Los Angeles Motorcycle
Accident Lawyer

Most bikers take care when riding and maintain close awareness of their surroundings. However, accidents are sometimes inevitable. Even the most careful motorcyclist cannot control for all variables or avoid every possible hazard. Add in distracted drivers whose attention is commanded by music, phone calls, or passengers, and serious accidents are all too common. The situation is made even worse by drivers who operate vehicles while texting or while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles:

Lane Changes – Motorcycles are significantly smaller vehicles than cars and trucks, and they can move fast. Especially in larger trucks with blind spots, a motorcyclist is easily hidden from view when changing lanes in traffic. Drivers must remain diligent and motorcyclists need to be aware of these blind spots and avoid them.

Impaired Drivers – Regardless of the type of vehicle you are operating, it’s never safe to do so while impaired. Nearly 25% of all motorcycle accidents in California that were fatal, involved an intoxicated rider.

Excessive Speeds – Speed limits exist to keep everyone safe on the road. Driving beyond the speed limit means your reaction times are majorly reduced if there are any hazards on the road.

Left Turns – Left turns are statistically more dangerous than right, the risks are exponentially greater for motorcyclists. Oftentimes vehicles will make left turns in busy intersections, right in front of motorcycles, because they don’t see them on the road. These incidents can force a motorcyclist to come to a complete stop in a very short amount of time to prevent being struck.

Lane Sharing/Splitting – It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to share a lane when traveling on busy roadways. This may be with other motorcyclists, or they may weave in and out of lanes in slow or stopped traffic.

What can a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer do for me?

• Damages to Property – There is likely to be some property damage in a motorcycle accident. This includes your motorcycle, which may be written-off or in need of repairs, as well as any other property damages incurred.
• Medical Expenses – Medical bills are EXPENSIVE. If any of your bills exceed the coverage offered in your insurance policy, we will help you get compensated for the rest.
• Reduced Income – Serious injuries can often put victims out of work. In some cases, other family members may also have to miss work to take care of the injured. This is all taken into consideration when building your case.
• Long-Term Injuries – Physical and emotional injuries after an accident can have permanent effects. Victims deal with chronic pain or other economic hardships due to their injuries.

What do I do if I’ve been injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle accidents can be intense, adrenaline-fueled situations for those involved. People are unsure of what to do, who to call, and what their responsibilities are at the scene of the accident. If you have been injured or involved in a motorcycle accident, follow this quick step-by-step guide:

1. Get Medical Assistance
After a motorcycle accident, if you are injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. If injuries are severe, call 911 to have emergency services sent to you to help treat your injuries. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should always plan to see a doctor right away. Neck, back, and spinal injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, which if not treated properly, can cause severe issues later in life.

2. Report The Accident
If it’s safe to do so, and injuries permit, file a police report – BEFORE leaving the scene. At this time when the accident is still fresh in everyone’s mind is the best time to document things. Be sure to ask for the police officer’s name and badge number to more easily acquire your copy of the police report once it’s filed.

3. Document Witness Information
If there is anything you can document from the scene for your records, do so immediately. Take photos of any damage to property or injuries sustained if possible. Speak with any witnesses in the area, document their contact information, a lawyer may need to contact them in the future to help build your case. Take note of things like weather conditions, time of day, any hazards that may have contributed to the accident.

4. Call A Top-Rated Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Even if you feel like you have sufficient evidence to prove another party was at fault, you still may not win the full compensation for your damages. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands the costs that can be associated with recovering from injuries. Schedule a free consultation today to begin building your best case.