A motorcycle accident can change your life forever. Because cyclists do not have the same level of protection as drivers, they are especially susceptible to serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, you’re probably facing unexpected medical expenses, bike repair costs and other bills. By hiring a qualified Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, you’ll be able to recover your losses and focus on your recovery. With over forty years of combined legal experience, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our satisfied clients.
With California’s lovely weather and amazing scenery, it is no surprise that it is the state with the highest number of motorcycle registrations. There are nearly 800,000 registered motorcycles in California, more than 200,000 more than the runner-up state of Florida.
While motorcycles are a thrilling and efficient mode of transportation, they also come with risks. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to help you file a personal injury claim in order to secure the recovery you deserve.
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What Can a Los Angeles Motorcycle Lawyer Do For You?
If a party’s negligent or intentional actions caused your accident, that party is responsible for your injuries. A lawyer will assess the facts of your accident and advise whether you can recover for your injuries. Even if you were partly at fault, an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer is able to negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are compensated.
Does It Matter If I Was Partly At Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?
It’s not always easy or straightforward to determine who was at fault in a motorcycle accident. Many factors are at play and it is not uncommon for both parties to be deemed partly liable for the crash. If you’ve been involved in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident, you may still receive compensation if you were somewhat responsible for the collision. By consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney in California, you can determine your likelihood of success.
When Should I Call a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Your first priority after an accident is to tend to any injuries. Call for emergency medical assistance if needed, and see a doctor for any injuries that don’t need immediate treatment. Once you have addressed your medical needs, contact an LA-based motorcycle accident lawyer. Working with a lawyer immediately after the accident will ensure you don’t make any missteps that could jeopardize your case, such as posting about your accident online.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
More than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2019. While motorcyclists make up a much smaller percentage of registered vehicles than passenger vehicles, they represent a disproportionate number of fatalities and injuries. Motorcycles are more prone to accidents and serious injuries because of their small size, reduced stability, minimal crash protection, and unskilled motorcycle drivers. A bike crash can happen for many different reasons. In our many years of serving motorcycle accident victims in Los Angeles, we’ve encountered these common culprits.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting is illegal in most states but is legal in California. According to the California Highway Patrol, lane splitting, while legal, is dangerous and requires extreme caution. Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced drivers, and the risks increase as speed and speed differentials increase.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road, they are more likely to fall into a driver’s blind spot. Drivers of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks and motorcyclists need to be cautious before changing lanes to avoid an accident.
Left Turn Accidents
These accidents most commonly occur when an oncoming motorcyclist headed straight through an intersection is struck by a driver turning left. The size of the motorcycle makes it more susceptible to these accidents because drivers are less likely to spot a motorcycle or might have difficulty judging the motorcyclist’s distance.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding by motorcyclists and vehicle drivers is likely to cause accidents. When the driver of a passenger vehicle is speeding, they are less able to spot a motorcycle in time to adjust their driving and are more likely to lose control. If a motorcycle is speeding, they are less able to control their bike or to react quickly.
Distracted Drivers
When a driver isn’t properly focused on the road, anything can happen. In the second it takes to glance at a text message, you can be seriously injured by this negligent and reckless practice. Drivers may also be distracted by another passenger in the car, the radio or a pet on the back seat.
What Types of Injuries Can a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Claim For?
Because of the lack of protection for motorcyclists, they are more likely to suffer a severe injury in an accident.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in any accident but are especially common in motorcycle accidents because the motorcycle driver is more likely to be thrown from their bike. The hard impact with the road can cause severe breaks which might require surgery or physical therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motorcycles do not have the protective frame of a vehicle to protect the driver. This increases the likelihood that the driver will suffer a blow to the head, especially if they are not wearing a helmet. Any blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The symptoms of a TBI are wide-ranging and depend on the location and severity of the injury.
Internal Injuries
In addition to blows to the head, victims can also receive blows to the body. Impact to the body commonly results in internal injuries including internal bleeding and damage to critical organs like the lungs or heart. The symptoms of internal injuries can be delayed and difficult to spot, but it is important to secure immediate treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are extremely common for motorcycle accident victims. Examples of soft tissue injuries include bruises, lacerations, and abrasions. A sprain is a type of soft tissue injury that commonly impacts the wrists, ankles, and knees.
Burn Injuries
Victims of motorcycle accidents are often left with serious burn injuries caused by chemicals, fire, or friction. These kinds of injuries often require a long healing time, hospitalization, and cosmetic surgery.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a victim’s skin is dragged or scraped along the ground. This contact causes painful abrasions, and the severity of the injury will depend on the speed of the body when it hits the road, the texture and condition of the road’s surface, and the distance the victim slides. Serious cases of road rash can require skin grafting.
Finding The Best Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer For You
A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer will be a critical partner as you seek recovery for your injuries. Your lawyer will work with you to assess liability, build evidence, compile a damages assessment, and communicate with the defendant and their insurance company.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer do?
What steps do I need to take after getting in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?
