While riding a motorcycle can be an exciting way to get around Los Angeles, it is critical for bikers to remain visible and drive safely due to the heavy traffic and busy roads. However, no matter how carefully you ride your motorcycle, a motorcycle accident can still occur if someone else neglects their duty of care. If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you deserve aggressive representation that will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
At Callahan & Blaine, each Los Angeles personal injury lawyer on our robust team is an experienced attorney with at least eight years of experience, so we understand how to handle your motorcycle accident claim, regardless of the size or scope. With our 40-year legacy and extensive knowledge of insurance law, our team can develop innovative strategies to negotiate with insurance company adjusters and take your claim to trial if necessary. We have achieved unprecedented jury verdicts, including the largest bad faith insurance judgment in Orange County history worth $58 million. Therefore, you can trust us to manage your claim while you focus on recovery. Our firm is dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation for every client we represent.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are a significant concern in Los Angeles, where heavy traffic and a high number of motorcycle riders make the roads especially hazardous. Unlike drivers of other vehicles, motorcyclists are more exposed and vulnerable, which means that even a minor collision can result in serious injuries or substantial property damage. According to the California Highway Patrol, motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are more likely to lead to severe injuries or fatalities than other types of auto accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Navigating a motorcycle accident claim can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your compensation. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will fight for your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. With the right legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal challenges on your behalf.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
There are many factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles, making it essential to understand what may have caused your motorcycle crash. One of the leading causes is the negligence of other drivers, who often fail to notice motorcycle riders due to distracted driving, not checking blind spots, or simply not respecting a motorcyclist’s right of way. Lane splitting, which is permitted under California law, can also increase the risk of accidents if either the motorcyclist or other drivers are not paying close attention or following traffic laws.
Other common causes include hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris, and defective motorcycle parts that can lead to sudden mechanical failures. Speeding, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic signals are additional factors that frequently result in motorcycle collisions. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles can thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all responsible parties, and build a strong case to help you seek compensation for your losses.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Required Medical Treatment
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and can have a lasting impact on your life. Common motorcycle accident injuries include road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury. In the most tragic cases, fatal motorcycle accidents can result in fatal injuries, leaving families to cope with devastating loss. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into more significant injuries if not treated promptly.
Seeking immediate medical treatment after a motorcycle accident is essential, not only for your health but also for your motorcycle accident injury claim. Some injuries, such as brain injuries or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. A personal injury attorney can help ensure that your medical bills are covered by the other party’s insurance company and that you receive compensation for all necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future care. By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team handles the complexities of your motorcycle accident case.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Their Impact
Understanding the specific type of motorcycle accident you were involved in can help your motorcycle accident attorney build a stronger case. Some common types of motorcycle accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
These occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind, often due to following too closely or distracted driving. These motorcycle crashes can result in severe whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and other trauma to the rider.
Left-Turn Accidents
A significant number of motorcycle collisions happen when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. These accidents often result in side-impact collisions that can cause serious injuries or even fatal injuries to the rider.
Head-On Collisions
Perhaps the most dangerous type of motorcycle accident, head-on collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically occur when a vehicle crosses the center line or travels in the wrong direction.
Lane-Splitting Accidents
Though legal in California, lane splitting can lead to accidents if other drivers change lanes without checking or if the motorcyclist navigates too quickly between vehicles.
Each type of accident presents unique challenges in terms of proving liability and securing compensation. A skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney can help accident victims understand their legal options based on the specific circumstances of their accident.
Understanding California Motorcycle Laws
Before filing your claim, our knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers help you understand important California motorcycle accident law that may affect your case. Our firm has extensive expertise in motorcycle accident law specific to California, ensuring you receive guidance tailored to your situation. Personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents are subject to specific legal requirements, including deadlines and liability rules. This way, you can better understand your claim and the complex legal process. Some laws that could apply to your claim include the following:
Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
The motorcycle accident statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims after a motorcycle accident. In California, victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
California Helmet Law
The California helmet law requires all riders to wear approved helmets and can impact liability and damages in your claim. If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, it could affect your ability to recover full compensation, even if another party was primarily at fault.
Pure Comparative Negligence Law
California’s pure comparative negligence law determines how fault is allocated and how compensation is calculated if you are partially at fault for the accident. This system allows accident victims to recover damages even if they share some responsibility for the accident, though their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
California’s At-Fault System for Motorcycle Accidents
California is an at-fault state, so whoever caused the motorcycle accident and your injuries is responsible for paying your damages. This means identifying a liable party and gathering evidence to prove their negligence is crucial for collecting compensation. Communicating with the other party’s insurance company is a key step in the claims process, as they may try to minimize your payout or dispute fault. Our skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers understand how to deal with insurance adjusters from the party’s insurance company and build strong claims to demonstrate fault.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Motorcycle Accident Case
In many motorcycle accidents, multiple parties are responsible. In these cases, California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which assigns each party a percentage of fault that gets deducted from their respective damages. For example, if you are 15% at fault for the collision, your compensation is reduced by 15%. We understand this system and how to navigate it effectively to ensure you are treated fairly.
The Importance of Acting Quickly: Statute of Limitations
Acting quickly after a motorcycle accident is essential due to California law’s two-year statute of limitations. While this may seem like plenty of time, your recovery and the intricacies of the legal process can make it difficult to meet this deadline without a LA motorcycle accident lawyer’s help. We work efficiently to file your claim on time while you focus on recovery.
Recoverable Damages After Suffering Injuries in a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident
Due to motorcyclists’ lack of protection, injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident tend to be more severe, leading to more damages and higher value claims. A victim may seek compensation for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers understand how to accurately calculate your claim’s worth to give you the best chance of receiving compensation for your losses, which may include the following:
Economic Damages
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits from missed work
- Lost income
- Ambulance ride
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Assistive medical devices
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
When determining your claim’s value, we consider every detail based on the information we collect so we can include current damages and potential future expenses. Significant injuries, catastrophic injury, and catastrophic injuries can greatly increase the value of your claim due to their life-altering impact. Properly documenting personal injuries and motorcycle injuries is crucial for supporting your insurance claim. Accident victims should file insurance claims promptly to maximize their recovery. Your injuries may have a long-term impact, so we fight tirelessly with insurance companies to ensure your settlement reflects the true extent of your losses.
The Long-Term Impact of Serious Motorcycle Injuries
Many motorcycle accident victims face long-term consequences from their injuries. Traumatic brain injury and brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive rehabilitation and home modifications. Even seemingly minor injuries like road rash can lead to infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring if not properly treated.
Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers work with medical experts to fully understand the long-term implications of your injuries. This comprehensive approach ensures that your settlement accounts for not just your immediate medical bills but also future care needs, potential lost earning capacity, and the overall impact on your quality of life. By taking a forward-looking approach to your case, we help secure the financial resources you’ll need for your entire recovery journey.
Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly strengthen your claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Even if you think your injuries are minor, some serious conditions may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the accident to law enforcement – A police report provides an official record of the accident happened and can be valuable evidence for your claim.
- Gather evidence at the scene – If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signage.
- Exchange information – Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, as well as contact information from any witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
- Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney – Before accepting any settlement offers, speak with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who can evaluate your claim and advise you on your legal options.
- Keep detailed records – Document all medical treatment, expenses, and how your injuries impact your daily life.
Following these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your position when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Callahan & Blaine to Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Finding a trustworthy, seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to help with your motorcycle accident claim is not always easy, but with Callahan & Blaine, you can feel confident and comfortable with your decision to work with us. As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys and skilled motorcycle injury lawyers, we have built a strong reputation for successfully representing clients in complex motorcycle accident cases. Our firm has handled numerous claims under California motorcycle accident law, ensuring our clients understand their rights and receive the compensation they deserve. When facing the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim, it is crucial to hire a dedicated motorcycle attorney or a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney with the expertise and resources to navigate the legal process effectively. We always have your best interest in mind and use our expertise to help you achieve a successful outcome. Additionally, we set ourselves apart from other firms in the following ways:
Insurance Knowledge and Expertise
Our Managing Partner, Edward Susolik, is one of the leading insurance experts in the United States and has handled over 1500 mediations in the last 33 years, making us uniquely positioned to take on your claim and develop effective solutions to negotiate with insurance adjusters.
Our firm is highly skilled at managing insurance claims and can assist clients when an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. We have extensive experience navigating the insurance claim process for motorcycle accident victims, ensuring that insurance claims are properly handled and clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Unmatched Trial Experience
We are trial lawyers at our core, and with several multi-million dollar settlements, we are fully prepared to present your case to a judge and jury if needed. If a traffic collision or accident happened and a settlement cannot be reached, our firm is ready to take personal injury claims to trial to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Record-Breaking Results
We have obtained many remarkable jury verdicts, including Orange County’s largest judgment of $934 million and a stunning 12-0 defense result after a two-month trial in a major employment case brought against one of Orange County’s largest corporations. Our firm is dedicated to helping clients seek compensation and achieve maximum compensation, using proven legal strategies and aggressive advocacy to secure record-breaking results.
We take an aggressive, comprehensive approach to your claim, fiercely advocating for your rights from start to finish. Our exceptional legal services take the weight of your legal burdens off your shoulders so you can have a stress-free recovery.
Understanding the Motorcycle Accident Claim Process
The process of pursuing a motorcycle accident claim can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers guide you through each step:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a free consultation to evaluate your case, discuss your legal options, and answer your questions.
- Investigation: Our team thoroughly investigates your accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
- Documentation of Damages: We work with medical professionals, economists, and other experts to document all your damages, including current and future medical needs, lost income, and non-economic damages.
- Insurance Negotiations: Our attorneys handle all communications with the insurance company, using our expertise to negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
- Litigation if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.
Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved while handling the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles? Contact the Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine Today
Navigating the complexities of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but with the high-quality assistance of Callahan & Blaine’s team of skilled lawyers, you are not alone. If you are a motorcycle accident victim, contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated motorcycle attorney or our experienced motorcycle injury lawyers. Our firm handles cases involving fatal motorcycle accidents, motorcycle fatalities, and fatal injuries, including wrongful death claims. We represent motorcycle riders in accidents involving other vehicles, including cases where the motorcyclist’s right of way was violated. We handle a wide range of cases, including motorcycle collision, motorcycle crash, motorcycle crashes, road rash injury, spinal cord injury, head injury, brain injury, and traumatic brain injury.
Our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal services has been a driving factor in our 40-year legacy. With our skills, knowledge, resources, and proven track record of success, you can rest assured your claim is in the right hands. To arrange a consultation, please contact us at (714) 241-4444 or complete our online contact form to get started on your path to recovery and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity, you may have as little as six months to initiate the claims process. Because of these strict deadlines, it’s crucial to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
What if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still 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 found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost wages, the impact on your future earning capacity, and your pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries typically result in higher settlements due to their long-term impact. During your free consultation, our attorneys can provide an initial assessment of your case’s potential value based on these factors.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers in hopes that you’ll accept less than what your claim is worth. Before accepting any offer, you should consult with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who can evaluate whether the offer fairly compensates you for all your damages, including future expenses related to your injuries. Our attorneys can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that truly reflects the full extent of your losses.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
If you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options for recovering compensation. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurer. Additionally, there may be other parties who share liability for your accident, such as a vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the crash or a government entity if poor road conditions played a role. Our attorneys will explore all potential sources of compensation for your injuries.
