Speak With a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles can have devastating consequences for riders and their families. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have very little physical protection during a crash. Even when wearing proper safety gear, a collision with another vehicle can lead to severe injuries and life-changing consequences.
Los Angeles has one of the largest populations of motorcyclists in the country. With year-round riding weather, congested highways, and dense urban traffic, riders face daily risks on the road. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers fail to notice motorcycles or fail to share the road safely.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, working with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations for injured motorcyclists throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands the unique challenges riders face and works aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Motorcycles provide far less protection than passenger vehicles. Riders are directly exposed to the road, other vehicles, and surrounding hazards.
Several factors make motorcycle accidents particularly dangerous:
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Lack of structural protection
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Increased risk of ejection from the motorcycle
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Greater exposure to impact forces
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Limited visibility to other drivers
Even relatively low-speed accidents can result in serious injuries for motorcyclists.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents occur because of driver negligence. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance.
Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most common motorcycle accidents occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using phones or other devices may fail to notice nearby motorcycles.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles can easily be overlooked in a driver’s blind spot.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired drivers pose a major threat to motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting in California
California is one of the few states where lane splitting—riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic—is legal. However, lane splitting must be done safely and responsibly.
Drivers are prohibited from intentionally blocking or interfering with motorcyclists who are lane splitting.
Even when lane splitting is involved, negligent drivers may still be held responsible for causing an accident.
Where Motorcycle Accidents Commonly Occur in Los Angeles
Motorcycle accidents frequently occur in areas with heavy traffic and complex intersections.
High-risk areas include:
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Interstate 405
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Interstate 5
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Interstate 10
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U.S. Route 101
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Downtown Los Angeles intersections
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Busy surface streets and freeway interchanges
Heavy congestion combined with distracted driving significantly increases accident risks.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection during crashes.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Broken bones and fractures
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Severe road rash
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Internal bleeding or organ damage
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Facial injuries and disfigurement
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Amputations
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Permanent disability
Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining who is responsible for a motorcycle accident often requires careful investigation.
Potentially liable parties may include:
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Negligent drivers
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Commercial truck drivers
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Government entities responsible for unsafe roads
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Vehicle manufacturers (in cases involving defects)
A skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can analyze accident evidence and determine who should be held accountable.
Evidence Used in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Building a strong case requires collecting and preserving evidence from the crash.
Important evidence may include:
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Police accident reports
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Witness statements
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Traffic camera footage
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Surveillance video from nearby businesses
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Motorcycle damage analysis
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Medical records
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Accident reconstruction expert reports
Prompt investigation is essential to ensure that critical evidence is not lost.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident.
For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding but another driver made an unsafe turn, both parties may share fault.
Even if a rider is partially responsible, they may still recover compensation, although the amount may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident
Victims injured in motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Economic Damages
These damages address financial losses such as:
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Medical bills
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Emergency treatment and surgeries
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Motorcycle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the personal impact of the accident.
Examples include:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal motorcycle accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Can Be Challenging
Insurance companies sometimes unfairly stereotype motorcyclists as reckless drivers. Because of this bias, insurers may attempt to shift blame onto the rider.
Insurance companies may try to:
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Claim the rider was speeding
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Argue that lane splitting caused the accident
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Dispute the severity of injuries
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Offer low settlement amounts
An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can challenge these tactics and advocate for your rights.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the serious consequences motorcycle accidents can have on victims and their families. Our legal team works diligently to investigate crashes and pursue maximum compensation for injured riders.
We focus on:
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Conducting thorough accident investigations
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Gathering medical and accident evidence
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Working with accident reconstruction experts
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Identifying all liable parties
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Calculating full and future damages
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Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
In California, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may require filing a notice within six months.
Because evidence can disappear quickly, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges riders face.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Sources
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Motorcycle Safety Foundation – Motorcycle Safety Research
https://msf-usa.org -
California Highway Patrol – Motorcycle Safety Information
https://www.chp.ca.gov -
National Institute for Highway Safety – Motorcycle Crash Data
https://www.iihs.org
