805-962-1930 Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, you must know what an exciting feeling of freedom it offers. Some may say there is no such feeling as reaching high speeds and feeling the open air. Sadly, each year many motorcycle riders end up in motorcycle accidents. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be life-changing, as injuries may range from bone fractures to traumatic brain injuries or even wrongful deaths.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than other vehicle drivers. It is estimated that Los Angeles deals with an average of 255 motorcycle crashes a year. More than 50,000 people suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents, with approximately 3,000 people dying every year in the United States.
Unfortunately, no matter how safe and defensively you may ride your motorcycle, you will always be at the mercy of passenger vehicle drivers with whom you share the road. Some of the biggest dangers you could face when riding your motorcycle are drunk drivers, unmarked lane changes, or left turns. However, the number of risks is much larger.
When injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The faster you contact an attorney for your motorcycle accident case, the sooner you can focus on your recovery and get your life back to normal. After all, seeking fair compensation and pursuing justice for your damages and injuries is vital for your health and financial future.
No amount of money can undo the injuries you suffered following a motorcycle accident. Nevertheless, you do not deserve to take on the financial burden of someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior. This is where we step in. At Maho Prentice, LLP we are dedicated to helping victims fight for the compensation they are rightfully entitled to. You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer that truly cares about your case. Contact us at 805-962-1930 for a free consultation of your case, and let us fight for your rights!
Motorcycle Accident Laws in Los Angeles, California
The state of California is one of the few states that allows lane-splitting. Lane-splitting allows motorcycle riders to drive on the lane divider (the double yellow or white lane) between stopped or slowly moving vehicles. Although motorcyclists enjoy this practice as it allows them to ride faster through slow or stopped traffic, the reality is that it causes at least three deaths per year.
Lane-splitting is not legal per se in California, but the law that banned lane-splitting was removed, making the state neutral on this matter. To put it simply, California law neither allows nor disallows lane-splitting. According to the California Highway Patrol, the law does not regulate how motorcycle riders lane-split, but it encourages them always to be safe, prudent, and courteous of other drivers.
Some of the primary laws that every rider should consider and follow are:
- Every motorcyclist must have a Class M driver’s license.
- Every motorcyclist and their passengers must wear Department of Transportation (DOT) approved headgear. Failing to wear a helmet may become evidence against the plaintiff if attempting to seek compensation for a motorcycle injury.
To learn more about these laws, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
The Most Common Causes of Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur at any time, no matter how safe or cautious you may be. They can be caused by other drivers’ negligent actions, manufacturing defects, or hazards on the road. Motorcyclists are usually at a higher risk than other drivers because of their narrow profile and smaller size. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
#1. Poor Weather
Rain, snow, hail, or strong winds can make the roadway too dangerous for riders. The actions of other drivers in bad conditions are also a significant factor. For example, truck drivers typically drive fast, no matter if the roads are slick or visibility is poor. They may not have enough time to stop on wet roads, which could lead to fatal motorcycle accidents.
#2. Defective Parts
Manufacturers have an obligation to sell you a safe motorcycle; otherwise, the rider could end up in a motorcycle accident. Your motorcycle could have electrical problems, a tire blowout, or brake failure. If that happens, you could lose control of the motorcycle and crash into another vehicle. It is recommended to regularly check your ride to prevent such issues.
#3. Roadway Defects
Even a minor roadway defect can cause an accident. Suppose loose gravel, storm debris, an unsafe construction site, a pothole, or other roadway defects caused your motorcycle to crash. In that case, you could file a motorcycle accident claim against the City of Los Angeles for failing to maintain its roads properly.
#4. Violations of Motorcycle Rights
Some drivers fail to offer priority properly or cut the motorcyclist off, causing them to lose control and crash into a vehicle or get forced off the road.
The causes of Los Angeles motorcycle accidents also included speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, tailgating, and failure to yield.
Do not hesitate to speak with a Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorney from Maho Prentice, LLP if a motorcycle accident occurs. Our team of lawyers will be able to assist you with a motorcycle crash claim and deal with insurance companies.
The Most Severe Injuries to Motorcyclists
Motorcycle accident victims usually suffer severe injuries. As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, almost 80% of motorcycle crashes result in serious injuries or death. Additionally, some injuries may be permanent.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, seek immediate medical attention, as some of the injuries may be internal and could lead to death. Getting medical help is essential for both your health and your case. The medical records will serve as vital evidence of your injuries and will help you get fair compensation. Even if you feel alright after the motorcycle wreck, you still need a medical check-up as soon as possible. The most common motorcycle accident injuries are:
Traumatic Brain Injuries & Spinal Cord Injuries
Riders hit their heads in most motorcycle accidents, and the more severe the crash, the greater the trauma. A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain hits the skull and damages the brain tissue. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries could take motorcycle victims months or years to recover, and in some cases, they might end up with permanent disabilities.
Bone Fractures
If you have suffered bone fractures or broken bones, the injuries may keep you away from driving, going to work, or engaging in simple activities. Fractures sometimes require surgery, and doctors may need to insert metal rods to help your bone heal faster and heal properly. After surgery, constant medical attention is necessary, and patients might need significant recovery time.
Loss of Limbs
Some motorcycle injuries cannot be treated at all. Crushed limbs might be amputated and, if possible, replaced with a prosthetic. However, prosthetics come at a high price and might need replacement over time. Losing a body part can lead to emotional and physical consequences, so it is vital to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to seek compensation.
Internal Organ Damage
Some motorcycle accidents may include severe internal injuries, including broken ribs, broken pelvis, ruptured diaphragm, punctured lungs, liver or kidney damage, or abdominal aortic aneurysm. The injuries are not visible to the naked eye, so you should seek immediate medical attention because they could be life-threatening.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a motorcycle rider is dragged along a rough surface that damages layers of skin. They are similar to burn injuries and can cause permanent scars and damage to tendons, muscles, or ligaments. In such cases, you may need physical therapy and skin-graft surgery.
What Compensation Can I Expect to Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?
According to California laws, more than one person can be found responsible for a motorcycle accident. California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that the courts will assign a percentage of fault to each party involved based on the evidence.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. To significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement, consider working with our team of experienced personal injury attorneys. Check the testimonials on our website to see how we’ve helped people in similar situations. You can receive compensation for the following damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the costs of medical bills or any medical expenses that occur during the recovery process. You can seek compensation for past and future health care costs, travel expenses, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and surgeries. Economic damages also include compensation for your lost wages, repair or replacement costs for damaged property, and lost future earnings due to temporary or permanent disability.
By hiring our law firm, we will help you file your motorcycle accident injury claim that includes treatment records, medical receipts, and your wage records.
Non-Economic Damages
Non–economic damages refer to the intangible damages you suffered following a motorcycle accident. According to California law, you have the right to seek compensation for non-economic damages such as mental anguish, stress, pain and suffering, or anxiety. However, it is essential to know that it may be hard to quantify those losses.
Contact our law firm to handle motorcycle accident claims and legal matters for you.
What to Do After an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident?
We understand that a motorcycle accident may come as a shock, but you need to follow some basic steps to keep yourself safe and preserve evidence for a future personal injury claim.
The first step you need to take is to call an ambulance so you and the other victims involved in the motorcycle accident receive all the necessary medical care. The police will file a report including all information about your motorcycle accident case and the identities of all parties involved. You or your attorney can ask for a copy of that report when it is completed.
You must report any motorcycle accident in California to the police if it results in injuries, more than $1,000 in property damage, or motorcycle fatalities.
Obtain the other driver’s personal information, as well as their insurance information. Under no circumstances should you admit fault for the motorcycle crash.
If you are able to, the next step is to document the accident scene and gather as much information as possible. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, write down everything you remember, and think about what may help you in the long run. Contact your insurance company and let them know about the motorcycle accident, then seek the legal help of a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Our law firm will do whatever it can to get you the maximum compensation for your general damages, injuries, and other losses. Our top-rated Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on your recovery, therapy, or emotional struggles. All of these can be challenging to handle, but we can help you. Contact us without hesitation at 805-962-1930 to receive a free consultation.
What is the Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations in California?
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you need to act quickly to bring your personal injury claim to meet California’s statute of limitations. In California, all motorcycle accident victims with personal injury claims must file their lawsuits with the civil courts within two years from the motorcycle collision date or the injury discovery date. If you fail to bring a claim for an injury or wrongful death within two years, you will lose the right to get compensation.
We know you need to focus on your recovery and health, but you should not wait longer than two years to meet California’s statute of limitations. If you contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at Maho Prentice LLP, we will make the claim filing process faster and more efficient for you.
The sooner you contact our law firm, the sooner we can begin fighting for your rights and for the money you are rightfully entitled to. Get in touch with us today to take on your legal issues and help you get your life back on track. We will deal with any motorcycle accident cases out there.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
A motorcycle accident is a stressful and challenging event that may leave serious impacts on your life. For this reason, our firm offers free consultations for motorcycle accident victims to discuss all matters of the situation. We will listen to you to better understand your motorcycle accident case, and then a Los Angeles experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Maho Prentice LLP will consider all your options.
Before you sign any document or agreement, call 805-962-1930 to contact a motorcycle accident attorney to review your case so that they can fight to protect your rights. You do not have to take on the burden of advocating for yourself after going through the stress of a motorcycle crash.
We want to help you move forward after your devastating motorcycle accident. You can rest and heal while we do the heavy lifting for you. Speak to a Los Angeles motorcycle accident from Maho Prentice LLP about your motorcycle accident claim today. It’s time to get your life back to normal!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a motorcycle helmet effective in preventing a motorcycle accident?
According to statistics, motorcyclists who wear helmets reduce the risk of dying in a crash by 37%. Moreover, the chances of suffering a fatal head injury are reduced by 69%.
It is essential to know that California has a universal helmet law, stating that every motorcyclist and motorcycle passenger must wear a helmet while riding. In addition, the helmet must be federally approved for safety and fit on the wearer’s head. Failing to wear a motorcycle helmet in California can lead to traffic citations and fines. Moreover, the defendant can use your not wearing a helmet as a reason to blame you for your motorcycle injuries.
Who is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents While Lane Splitting?
Although studies have shown that lane splitting can reduce traffic congestion, save time, or help prevent rear-end collisions, others think that lane splitting is dangerous. California is the first state to allow motorcyclist lane splitting. But if a motorcycle rider in California lane splits recklessly, they can be held liable for an accident.
In such a case, California’s comparative negligence law could play a significant role in crashes that involve lane splitting. If the defendant has evidence that you were lane splitting recklessly or at high speed, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
At What Speed Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
As stated by the Governors Highway Safety Association, most motorcycle accidents occur at a speed of only 29.8 mph before impact and only 21.5 mph at the time of impact. The same studies show that in 2017, 32% of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Motorcycle Accident?
There is a slight chance of going to court when involved in a motorcycle accident. If you come to a settlement agreement with the other party involved in the motorcycle accident case, then you do not need to go to court. However, if you cannot settle, you will have to file a lawsuit, and your motorcycle accident attorney can take your case to court to get the best compensation available for your case. If you are represented by one of our motorcycle accident attorneys, the chance of a trial is low.