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 your 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 injuries. These types of injuries will need thousands of dollars in medical care, whether it is through surgeries, or for future physical rehabilitation and therapy. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident in the city of Los Angeles, California, it is important that you 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 make sure that those who are responsible for motorcycle accidents are held liable for damages and compensation. We have experience with all the different types of California and Los Angeles Vehicle Codes, and what violations will do in terms of a lawsuit. 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 much smaller than many other types of vehicles, so they can be harder for other drivers to spot. Many accidents are caused each year because a driver failed to see the motorcyclist in their blind spot. If a driver causes an accident because they failed to see the motorcycle around them, then 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. If 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 are left on the road, then 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 who left the defect in the design or the mechanic who failed to ensure that the vehicle was in working order may be able to 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 way higher considering that several motorcycle accidents are not reported on a daily basis.
• Only 2% of registered motorcycles in Los Angeles get into an accident each year.
• Motorcyclists that 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 serious, 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 have to pay until we win 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 know what has happened, and the last thing on your mind is to file paperwork. Your health and well-being is certainly the most important item on the priority list.

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

• Your safety is of the utmost priority. Make sure that you are well 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 not understand the severity of it. Make sure you get out of the danger zone, which could be considered the middle of the street right after the accident. Just make sure you and anyone else that 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 on the line and it is extremely important that you care for it. The medical personnel are happy to be of service.
• It is advised that you not remove any type of equipment, including your helmet, gear, or any other pads. The reason being is because important 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 are in need of 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 deemed 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 only held at fault when it can be proven that they were driving at reckless speeds for the state of the traffic. Unfortunately, the determination of fault in lane splitting accidents may not be so 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 to ensure that you get the full compensation that you are entitled to.

Is lane splitting legal in Los Angeles? 

Lane splitting is something that motorcyclists practice to get from one place to another when riding on roads. 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. But, other motorcycle gear such as jackets and gloves are 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, 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 floor. 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 that hit you can place a huge 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 can play a heavy role in deciding what the financial outcome is after an accident. There are times when the insurance company does not have your best interest in mind. It is important to find the right Motorcycle Accident Attorney who truly has 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 quite confusing during this time, and you may not make the right decision. Finding an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help make a difference.

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

Pieces of evidence that are important to gather up 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, motorcycle accidents 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 to evaluate the environment around you and to get out of the way to prevent another accident.
• Move your motorcycle out of the way. If your motorcycle is in the way of other oncoming vehicles, we recommend that you move it as soon as possible to prevent another accident with other third-party vehicles.
• Call 911 immediately. Usually, motorcycle accidents may need immediate medical treatment and response.
• Call the police immediately. A police report must be written for any accident in Los Angeles that suffers more than $1,000 in property damage. This is a very low standard, especially since one small damage could result in $1,000 in property damage bills.
• Take photos of the accident scene. One of the most difficult things you can do when explaining your accident is explaining where the incident occurred. Taking the pictures of where the accident occurred in Los Angeles will assist you when describing the accident.
• Get the information. Getting the other vehicle driver’s information. Make sure to also get 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, it is imperative that you speak to your insurance carrier to report the accident soon as possible. For more information, contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys for any assistance you may need filing the claim.
• Make sure you go to all your medical appointments and physical therapy appointments. 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 that suffer injuries from a motorcycle accident have a total of two years from within 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 are 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 major reasons why motorcycle accidents happen in Los Angeles is because several drivers on the road do not 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 very painful 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 takes place, motorcycle accidents never result in simple 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 know that each accident is different, and each requires individualized attention. That is what our top rated personal injury attorneys are for. To show you exactly how we will handle your case, we offer no risk consultations, where we will review all the details involved in your case, and what our legal strategy will be to make sure that you get compensated.

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

Contact us today to see how we can help you get 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