Los Angeles presents unique challenges for motorcyclists navigating its congested freeways and busy streets. When motorcycle accidents occur, the consequences are often devastating – leaving riders with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertain futures. At Van Law Firm, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists recover the compensation they deserve after a crash.
Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles occur at an alarming rate. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. In Los Angeles County alone, hundreds of motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed each year, with several crashes occurring on major thoroughfares like the 405, 101, and 10 freeways.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers understand the unique vulnerabilities motorcyclists face. Unlike car occupants protected by airbags, seat belts, and a metal frame, riders often suffer direct impact injuries that can be life-altering. We have a proven track record of success representing motorcycle accident victims throughout Southern California, securing millions in compensation for our clients.
When you choose our firm, you’re not just getting legal representation – you’re gaining an advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Depend on Van Law Firm today to handle your motorcycle accident claim. Call us today: (626) 899-1000.
How Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You
After a motorcycle accident, our experienced attorneys can work diligently on your behalf to secure maximum compensation for all damages you’ve suffered. Our comprehensive approach focuses on documenting and proving every aspect of your losses to build the strongest possible case.
Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost wages – Compensation for time away from work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional trauma
- Property damage – Costs to repair or replace your motorcycle and damaged gear
- Loss of enjoyment of life – When injuries prevent participation in activities you once enjoyed
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse
- Punitive damages – In cases involving particularly egregious negligence
Our wrongful death lawyers in Los Angeles also provide compassionate representation for families who have lost loved ones in fatal motorcycle crashes.
We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and preparing for trial if necessary. Our attorneys understand California motorcycle laws and the specific challenges riders face in Los Angeles traffic. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial analysts to document the full extent of your damages and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving California, call (725) 900-9000
Important Legal Terms for Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Claims
Understanding the legal terminology associated with motorcycle accident claims can help you navigate the complex process more effectively. Here’s a glossary of key terms you’ll encounter:
- Negligence: The failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. In motorcycle accident cases, this might include a driver texting while driving or failing to check blind spots before changing lanes.
- Liability: Legal responsibility for damages. Determining liability is crucial in motorcycle accident cases and requires establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
- Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, you’ll receive $80,000.
- Damages: Financial compensation awarded to the injured party. Damages in motorcycle accident cases typically fall into two categories:
- Economic damages: Quantifiable losses like medical bills and lost wages
- Non-economic damages: Subjective losses like pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Insurance Bad Faith: When an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim. California law provides remedies when insurers act in bad faith, which is unfortunately common in motorcycle accident claims due to bias against riders.
- Statute of Limitations: The legal timeframe for filing a lawsuit. In California, motorcycle accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Discovery Rule: A legal principle that may extend the statute of limitations in cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent. This can be relevant in motorcycle accidents involving traumatic brain injuries that develop symptoms over time.
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California Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
Understanding the time limits for filing motorcycle accident claims in California is crucial to protecting your right to compensation. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you’re only seeking compensation for property damage, you have three years.
However, important exceptions exist:
- Government claims: If your accident involved a government vehicle or was caused by dangerous road conditions on public property, you must file an administrative claim with the appropriate government entity within six months of the accident.
- Discovery rule: In rare cases where injuries weren’t immediately discoverable, the statute may be extended to begin from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury.
- Minors: If the injured motorcyclist was under 18, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until they turn 18.
Failing to file within these deadlines typically means losing your right to seek compensation forever. This makes consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash essential. Early action also helps preserve critical evidence like witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the accident scene.
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Determining Fault in Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents
Establishing liability in Los Angeles motorcycle accidents often presents unique challenges due to California’s comparative negligence laws and common biases against motorcyclists. Understanding how fault is determined is crucial to maximizing your compensation.
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% responsible, you’ll receive $70,000.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face unfair blame due to stereotypes about rider behavior. Insurance companies frequently attempt to exploit these biases, claiming riders were speeding, lane splitting recklessly, or otherwise contributing to the accident.
Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers understand these challenges and work diligently to counter such arguments with solid evidence. We employ various strategies to establish liability with motorcyclists involved in car crashes. These include:
- Analyzing police reports and accident scene evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Obtaining surveillance or dashcam footage
- Examining vehicle damage patterns
- Reviewing medical records to correlate injuries with accident mechanics
Common fault scenarios in Los Angeles motorcycle accidents include drivers making left turns in front of motorcycles, unsafe lane changes on busy freeways, distracted driving, and opening car doors into motorcycle lanes. Each scenario requires specific evidence and legal arguments to establish liability and counter claims of comparative negligence.
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles presents unique hazards for motorcyclists, with specific traffic patterns and driving behaviors that contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents in the city. Understanding these common causes can help riders stay safer and strengthen potential legal claims.
- Lane splitting incidents: While legal in California, lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) accounts for many motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles. Drivers often fail to check for motorcyclists before changing lanes or may intentionally block riders from passing.
- Left-turn accidents: One of the most dangerous scenarios occurs when vehicles make left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, particularly at busy Los Angeles intersections like Wilshire and Westwood or Sunset and Highland. Drivers frequently misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or simply fail to see the rider.
- Distracted driving: With Los Angeles’ notorious traffic congestion, driver distraction is rampant. Texting, GPS use, and other distractions cause drivers to miss seeing motorcyclists, especially during rush hour on major arteries like the 405 and 101 freeways.
- Road hazards: Los Angeles streets often contain hazards particularly dangerous to motorcyclists, including potholes, construction debris, uneven pavement, and oil slicks. Areas like downtown construction zones and aging surface streets in older neighborhoods pose significant risks.
- Dooring accidents: In busy urban areas like Santa Monica and Venice, motorcyclists face the danger of drivers opening car doors without checking for approaching riders.
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers also handle cases involving commercial vehicles, which present additional dangers to motorcyclists due to their large blind spots and limited maneuverability in Los Angeles traffic.
Prevention strategies include maintaining high visibility with proper lighting and reflective gear, practicing defensive driving techniques, and staying alert to surrounding traffic patterns. However, even the most careful riders can become victims when other drivers act negligently.
Serious Injuries Common in Los Angeles Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries that can have life-altering consequences. Understanding these common injuries and their impact on your case is essential when seeking compensation.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with helmet use, motorcyclists often suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma. These injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory problems, personality changes, and long-term disability. California law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, but even protected riders can sustain TBIs in high-impact crashes.
- Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents commonly cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Our Los Angeles spinal cord injury lawyers have extensive experience documenting the lifelong costs associated with these catastrophic injuries, including ongoing medical care, home modifications, and assistive technologies.
- Road rash: When riders slide across pavement, the resulting abrasions can range from minor scrapes to severe, deep tissue damage requiring skin grafts. Serious road rash can lead to infection, permanent scarring, and nerve damage. Our burn injury attorneys in Los Angeles understand how to properly value these painful injuries.
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries: The direct impact of motorcycle accidents often results in multiple broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention, metal implants, and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, and spleen. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Each of these injuries requires specific medical documentation and expert testimony to establish their full impact on your life, including not just immediate treatment costs but long-term care needs, reduced earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. Our attorneys work with medical experts to comprehensively document these damages and ensure they’re fully accounted for in your compensation claim.
The Legal Process for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles
Navigating a motorcycle accident claim in Los Angeles involves several critical stages. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect and how to best protect your interests throughout your case.
1. Initial consultation and investigation
Your relationship with our Los Angeles law firm begins with a free consultation to evaluate your case. Upon retention, we immediately begin investigating your accident by:
- Obtaining police reports and accident records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Collecting photographic evidence
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing your medical records
- Identifying all potential liable parties
2. Medical treatment and documentation
While building your case, we can ensure that you receive proper medical care and maintain thorough documentation of all treatments, which serves as crucial evidence for your claim.
3. Insurance claim filing
We prepare and submit comprehensive claims to all relevant insurance companies, including detailed documentation of liability and damages.
4. Demand package preparation
Once your medical condition has stabilized, we prepare a demand package outlining the full extent of your damages and the compensation you deserve based on:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Other applicable damages
5. Negotiation phase
We engage in strategic negotiations with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. Los Angeles motorcycle cases often face particular resistance from insurers due to the high value of claims and bias against riders.
6. Litigation process (if necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate Los Angeles court. The litigation process involves:
- Discovery (exchanging information with the defense)
- Depositions (formal questioning under oath)
- Motions and hearings
- Mediation attempts
- Trial preparation
7. Trial
While most cases settle before trial, our experienced litigators are fully prepared to present your case to a Los Angeles jury if necessary. Los Angeles juries typically hear motorcycle accident cases in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or other Los Angeles Superior Court locations.
8. Settlement or verdict collection
After reaching a settlement or receiving a favorable verdict, we handle the collection and disbursement of your compensation, ensuring all medical liens and case expenses are properly addressed.
Throughout this process, which typically takes between several months to two years depending on case complexity and court schedules, we maintain regular communication and provide guidance at every step.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
Taking the right actions immediately following a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect yourself physically and legally:
1. Ensure safety and call 911
Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Los Angeles law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or significant property damage.
2. Seek medical attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get medical evaluation promptly. Some serious injuries, particularly head trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Los Angeles has excellent trauma centers, including Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center.
3. Document the accident scene
If you’re able, take photos of:
- All vehicles involved and their damage
- Your injuries
- Road conditions and any hazards
- Traffic signals or signs
- Skid marks or debris
- Weather and lighting conditions
4. Collect information
Gather contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Also collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements may be crucial to establishing liability.
5. Report to police
Ensure officers create an official report. In Los Angeles, you can request a copy of your accident report from the LAPD or CHP depending on jurisdiction.
6. Notify your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurance provider, but provide only basic facts. Do not give recorded statements without legal representation.
7. Preserve evidence
Keep your damaged motorcycle, helmet, and clothing in their post-accident condition. This physical evidence can be crucial for your case.
8. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney
Consult with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers.
9. Follow medical advice
Attend all follow-up appointments and complete recommended treatments. Gaps in medical care can be used by insurance companies to minimize your claim.
10. Document your recovery
Keep a journal documenting your pain, limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This can provide valuable evidence for non-economic damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims
How much is my Los Angeles motorcycle accident case worth?
Every case is unique, with value determined by factors including injury severity, long-term impact, liability clarity, available insurance coverage, and whether you were partially at fault. Cases involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage typically result in higher settlements, often ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
How do attorney fees work for motorcycle accident cases?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. Typically, the fee is a percentage of your recovery, which will be clearly outlined in our representation agreement.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my accident?
California law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Not wearing one may reduce your compensation under comparative negligence principles, as the defense may argue your injuries were worsened by this choice. However, you can still recover damages, particularly if the other party was primarily at fault.
How long will my motorcycle accident case take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity, injury severity, and whether settlement is possible. While some cases resolve in months, those requiring litigation typically take 1-2 years. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple parties may take longer, especially in Los Angeles County’s busy court system.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Initial offers from insurance companies are typically far below the true value of your claim. Before accepting any offer, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can evaluate whether it adequately compensates you for all current and future damages.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance. We can also investigate whether other parties share liability, such as vehicle manufacturers, government entities responsible for road conditions, or businesses if the accident involved a commercial vehicle.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows “pure comparative negligence,” allowing recovery even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you remain eligible for damages regardless of your share of responsibility.
Contact Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, don’t face this challenging time alone. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Van Law Firm are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Take the first step toward recovery by contacting Van Law Firm today. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need during this difficult time.
Don’t delay – California law limits the time you have to file a claim. Contact us now to protect your rights and start your journey toward justice and fair compensation: (626) 899-1000.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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