A motorcycle crash in Los Angeles can leave a lasting impact on every part of your life. Riders often face severe injuries, long recovery times, and major financial strain. If someone else caused your crash, you may want to hold them accountable and seek compensation for your losses.
Working with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can make a major difference in building your case and protecting your rights. Greenberg Gross provides strong, compassionate representation for injured riders and their families. Our team helps clients pursue fair outcomes and rebuild after serious accidents.
Contact us today for a no-cost case evaluation and learn how we can help.
Key Takeaways: Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles often stem from driver negligence, poor road conditions, or traffic violations.
California law allows injured riders to pursue financial recovery for both economic and non-economic losses.
Riders must follow specific safety laws, including helmet and lane-splitting regulations, that can affect their claims.
Comparative negligence rules mean you can still recover damages even if you share some fault.
Hiring a skilled attorney helps ensure the evidence supports your claim and that insurance companies treat your case seriously.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Motorcycle collisions happen on busy Los Angeles streets every day, often due to preventable mistakes. Neighborhoods like Echo Park, Koreatown, and Hollywood frequently see heavy vehicle and motorcycle traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes occurs when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist who has the right of way. These incidents often happen at intersections when the driver misjudges the rider’s speed or fails to see the motorcycle.
Lane Splitting Incidents
Lane splitting, which means riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, is legal in California under certain conditions. However, when drivers fail to check their mirrors or change lanes suddenly, collisions occur.
Road Hazards and Poor Maintenance
Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on roads like the 101 Freeway or Sepulveda Boulevard can cause a rider to lose control. Government entities responsible for road upkeep may share liability if neglected maintenance contributed to the crash.
Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS device diverts a driver’s attention long enough to cause a devastating collision. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook, making distraction even more dangerous.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Drivers who exceed the speed limit or weave through traffic on streets like Sunset Boulevard reduce their ability to react. Sudden braking or lane changes put motorcyclists at serious risk of harm.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle riders have little protection compared to car occupants. Even with proper safety gear, serious injuries often occur after a crash.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when a strong impact damages brain tissue.
Mild TBIs (concussions) may cause confusion or memory loss.
Severe TBIs can lead to long-term disability or cognitive issues.
Helmets reduce risk, but they can’t prevent all head injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When the spinal cord sustains damage, it can result in partial or total paralysis. Recovery may involve extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care costs.
Road Rash and Skin Injuries
Sliding across pavement can cause deep skin abrasions known as road rash. Without prompt treatment, these injuries can lead to infection or permanent scarring.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Riders frequently suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones after being thrown from a motorcycle.
Internal Injuries
Blunt-force trauma can injure internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries are often life-threatening and require emergency care.
Lane Splitting Regulations Under California Vehicle Code 21658.1
California is one of the few states where lane splitting is legal. Riders must operate safely and not exceed a reasonable speed differential with surrounding traffic. When another driver interferes with lawful lane splitting, that driver may share fault for the crash.
Helmet Requirements and Their Impact on Compensation
State law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards. Failing to wear one could affect your potential recovery if it contributed to injury severity.
Right-of-Way Laws
Motorcyclists share equal rights to the road. Drivers who fail to yield or block a motorcycle’s lane can face liability for any resulting collision.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists
California requires liability insurance for all motorcyclists. Minimum coverage includes:
$15,000 for injury or death to one person
$30,000 for injury or death to multiple people
$5,000 for property damage
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Determining who caused a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles involves careful review of the facts and evidence.
Negligent Drivers
Most motorcycle collisions involve another driver who made a careless or unsafe decision. Examples include failing to signal, speeding, or texting behind the wheel.
Government Entities for Road Defects
If poor road design or lack of maintenance contributed to your crash, the city, county, or state government could share responsibility.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, or other motorcycle parts sometimes cause accidents. In those cases, the manufacturer may face product liability claims.
Third-Party Contractors
Construction companies or maintenance contractors who leave hazards on public roads may be liable for resulting injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
Victims of motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles may pursue several forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case.
Economic Damages
Economic losses include measurable financial costs such as:
Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy
Lost income: Time missed from work or permanent loss of earning capacity
Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and gear
Non-Economic Damages
These cover the human impact of the accident, including:
Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional strain
Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to engage in activities once enjoyed
Loss of companionship: Strain on personal relationships due to the injury
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
When the at-fault party acts with extreme disregard for safety, such as driving drunk, the court may award punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?
Most injured riders have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. The same deadline applies to wrongful death claims. Missing the deadline generally ends your right to recover damages.
Exceptions to the Standard Deadline
If the injured person was under 18 or mentally incapacitated, the clock may pause until those conditions change. Additionally, discovery of hidden injuries later can sometimes extend filing time.
Government Claim Filing Deadlines
If a public agency’s negligence contributed to the crash, such as a city failing to repair a dangerous pothole or poorly maintained roadway, you must follow a different process. Claims against government entities require filing a formal administrative claim within six months of the accident.
If the agency denies it, you then have six more months to file a civil lawsuit in court. Missing this shorter deadline can completely block recovery against that government body.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Building a strong case depends on evidence showing how the crash happened and how it affected you. An attorney has the resources to help you gather important evidence for your claim, such as:
Police Reports and Accident Documentation
Official reports from the Los Angeles Police Department or California Highway Patrol outline key facts, including statements and preliminary fault findings.
Medical Records and Treatment History
Detailed medical documentation connects your injuries to the crash and demonstrates the treatment required for recovery.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness accounts add credibility and can clarify details not captured in reports or photos.
Photographic and Video Evidence
Photos from the crash scene, vehicle damage, and nearby surveillance cameras can help recreate the sequence of events.
Expert Testimony
Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or financial specialists may provide testimony that supports your claim.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Case?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This rule allows recovery even if you share some responsibility for the crash.
California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
If you’re found partially at fault, your recovery decreases by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20 percent responsible, you can still collect 80 percent of your total damages.
How Fault Percentage Impacts Your Recovery
Insurance companies often argue that riders contributed more fault to lower payouts. A lawyer helps ensure the evidence fairly represents your actions.
Common Defense Arguments in Motorcycle Cases
Common defenses include claiming the rider was speeding, lane splitting unsafely, or not wearing proper safety gear. Countering these claims requires strong documentation and legal strategy.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Accident
Insurance companies often try to settle cases quickly for less than they’re worth. Understanding their tactics helps protect your rights.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payouts
Insurers aim to reduce costs and protect profits. They may question the severity of your injuries or argue that preexisting conditions caused your pain.
Common Settlement Tactics to Avoid
Adjusters sometimes pressure victims into early settlements or record statements that can be used against them. Avoid giving details or signing anything without legal advice.
The Importance of Legal Representation During Negotiations
An attorney handles all communication with insurers, ensuring your claim remains strong and complete. This professional advocacy helps prevent undervalued offers.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
At Greenberg Gross, we take pride in helping injured riders pursue fair outcomes after serious crashes. Our team offers personalized attention and a thorough approach to every case.
Initial case evaluation and investigation: We assess your situation, review accident details, and identify liable parties.
Gathering and preserving critical evidence: Our team secures photos, witness statements, and official reports before they disappear.
Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle discussions with insurers to prevent them from undercutting your recovery.
Calculating full compensation value: We account for medical expenses, future care needs, and the impact on your daily life.
Litigating your case in court when necessary: If the at-fault party or insurer refuses to act responsibly, we prepare your case for trial.
Handling all legal deadlines and paperwork: Our attorneys ensure every filing meets state and court requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims in CA
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me a settlement?
Yes. An attorney can review the settlement to determine whether it truly covers your losses. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping victims accept less than the claim’s value. A lawyer can push back and advocate for more money.
What if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident?
You can still pursue compensation under California’s comparative negligence rule. The court or insurer adjusts your recovery based on your share of fault.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, though the at-fault party may argue that your injuries worsened because of it. An attorney can help counter this argument and focus on the other party’s responsibility.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including ours, work on contingency. That means you pay nothing upfront, and fees come from the settlement or verdict once the case resolves.
What if the at-fault driver didn’t have insurance?
You may turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have that policy, other sources like personal injury lawsuits or third-party claims might apply.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles Now
California law limits the time to act after a motorcycle crash. Quick action helps preserve evidence and protect your claim. The attorneys at Greenberg Gross guide clients through every step, from investigation to settlement or trial.
Our firm provides the resources and experience needed to handle even the most serious motorcycle accident cases. For a free consultation, call (213) 334-7000 today and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Office Location
Address: 601 S Figueroa St 30th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 334-7000
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