A motorcycle accident can change the course of a person’s life instantly. After a serious crash, it can be incredibly challenging to heal financially as well as physically. At Ryan Law Group, our motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles is your advocate in your fight for recovery.
Set up a free consultation with our team now for immediate help. We have been in business since 2011, bringing over 30 years of combined experience to injured motorcyclists throughout the city and state.
Speak with our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer today.
Why Work with Ryan Law Group
Victims of a motorcycle accident face serious injuries and losses, pushing insurance companies and even stigma about who caused the accident and injuries.
Your lawyer at our firm knows just how critical it is for you to recover fair damages after such an accident, and we have the experience to fight for you. Before you agree to a settlement, consider why you need an attorney by your side:
- Insurance companies will fight back. Insurance companies will try to place the blame for many motorcycle accidents on the victim. That could lessen the compensation you receive in such an accident.
- Your injuries could be catastrophic, with permanent losses. Many victims suffer injuries that do not improve, including loss of vision or hearing, paralysis, and chronic pain. You need comprehensive compensation for these losses.
- Your recovery should be your top priority. When you hire our lawyer, you do not have to worry about the insurance companies – we handle it all for you.
As a trusted and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, you can expect our team to become your ally in this fight. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your case.
Know that you are not alone in this battle to recover fair damages in your case. Talk to our Los Angeles car accident lawyer now.
For a Free Legal Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, Call (310) 321-4800
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Riding a motorcycle should not be dangerous when you follow all of the rules. But when other drivers fail to do their part, that puts you at risk. Most of the motorcycle accidents we see in Los Angeles are fully preventable. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving. The other driver fails to pay attention to the roadway and does not see or react to the motorcycle rider. They may be using a phone, eating, or just failing to pay attention.
- Left–turn collisions. Throughout Los Angeles, dangerous intersections with limited visibility plague motorcycle riders. When drivers make left turns, they often fail to see a motorcycle going straight that has the right of way.
- Impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a constant threat to riders. They cannot react to conditions fast enough and may fail to stop when a rider has the right of way.
- Poor road conditions. Poor road maintenance on public streets, private roadways, and parking lots creates unsafe conditions for riders. Debris tossed or blown into the road can amplify this.
- Speeding. A driver speeding down the roadway, which is very common throughout the city, may not have time to avoid striking a rider entering the street, or the driver may have failed to see the rider initially.
Working with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer gives you a voice. We uncover why the accident happened so we can determine who is at fault. We then use that information to pursue a full and fair claim against those who put you at risk.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 321-4800
Motorcycle Accidents Are Different from Other Crashes
Motorcycle accidents are different from other motor vehicle collisions due to the inherent dangers associated with motorcycles. Unlike cars, bikes lack both an added protective layer and seatbelts.
As a result, motorcycle crashes involving cars or trucks often result in the motorcyclist taking the brunt of the impact while also being thrown from their vehicle.
A major cause of motorcycle accidents is other road users’ lack of awareness of bikes on the road. Automobile lane-changing is one of the leading factors contributing to motorcycle crashes, and when these incidents take place, the rider’s condition is often very grim.
These accidents require immediate medical attention, the right kind of treatment, and a motorcycle accident lawyer who can stand up to predatory insurance companies and accurately evaluate the value of their claim. An attorney looks at both immediate and future losses.
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Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
In some cases, motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes and land on nearby objects, such as roadside construction equipment, fencing, or other items. This can contribute to the severity of an injury.
In other cases, road debris, broken glass, and fragments from the vehicles involved in the crash can spray your face, causing disfigurement or a loss of vision.
Several injuries are commonly associated with motorcycle accidents. These include:
- Lacerations
- Cuts and scrapes
- Road rash
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Catastrophic injuries such as amputations, impalement, the loss of sight, and hearing
- Burns
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
Motorcycle injuries commonly cause significant injuries that require extended recovery times. A lawyer can help connect you with doctors and help ensure your recovery is protected.
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Wrongful Death from Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, death is a common outcome of a motorcycle accident due to the lack of protection, motorcycle materials designed to absorb energy in an impact, and high speeds. If you have lost a loved one in such an accident, you need Ryan Law Group, the most dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles and all of California.
We have access to expert witnesses, doctors, and a proven track record of securing the highest possible compensation for our clients while effectively negotiating against insurance companies.
We also take a compassionate approach in which we work closely with families through these challenging times, where grief and confusion can cause things to seem like life is spinning out of control.
Responsibility for Motorcycle Accidents
California is a fault-based state, meaning the driver or party at fault for a traffic accident must pay for damages through their insurance provider.
After a motorcycle accident, you or your motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles must determine fault before you can file an insurance claim. Fault, or liability, could go to many different parties based on who or what caused your motorcycle accident.
Liable parties may include:
- The other driver for a careless or reckless act
- The driver’s employer, if they were on duty at the time of the crash
- The manufacturer or distributor of your motorcycle for a defective part
- The government, state, or city for unsafe road conditions
- A combination of multiple defendants
Holding someone financially responsible for your motorcycle accident requires clear and convincing evidence. This means your lawyer must present enough evidence to establish that the defendant caused the crash.
Parties Who Can Be Liable for Motorcycle Accidents While Lane Splitting
Motorcyclists are legally allowed to lane split in the state of California. However, they must do so prudently and safely. If an accident occurs while a motorcyclist is lane-splitting, it is necessary to determine whether the rider was performing the maneuver reasonably safely.
Although there are no strict guidelines on what this means, in general, a motorcyclist must maintain a reasonably safe speed relative to other vehicles and must not weave in and out of traffic. If the motorcyclist was engaged in reckless riding behaviors, he or she may be partially liable for the accident.
If, however, a motorist’s mistake caused the crash, such as a car driver changing lanes without looking, the driver would be liable.
A motorcyclist who decides to lane-split is not automatically liable for a crash in California, as this maneuver is not illegal. Instead, determining liability requires an investigation overseen by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
How California Helmet Laws Impact Motorcycle Accident Claims
Failing to wear a helmet could impact your injury claim after a motorcycle accident in California. If your head should have reasonably been protected by a helmet, such as your face, head, or brain, the defendant may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the extent of your injuries.
The insurance company could claim that you should bear partial fault for not wearing a helmet. California law requires all riders and passengers on motorcycles and motorized bicycles to wear safety helmets. This could impose liability on you if you fail to comply with California helmet laws.
If the helmet defense is successfully used against you, the courts may reduce your financial recovery by the allocated percentage of fault.
If you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle accident, a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney can help you combat this defense to help maximize your recovery.
Damages You Can Recover in Motorcycle Accidents
Injured victims of motorcycle accidents can typically recover economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:
- Medical bills: Medical expenses or funeral costs for someone involved in a motorcycle accident can be very high and potentially unpayable by the injured party.
- Pain and suffering: This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of riding a motorcycle again, or other such psychological ailments that can require future medical or therapeutic remedies down the road.
- Loss of earnings: This can include earnings during the period when the injured person recovers from the accident, as well as future earnings they won’t be able to earn because of a permanent injury.
The compensation you may be entitled to in a motorcycle accident case depends largely on the circumstances surrounding the collision. Working with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will have a massive impact on your ability to get compensation for your losses, pain, and suffering.
Potential Long-Term Damages You May Be Entitled to Receive
At Ryan Law Group, we will fight to ensure that you obtain appropriate compensation for your existing losses, as well as those you can expect to face in the future.
For example, you can get money to cover ongoing medical care and treatment for an extended period, especially if you’ve suffered more serious injuries.
You may endure chronic pain that takes years to recover from fully, and you may not be able to return to work any time soon (or you may never be able to work again). Your injuries may also have a lifelong impact on your ability to parent your children, support family members, or enjoy the high-quality life standards you are used to.
For example, if you love scuba diving, playing the piano, or golfing, and you can no longer participate in those activities due to your injuries, you may be able to claim loss of quality of life. An attorney can seek damages on your behalf. Let our team become your advocate in pursuing fair compensation.
The Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Claims in California
In California, motorcycle accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. However, in some instances, the discovery rule may apply. If you discover an injury as a result of the accident at a later date, you have one year from the date of discovery as the deadline to sue someone.
The statute of limitations is a law that requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within a specific period following an accident, including motorcycle accidents.
According to California law, motorcycle accident claims follow the same general statute of limitations as all other personal injury claims. Failure to file by these deadlines may prevent you from recovering the compensation that you are initially entitled to.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident to Protect Your Case and Claim
Many victims of motorcycle accidents do not have the ability to do anything but wait for help to arrive. Serious injuries are very common, but there are several steps you can take to protect your health and well-being.
We strongly encourage you to follow these steps when possible:
- Call 911 and get medical care to the scene. You may feel okay. But injuries may be hard to notice initially. Ensure police arrive to document the incident.
- Get the name and contact information for all of those involved. That includes the other driver’s insurance information.
- Take photos and videos of the scene. Make sure to take photos of your injuries, damage to your bike, and any debris in the roadway. You can also support your case by taking a video that shows the layout of the accident to demonstrate the right of way.
- Request that any witnesses provide their contact information to you. That can be valuable later for answering questions and resolving disputes.
- Get medical care immediately. Do not wait to get to the emergency room for a full examination. You need a full review of the injuries you know you have, as well as conditions like whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding you cannot see right away.
After taking these steps, it is imperative to follow your doctor’s care recommendations and then contact our office. We will work with you immediately to start protecting evidence and building your case and claim. Our team will handle the insurance company on your behalf. We want you to get the compensation you deserve.
Looking for Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Near Me
The Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at Ryan Law Group are known for our personal, compassionate approach when working with our clients and their families.
Our team knows the roadways and understand the traffic congestion. We also know how often drivers put riders at risk for serious injuries due to reckless behavior.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Ryan Law Group Today
Call Ryan Law Group for a free consultation to learn what your case is worth. We’ll discuss why our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers are sought-after and how we can help you get the full compensation you are entitled to.
We’re here to help you carve out a path toward living the best life possible.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
