in motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it is important to seek the help of a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it is important to seek the help of a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Can a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?

A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can help you in several ways after you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Here are some of the ways in which an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you:

Gathering evidence: A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
Filing a claim: A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Representation in court: If your case goes to court, a motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you and advocate for your rights.
Handling legal paperwork: A motorcycle accident lawyer can handle all the legal paperwork and documentation related to your case, freeing you up to focus on your recovery.
Providing legal advice: A motorcycle accident lawyer can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions about your case.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

There are many factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents in California. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents in the state include:

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in California. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may not see motorcycles or may not be paying attention to their surroundings, resulting in accidents.
Improper lane changes: Drivers who make sudden or improper lane changes can collide with motorcycles, especially if the motorcycle is in their blind spot.
Speeding: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to accidents when drivers are speeding, as they have less time to react to changing road conditions or other vehicles.
Alcohol and drug use: Drunk driving and drug use are major contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in California.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not able to react in time.
Mechanical failures: Sometimes, motorcycle accidents are caused by mechanical failures such as faulty brakes or tires.
Rider error: In some cases, motorcycle accidents are caused by the rider's own mistakes, such as riding too fast or making sudden lane changes.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, it is important to seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious and often life-threatening injuries. Some common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

Head injuries: Head injuries are a common result of motorcycle accidents, and can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
Neck injuries: Neck injuries such as whiplash and spinal cord injuries can occur in motorcycle accidents, and can result in long-term disability.
Broken bones: Motorcyclists are at risk of breaking bones in a collision, especially in their legs, arms, and ribs.
Road rash: Road rash is a type of abrasive injury that occurs when skin rubs against the pavement or other rough surface. Road rash can be severe, and may require medical treatment.
Internal injuries: Motorcyclists are at risk of internal injuries such as organ damage and internal bleeding in a collision.
Psychological injuries: Motorcycle accidents can also result in psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have sustained any of these injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

California Helmet Law and Motorcycle Accident Claims

In California, all motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The California helmet law applies to all riders, regardless of their age or experience level.

If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle accident and sustained injuries as a result, it is important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Your attorney can advise you on the potential impact of the California helmet law on your motorcycle accident claim and help you navigate the legal process.

It is worth noting that, even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries. However, the defense may argue that your injuries were more severe because you were not wearing a helmet, and this may affect the amount of damages that you are awarded.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in California and have questions about the impact of the helmet law on your claim, it is important to seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can provide you with legal advice and representation, helping you to secure the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents While Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. While some studies have shown that lane splitting can save time, reduce traffic congestion, and help prevent accidents such as rear-end collisions, many people believe it is dangerous for the motorcyclist and surrounding drivers. Lane splitting is a controversial issue among bikers, motorists, lawmakers, and safety organizations. California was the first state to legalize lane splitting, but motorcyclists can still be held liable for accidents that result from reckless lane splitting.

Under California's comparative negligence law, if the defendant in a motorcycle accident has evidence that the motorcyclist was lane splitting at an unreasonable speed or otherwise acting recklessly, this could lead to a reduced award of damages. However, if the motorcyclist was acting within their rights under California's lane-splitting law, lane splitting alone is unlikely to diminish their financial recovery. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles and lane splitting is a complicating factor, it is important to seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. The specific amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries and damages.

Some common types of damages that you may be able to recover in a motorcycle accident claim include:

Medical expenses: You may be able to recover compensation for any medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses you have incurred as a result of your injuries.
Lost wages: If you have missed work as a result of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and other income.
Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Property damage: If your motorcycle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for repair or replacement costs.
Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages for wrongful death, including loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, and other damages.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it is important to seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

What Is the Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that a person who has been injured in a motorcycle accident must file a lawsuit seeking damages for their injuries within two years of the date of the accident.

It's important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until the person turns 18. Additionally, if the injury was not discovered until some time after the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended to allow the injured person to file a lawsuit within two years of the date the injury was discovered.

It's always a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the specific deadlines that may apply to your case. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and advise you on the best course of action to take to protect your rights.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the medical care and financial compensation you need.

Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a motorcycle accident. If you are seriously injured, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital for treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you receive proper treatment and to document your injuries for potential legal action.
Document the accident: If you are able to do so, gather as much information as possible about the accident. Take photos of the scene, including any damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Write down the names and badge numbers of any police officers who responded to the scene.
Report the accident: If the accident resulted in injury or property damage, you are required by law to report it to the California Highway Patrol or the Los Angeles Police Department. You should also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Consult with an attorney: It's a good idea to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to understand your legal options and to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company and file a lawsuit if necessary.
Keep track of your damages: Keep records of all of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident. These records will be important if you need to file a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses.