Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers and Attorneys in Los Angeles

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, you need the help of an experienced and aggressive team of attorneys. Heidari Law Group in Los Angeles is here to help you get compensation for the injustice that you’ve suffered. We help our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries. The right California attorney can make a difference in your case.

Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles could be very severe and cause lifelong injuries. For example, permanent injuries from a motorcycle accident may include paraplegia or traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries will need thousands of dollars in medical care, whether it is through surgeries or for future physical rehabilitation and therapy. Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the city of Los Angeles, California. In that case, you must have a Los Angeles lawyer representing your best interests. 

Our Los Angeles accident lawyers have been representing victims of accidents for decades and work to ensure that those responsible for motorcycle accidents are held accountable for the damages and compensation they cause. We have experience with all the different types of California and Los Angeles Vehicle Codes, as well as the consequences of various violations in terms of potential lawsuits. Call our attorneys to schedule a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your Los Angeles motorcycle accident claim today.

Common Motorcycle Accident Causes

• Inattentive Drivers / Other Vehicles – Motorcycles are significantly smaller than many other types of vehicles, making them harder for other drivers to spot. Many accidents occur each year because a driver fails to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot. Suppose a driver causes an accident because they failed to see the motorcycle around them. In that case, they may be responsible for negligence & their insurance provider may owe the motorcycle rider compensation for the damages suffered. These types of motorcycle accident cases happen every day, and many of them are caused by speeding, drunk, or distracted drivers. Using a phone while driving is a crime in itself in many states, but hitting a motorcycle on top of this falls under the category of negligence.
• Road & Weather Conditions – Potholes and heavy wind create much more dangerous conditions for motorcycles than for cars. Suppose your accident was caused by failure to maintain proper road conditions, such as in cases where debris, plant clippings, rubble, gravel, or another roadway defect is left on the road. In that case, your local or state government may be responsible for negligence.
• Vehicle / Mechanical Failure – Tire blowouts, electrical issues, or brake failure are mechanical issues that can lead to motorcycle accidents with devastating consequences for the rider. The motorcycle manufacturer that left the defect in the design or the mechanic who failed to ensure the vehicle was in working order may be held responsible for the damages caused by the motorcycle accident.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the California Transportation Department,

• There were around 3,000 different instances of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County in 2021. Many experts have also determined that this number should be significantly higher, considering that several motorcycle accidents are not reported daily
• Only 2% of registered motorcycles in Los Angeles are involved in an accident each year.
• Motorcyclists who are older than 50 years of age suffer more severe injuries, oftentimes even fatalities.
• The majority of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles occur at or near intersections. Reasons for this may include vehicles making improper left or right turns. 
• In total, there are around 8 million registered motorcycles in America.
• Almost 30% of all motorcycle accidents in America are considered to be fatal. 

Other causes of motorcycle accidents can include:

• Rider inexperience
• Speeding
• Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Tailgating
• Lane splitting
• Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic
• Distracted riding, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Riders involved in motorcycle accidents are often met with severe, life-ending, or permanent injuries. Since motorcyclists have little to no protection, impacting the road or another vehicle at high speed can result in catastrophic injuries for the rider.

• Crushed limbs, some requiring amputation
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries or permanent paralysis
• Road rash
• Physical scarring
• Broken bone injuries
• Serious burn injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Permanent organ damage or organ failure
• Skull fractures
• Lower & upper extremity injuries
• Lacerations
• Catastrophic injuries, including death

Our experienced motorcycle crash attorneys will navigate through the complex system to protect your rights. We will work to maximize your compensation. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not be required to pay until we secure compensation for you.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Getting into a motorcycle accident can be one of the most frightening things a person can go through. The first thing that happens is a complete shock to the body. You may or may not be aware of what has happened, and the last thing on your mind is filing paperwork. Your health and well-being are certainly the most essential items on the priority list.

Here are just a few steps you should follow right after getting into a motorcycle accident:

• Your safety is our top priority. Ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and understand what is happening. The worst thing that can happen is that you immediately get up after the accident and do not understand the severity of it. Make sure you get out of the danger zone, which is often considered the middle of the street, immediately after the accident. Just make sure you and anyone else who was affected is safe.
• Have someone call 911 and get paramedics to you if need be. Do not try to be “tough.”Your life is at stake, and you must take care of it. The medical personnel are happy to assist you.
• It is advised that you not remove any type of equipment, including your helmet, gear, or any other pads. The reason is that essential parts of your body need to stay protected (i.e., spine, neck, etc.).
• Stay calm and find the right person to help you. If you require immediate assistance and are confused about what to do or who to turn to, you should call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

Fault in California Motorcycle Accidents

California is a partial-fault state where both parties involved can be held partially liable if they are deemed to have both contributed to the accident. The degree to which each party is liable is determined by the percentage of fault for which they are considered to be responsible. This can be a complex determination, and there’s a good chance that not all parties will agree with the outcome.

When it comes to motorcycle accidents that occur when a motorcyclist is lane splitting in California, the rider is typically held at fault only when it can be proven that they were driving at reckless speeds for the prevailing traffic conditions. Unfortunately, determining fault in lane-splitting accidents may not be as simple as the topic is hotly contested by motorists, lawmakers, and motorcyclists alike.

Compensation for Damages from Motorcycle Accident Injuries

If another driver is found to be at fault for causing a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle may be entitled to recover financial compensation for various damages, including:

• Current & future medical expenses
• Repair costs for damage caused to the motorcycle
• Legal fees paid for the lawsuit
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss in quality of life or loss in companionship
• Disability-related costs, if there are any
• Loss of income or loss of employment
• Punitive damages
• Rental car fees, if there are any

In general, the more severe that the injuries are resulting from the motorcycle accident, the larger settlement a motorcyclist can receive. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that you get the full compensation that you are entitled to.

Is lane splitting legal in Los Angeles? 

Lane splitting is a practice that motorcyclists use to navigate roads efficiently when traveling from one place to another. Lane-splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes, on the marked line. In several states, lane splitting is considered illegal. But in the city of Los Angeles, lane splitting is legal.

Is it required to wear a helmet in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, all motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet when driving a motorcycle. However, other motorcycle gear, such as jackets and gloves, is not required. Instead, those types of articles of clothing are recommended. 

Should I wear a motorcycle jacket when riding a motorcycle in Los Angeles?

It is highly recommended that you wear a leather jacket when riding a motorcycle because not only will it help you when going through the different weather conditions in Los Angeles, but the leather jacket also acts as a protective barrier in the unfortunate event that you are thrown off the motorcycle and you are dragged against the ground. A motorcycle jacket helps prevent any scratches or burns in the case of an accident. 

Why contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

While living in Los Angeles, you may find yourself riding dangerous highways and crowded streets in the city. On average, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover substantially more from a personal injury case than without one.

There are many reasons why you should contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney after getting into an accident. Here are just a few:

• Dealing with an accident on your own is stressful. From working out the details of insurance to fighting with the person who hit you, it can place a significant toll on your well-being. Finding the right experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be the solution you’ve been looking for.
• Most of the time, insurance companies play a significant role in determining the financial outcome after an accident. There are times when the insurance company does not have your best interest in mind. It is essential to find the right Motorcycle Accident Attorney who genuinely cares.
• If, for any reason, the accident should be blamed on you, even if it is not necessarily your fault, you would be dealing with many different variables on your own. This can be unclear at this time, and you may not make the right decision. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make a significant difference.

Evidence That Can Help Build Your Case After a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident

Pieces of evidence that are important to gather before filing a personal injury case after a motorcycle accident may include:

• Photos of injuries suffered during the crash, both immediately after and later down the line
• Eyewitness statements
• The report filed by the police after the accident
• The motorcycle helmet was worn during the accident
• Photos of the wrecked motorcycle after the collision
• Cell phone records of the driver who collided with the motorcycle
• Any available footage from nearby drivers, store cameras, or road cameras

What to do after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles

• Make sure that you are out of the way of other oncoming vehicles. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident caused the motorcyclist to fly into the road. When this occurs, the possibility of another accident is at an all-time high. That is why we recommend, after an accident, evaluating the environment around you and getting out of the way to prevent another accident from happening.
• Move your motorcycle out of the way. If your bike is in the way of other oncoming vehicles, we recommend that you move it as soon as possible to prevent an accident with other third-party cars.
• Call 911 immediately. Usually, motorcycle accidents require immediate medical attention and response.
• Call the police immediately. A police report must be written for any accident in Los Angeles that causes more than $1,000 in property damage. This is a very low standard, especially since one minor damage could result in $1,000 in property damage bills.
• Take photos of the accident scene. One of the most challenging things you can do when explaining your accident is describing where the incident occurred. Taking pictures of the scene where the accident occurred in Los Angeles will assist you when describing the accident.
• Get the information. Getting the other vehicle driver’s information. Also, ensure that you obtain any witness contact information.
• Report the accident to your insurance company. Almost all insurance policies in California involve motorcycle accident coverage. If you have been involved in an accident, you must speak to your insurance carrier to report the accident as soon as possible. For more information, contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys for any assistance you may need in filing the claim.
• Ensure you attend all your medical appointments and physical therapy sessions. If you fail to go to any, it could be used against you.
• Contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys for more information and to determine the best course of action for your motorcycle accident. 

California Statute of Limitations in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists who suffer injuries from a motorcycle accident have a total of two years from the date of the collision or from the discovery of the injury(s) to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages suffered. The sooner the lawsuit is filed, the better, as information such as police reports and other evidence is more readily available closer to the time of the motorcycle accident.

Where do accidents occur in Los Angeles?

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, there are specific intersections where accidents are most likely to occur. These intersections are:

• Sherman Way and Woodman Avenue
• Sepulveda Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard
• Manchester Avenue & Figueroa Street
• Balboa Boulevard and Victory Boulevard
• Imperial Highway and Main Street
• Imperial Highway and Figueroa Street
• Tampa Avenue in Nordhoff Street

How are motorcycle accidents caused in Los Angeles?

One of the significant reasons why motorcycle accidents occur in Los Angeles is that many drivers on the road fail to allow motorcycles to pass through when lane splitting is legal in California. When other vehicles do not provide adequate space for motorcyclists to pass through, the motorcyclist may still decide to drive by the cars anyway, and is caught between two vehicles. This could be a harrowing collision.

Other reasons as to why motorcycle accidents occur in Los Angeles include:

• Poor road conditions
• Going in and out of traffic
• Slippery roads
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Tailgating
• Lane splitting

Unfortunately, there are several other reasons why motorcycle accidents could occur in Los Angeles. Regardless of how the accident occurs, motorcycle accidents rarely result in minor injuries. Because motorcyclists do not have a protective barrier around them, they may suffer severe and life-threatening injuries, with high medical costs needed to treat the injuries. 

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Me

We recognize that each accident is unique and requires individualized attention. That is what our top-rated personal injury attorneys are for. To demonstrate exactly how we will handle your case, we offer no-risk consultations, during which we review all the details involved in your case and outline our legal strategy to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

We work to defend our clients’ rights and have offices located in several areas of Los Angeles County. You can reach our Los Angeles motorcycle attorneys via email, in the office, or by phone.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in obtaining the legal help you need.

What other types of accidents do our Los Angeles attorneys handle? 

Our Los Angeles lawyers handle a variety of accidents other than motorcycle accidents, including:

• Trucking Accidents
• Airline & Plane Accidents
• Metro Bus Accidents
• DUI and Drunk Driving
• Slip & Fall Accidents
• Dog Bite Accidents
• Train Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Electric Scooter Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premises Liability Accidents
• Construction Accidents