Do you need a motorcycle accident attorney Los Angeles? Though they only comprise a small percentage of total motor vehicle crashes, the California Office of Traffic Safety reports that motorcycle accidents are on the rise.
There was an 11 percent increase in fatalities from 494 in 2016 to 548 in 2017.
Another 14,400 motorcyclists were injured in crashes, some with catastrophic injuries that led to devastating losses.
At Starpoint Law, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles is dedicated to ensuring you get the highest possible compensation as the victim of a motorcycle crash.
We have extensive legal experience in dealing with insurance companies, but we’re equally prepared to take your claim to court if necessary to protect your rights.
Please contact our office to set up a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles. You may also find it helpful to review some important information on these cases.
LOS ANGELES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FAQ
Motorcycle Riders Face Unique Risks
Motorcyclists face safety risks in ways that other motorists don’t, the most obvious being the size and weight differential between the vehicles.
From a cursory look, you can see that even a compact car is larger than a motorcycle. Plus, the average passenger car is approximately 2,900 pounds, while a motorcycle weighs in at 604 pounds – about 80 percent less.
As you may expect, the rider is much more likely to be seriously injured in an accident involving a car and a motorcycle.
However, motorcyclists also encounter additional threats, such as:
- There’s no metal barrier to protect the motorcycle rider from the force of the other vehicle;
- A rider may wear a helmet and other safety gear, but this equipment does little to prevent injuries from a violent impact; and,
- California law allows lane splitting, in which motorcyclists can travel between two lanes of traffic. Many riders do exercise this maneuver, especially in heavy traffic or when stopped at a light. Unfortunately, other motorists aren’t expecting a rider to split lanes, so they don’t anticipate it and can cause an accident.
Many riders exercise the lane splitting maneuver, especially in heavy traffic or when stopped at a light. Unfortunately, other motorists aren’t expecting a rider to split lanes, so they don’t anticipate it, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
LOS ANGELES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FAQ
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In general, a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles happens because someone was driving carelessly or recklessly. Many of these incidents are caused by:
- Exceeding the speed limit or traveling too fast for conditions;
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;
- Failure to yield to a motorcycle rider; and,
- Other violations of California’s Rules of the Road
In addition, distracted driving has become a serious problem in California.
Though it’s against the law, motorists may text while driving, talk on the phone, post on social media, or engage in other risky acts.
They pose a threat to everyone on the road, including motorcycle riders.
Regardless of the specific causes, injury claims for motorcycle accidents are based upon the legal concept of negligence in Los Angeles.
To establish negligence, four essential elements must be satisfied with solid evidence. You must show that:
- The other motorist had a legal duty to drive safely;
- The person breached this duty by driving carelessly, violating the law, or engaging in risky conduct behind the wheel;
- The other motorist’s breach of duty was a direct cause of your motorcycle accident injuries, such that the crash wouldn’t have occurred but for the breach; and,
- You suffered losses because of your injuries.
A Los Angeles motorcycle injury attorney can help establish negligence in your case.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Los Angeles
There are many details to consider when determining fault in a motorcycle accident. Certain factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, including:
- Weather at the time of the accident;
- Whether either driver was distracted;
- How fast the motorcycle rider and other vehicle were driving; and
- Whether either of the drivers were impaired.
California is an at-fault state. This means that the party that is found to be at fault is legally required to compensate the other party for the damages caused in the collision. If multiple parties share liability in the accident, they will all be responsible for their percentage of fault.
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Lane Splitting in Los Angeles
California was the first state to make lane splitting legal. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle that has “two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.”
While lane splitting is legal, it can still be dangerous. It is important to pay full attention to the road and ride safely.
LOS ANGELES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FAQ
A Los Angeles Motorcycle Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
Based on the above factors, the likelihood of severe or catastrophic injuries is high for motorcycle riders.
Though the initial pain is excruciating, medical complications can linger for years or even a lifetime.
Head injuries, paralysis, amputations, and related injuries require extensive medical treatment, forcing bills to skyrocket.
Plus, a victim of a motorcycle accident may be unable to work.
You may be entitled to compensation for these losses, but these claims can be complicated.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles can handle the legal process, which involves the following steps.
Filing an Insurance Claim Following a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
Motorists in California are required to carry auto insurance to protect victims of crashes, including motorcycle riders.
The process starts with filling out the necessary forms and collecting supporting documentation, such as medical records, paychecks, and details on your income, and other paperwork.
The key is to provide sufficient evidence regarding the fault of the other driver and the severity of your injuries.
Still, regardless of the sufficiency of your supporting documents, an insurance company may still deny your claim or make a low counteroffer.
A Los Angeles motorcycle lawyer has the experience and skills to overcome challenges in the claims process.
Motorcycle Accident Los Angeles Litigation
If your attorney cannot reach a fair, reasonable settlement with an insurance company, the next step is taking the case to court. Litigation is very complicated, and you put your rights at risk if you don’t have a legal background. It’s wise to have legal representation to handle litigation tasks, including:
- Drafting the complaint to initiate the lawsuit;
- Appearing in court for status conferences and other hearings;
- Bringing motions on your behalf and defending those filed by the other party;
- Preparing and responding to discovery requests, including interrogatories and depositions; and,
- Representing you at trial.
Your Los Angeles motorcycle attorney will handle all aspects of your case.
LOS ANGELES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FAQ
Seek Compensation for Your Losses as a Motorcycle Accident Victim
Regardless of whether you settle your claim with an insurance company or must go to court, the available monetary damages are generally the same.
With help from a motorcycle injury lawyer in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to recover compensation for such losses as:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Losses that impact your personal relationships with your spouse, children, and other loved ones; and,
- Many more, depending on your circumstances.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will help assign a value to your case and calculate appropriate damages.
When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
It can be difficult to know when exactly you should seek legal help from a motorcycle accident lawyer. You should strongly consider hiring an attorney when:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle accident;
- The insurance company is offering an unfair settlement;
- The other driver did not have insurance; or
- The insurance company denies your claim.
Generally, you should try to hire an attorney soon after your accident. The sooner your attorney can begin working on your case, the stronger your case will be.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you need solid legal representation to fight for your rights. To learn more about your legal remedies, please contact Starpoint Law to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
We can explain how these cases work and why it’s critical to retain a motorcycle lawyer in Los Angeles to assist with your claim.
Aidin was fantastic throughout the legal process. He was very knowledgeable, diligent, and efficient, and was available whenever I had questions. He resolved my case quickly and I recommend him to anyone in need of personal injury litigation.:
- Derrick.
Read More Client TestimonialsFrequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Some common road hazards that can result in injury from a motorcycle accident include blind corners, speed bumps, uncovered drainage pits, poor sightlines, barrier curbing, low curbing, and cobblestones or pavers to name a few.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Starpoint Law work on a contingency fee. Many injury attorneys will work “on contingency,” which means that the attorney will handle your case without getting paid upfront and will only take attorney’s fees if the plaintiff obtains compensation through a settlement or jury verdict.
The likelihood of severe or catastrophic injuries is high for motorcycle riders. Head injuries, paralysis, amputations, and related injuries require extensive medical treatment, forcing bills to skyrocket. We can explain how these cases work and why it’s critical to retain a motorcycle lawyer in Los Angeles to assist with your claim.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney; Aidin Ghavimi
Aidin wanted to begin practicing law for one reason; to help those in Los Angeles County. Motorcycle accidents that result in injuries in Los Angeles can have a major impact on your future.