A Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Victims Injured In A Motorcycle Accident

While any traffic accident has the potential to cause harm, motorcycle crashes can be particularly severe, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities for the rider. This is because motorcycles provide significantly less protection compared to other vehicles, and riders are also more vulnerable due to their lower visibility on the road. Unfortunately, it only takes one careless or distracted driver to cause a devastating accident involving a motorcycle. In 2018 alone, there were 5,010 motorcycle accidents on Los Angeles roadways that resulted in injury or death. At Culver Legal, we make it our priority to help our clients recover full compensation after a motorcycle accident so they can concentrate on their healing and not on their unpaid bills.  

At Culver Legal, our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience dealing with a wide range of motorcycle accidents in Southern California, including Los Angeles. If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, our legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This may cover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, mental health counseling, and in severe cases, long-term care.

If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident, please continue reading to learn more about your legal rights and options. Additionally, please call Culver Legal at 1-310-600-7881 for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to help you through this difficult time.

What Should I Do After A Motorcycle Accident?

In the event that you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to prioritize your safety first and foremost. Only proceed with the following steps if it is safe to do so:

• Move away from the road, especially if the accident occurred on a freeway.
• Immediately call 911 to report the accident.
• Check yourself for injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor or nonexistent.
• Obtain insurance and contact information from all parties involved.
• Provide your account of what happened to the responding officer.
• If possible, take photos of the accident scene, any relevant street signs, and the damage to all vehicles involved. Collect contact information from any witnesses as well.
• Contact a motorcycle accident attorney at Culver Legal as soon as possible.

Avoid admitting fault or apologizing to anyone, as this may be interpreted as an admission of guilt. It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are not on your side and may try to use any admissions against you. Instead, let a skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at Culver Legal handle your case and advocate for your rights while you focus on recovering.

Equally important, it is crucial not to decline any medical assistance following a motorcycle accident. Immediately after the accident, adrenaline may be pumping through your body, and you may not initially feel any pain or other symptoms. Additionally, it is possible to have serious internal injuries without realizing it. It is imperative to seek medical attention right away, not only for the sake of your claim but also for your overall health and well-being. Be sure to see a doctor and undergo a thorough medical evaluation.

Leading Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Although negligent drivers are often responsible for motorcycle accidents, it is important to note that riders themselves can engage in reckless and dangerous behavior that can also cause accidents. Below is a partial list of some of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. By avoiding the first two causes on this list, riders can decrease their chances of becoming a statistic:

• Speeding: Riding at high speeds can lead to loss of control, which can result in a serious accident.
• Impaired driving: Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous and can lead to severe consequences.
• Lane splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic can be dangerous, especially if drivers are not expecting a motorcycle to be traveling between them.
• Inexperienced riders: Lack of experience and training can cause riders to make critical errors while on the road.
• Failure to wear appropriate safety gear: Wearing a helmet and other protective gear can save a rider’s life in the event of an accident.
• Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions can divert a rider’s attention away from the road and lead to an accident.
• Aggressive driving: Riding recklessly and engaging in aggressive behavior can increase the risk of an accident.

As of 2020, California remained the only state in the United States to allow lane splitting, which is the legal practice of allowing motorcycle riders to travel between lanes of traffic. While this can result in a faster trip for riders, it is also more dangerous. While motorists are legally required to share the road with motorcyclists, unsafe lane changes and distracted driving can still result in serious injury or death for riders.

In recent years, the average age of motorcycle riders has increased significantly. Older riders are three times more likely to suffer serious injuries in accidents than younger riders, due in part to their slower reaction times and declining vision. Another factor contributing to the higher accident rate for older riders is their preference for heavier motorcycles, which can be more difficult to control and more likely to roll over if the rider loses their balance.

On the other hand, a growing number of men under the age of 30 are choosing to ride high-performance or super-sport motorcycles. These smaller motorcycles are lighter and faster than standard motorcycles, which can make them more difficult to control, particularly in poor weather or dangerous road conditions. Super-sport motorcycle riders have an overall death rate four times higher than riders of standard motorcycles, with speeding being the leading cause of accidents.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be very serious or even fatal. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles include:

• Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can result in long-term disability or even death.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can cause partial or total paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Road rash: This is a type of abrasion that occurs when the rider’s skin comes into contact with the road, and can range from mild to severe.
• Broken bones: Fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, and can occur in any part of the body.
• Internal injuries: These can include injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Amputations: In some cases, limbs may be severed in a motorcycle accident, either at the time of the accident or later as a result of medical complications.

It’s important to note that motorcycle riders are still much more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those in other types of vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. This underscores the importance of motorcycle safety measures and the need for continued efforts to reduce motorcycle fatalities.

I Don’t Have Health Insurance. Can You Still Help Me Get Medical Care If I Can’t Pay For It?

Certainly. Even if you don’t have health insurance, we can still assist you in obtaining excellent medical care. After your case has concluded, we will subtract the expense of your medical treatment from your settlement or verdict. The most crucial thing is for you to receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, our firm may be able to assist you in obtaining low-cost coverage, such as Medi-Care or Medi-Cal.

I’m Undocumented, Can I File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Yes, undocumented immigrants can file a motorcycle accident claim. The law does not require a person to have legal status in the United States to file a claim or lawsuit for damages resulting from a motorcycle accident. However, being undocumented can complicate the claims process, especially when it comes to issues such as medical care, lost wages, and future damages. It’s important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights. They can also advise you on the best course of action and options available to you.

I Was Injured While Riding As A Passenger, Can I File A Claim?

Yes, as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries. As a passenger, you are typically considered an innocent party and not at fault for the accident, so you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. The process for filing a claim and seeking compensation may differ depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your state, so it’s important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help guide you through the legal process.

I Think I May Have Been Partially To Blame For My Accident, Can I Still File A Lawsuit?

Yes, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were partially to blame for the accident. California follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, and your damages were $100,000, you would only be able to recover $80,000.

It is important to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to evaluate your case and determine your potential for recovery. They can help assess your level of fault and work to minimize your responsibility while maximizing your compensation.

I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet. Can I File A Claim?

Yes, you can still file a claim if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. However, it’s important to note that your failure to wear a helmet may be taken into account when determining the amount of damages you are eligible to receive. In some cases, not wearing a helmet may be seen as negligence on your part and could affect the outcome of your case. It’s best to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.

How Do You Prove Who Was To Blame For A Motorcycle Accident?

Determining who is at fault for a motorcycle accident can be complex and depends on various factors. In general, fault is determined by examining the actions of each party involved in the accident and assessing whether their actions were negligent or reckless.

To prove fault, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene and vehicles, medical records, and expert opinions may be used. Prompt evidence collection and preservation are crucial after an accident since memories fade, and evidence may disappear.

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who was at fault. We may also consult with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists to help establish fault. Ultimately, fault will be determined based on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.

What Compensation Could I Be Entitled To?

If injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, including:

1. Medical expenses: This includes all medical bills related to the treatment of your injuries, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
2. Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost, as well as any potential loss of future income.
3. Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life.
4. Property damage: If your motorcycle or any other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
5. Wrongful death: If a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

The circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors will determine the specific compensation you may be entitled to. It’s best to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and determine what compensation you may be eligible to receive.

I Lost A Loved One In A Motorcycle Accident; Can I File A Claim?

Yes, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. The specific rules regarding who can file a wrongful death claim and what damages are available vary by state, but generally, close family members such as spouses, children, and parents of the deceased can file a claim. Damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and financial support, loss of companionship and emotional support, and more. You can receive guidance on your specific situation and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to with the help of Culver Legal’s motorcycle accident attorneys.

Why You Should Choose The Motorcycle Accident Lawyers At Culver Legal

Culver Legal’s skilled motorcycle accident lawyers dedicate themselves to assisting clients in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Our team has successfully recovered more than $2 million* for our clients, and we have the knowledge, resources, and track record of success to take on large insurance companies and their defense attorneys. Our guiding principles of compassion, service, and results at Culver Legal commit our team to always putting our clients first. With our contingency fee arrangement, you won’t have to worry about any upfront costs or hidden fees. We only receive payment as a percentage of your final settlement or verdict, and if there’s no recovery, there’s no fee. Schedule a free consultation with us today at 310-600-7881 and let us help you!