The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, “Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities.” If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may face enormous losses ranging from steep medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and permanent disability. If your injury was due to the negligence of another party, you deserve compensation for your losses. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you fight for the maximum compensation available under California laws.
For more than 28 years, Salamati Law has advocated for the injured in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Our team has significant experience analyzing a motorcycle crash and pursuing maximum compensation when negligence is a factor. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
How Salamati Law Can Help You
We are prepared to defend your rights against the ingrained biases against motorcyclists. Many still view motorcyclists as reckless and thrill-seeking and may automatically assume the motorcyclist is to blame in an accident. Further, insurance companies often offer far less than your claim is worth and pressure you to accept. Our team is prepared to counter these bad-faith tactics.
Results matter, especially in high-stakes personal injury claims involving severe and life-changing injuries. Our success stories in motorcycle accident claims include the following:
- $2,000,000 for a motorcyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a car
- $1,185,000 for a Harley rider who was seriously injured when a truck driver took a left turn in front of him
California Laws Regarding Motorcycle Accidents
California laws about motorcycle crashes include the following:
- Legal Requirements to Ride – To operate a motorcycle in the state of California, you must possess an M1 or M2 motorcycle license, wear a safety helmet, turn on daytime headlights, and carry adequate insurance. The state minimum requirements are $15,000 for personal injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
- The Statute of Limitations for most personal injury claims in California is two years. (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1)
- Lane Splitting – California is the only state that allows “splitting lanes.” Riding on the dotted lines between cars is legal. However, the Safety Transportation Research and Education Center at UC-Berkeley says these riders are more likely to be involved in weekday and peak-time collisions and sideswipe accidents.
- Comparative negligence – Our state’s comparative negligence laws allow you to seek damages even if you were partially at fault. For instance, if a judge determines you were 20% “at fault,” you can still receive 80% of the total damages awarded. Working with a lawyer ensures that your medical bills are covered and that you are fairly compensated for future expenses, lifestyle changes, and loss of earnings.
Liability Issues in Motorcycle Accident Claims
There are many grounds to sue for a motorcycle crash, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Experienced vehicle accident lawyers can help injured parties sue for negligence, manufacturer liability, poor road design, or wrongful death. Defendants may include local municipalities, motorcycle parts manufacturers, and auto dealers. In the case of hit and run motorcycle accidents, a claim may need to be filed against the motorcycle owner’s own insurance company.
To prove liability, our legal team sends a private investigator to the accident scene to take photos and interview witnesses. Reconstruction experts lend their experience in assessing what most likely happened. We’ll interview the other party to get their recollection on record and network with insurance companies. Once a compelling case has been made, a motorcycle accident lawyer enters into settlement negotiations or prepares for trial before a judge and jury.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
From scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road to the dense urban freeways of Los Angeles, Southern California offers numerous—and often challenging—riding opportunities for motorcyclists.
Of the many dangers facing motorcyclists on California roads, negligent drivers remain the leading cause of injury and death, including the following:
- Left-turn accidents occur when a motorist turns into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist with the right of way.
- Motorists changing lanes without checking blind spots for motorcycles
- Speeding and reckless driving.
- Texting and other forms of distracted driving, such as grooming, eating, and talking on the phone.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A rear-end collision caused by a driver going over the speed limit.
Whatever the cause of your accident, you deserve a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to get results. The hardships you face may affect you far into the future, so it is crucial to maximize your financial recovery.
Potential Compensation for a Motorcycle Wreck
A motorcycle accident in Los Angeles can result in serious bodily harm such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord and internal injuries, fractures, burns, scarring and disfigurement, and “road rash.” By pursuing a personal injury claim against the negligent party, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily quantified by receipts, invoices, and bills. They compensate a victim for medical bills, including prescription medications, home modification to accommodate disability, surgeries, rehabilitation, as well as wage loss, and property damage, including bike repair or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the soft costs that recognize intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these damages are more complex to prove than economic damages, they are no less important.
Punitive Damages
While rare, punitive damages are assessed to punish the defendant for outrageous conduct and deter the defendant and others from engaging in similar behavior. These damages are seldom awarded in personal injury claims, but if applicable, they can significantly increase the total amount of compensation available to the victim.
Wrongful Death After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim and pursue compensation from the party who caused or contributed to your loved one’s death. Compensation may include:
- Lost income and financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial/cremation expenses
According to recent statistics, Los Angeles County led California in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents. While helmet laws and other safety measures often save lives, negligence on the part of drivers and other parties continues to cause accidents. We provide surviving family members with the strong and compassionate representation they need during these trying times.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to contact Salamati Law as soon as possible after your crash to protect your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence rules, which allow you to seek damages even if you were partially responsible. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the total damages awarded. The team at Salamati Law can help ensure you are fairly compensated for medical bills, future expenses, and lost earnings despite a partial-fault finding.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. California is the only state that explicitly permits lane splitting—riding on the dotted lines between cars. However, research from UC Berkeley’s Safety Transportation Research and Education Center indicates that lane-splitting riders are more likely to be involved in weekday, peak-time, and sideswipe collisions. Salamati Law understands how these factors affect liability in a motorcycle claim.
What are the legal requirements to ride a motorcycle in California?
To operate a motorcycle in California, you must hold an M1 or M2 motorcycle license, wear a safety helmet, use daytime headlights, and carry adequate insurance. The state minimum insurance requirements are $15,000 for personal injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Salamati Law can review how these requirements apply to your specific accident.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Negligent drivers remain the leading cause of motorcyclist injuries and deaths. Common causes include left-turn accidents, drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots, speeding and reckless driving, distracted driving such as texting, driving under the influence, and rear-end collisions. Whatever the cause of your accident, Salamati Law knows how to investigate it and get results.
Who can be held liable for a motorcycle accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties include negligent drivers, local municipalities for poor road design, motorcycle parts manufacturers, and auto dealers. Claims may be based on negligence, manufacturer liability, poor road design, or wrongful death. In hit-and-run cases, a claim may need to be filed against the motorcycle owner’s own insurance company. Salamati Law sends a private investigator to the scene and works with reconstruction experts to establish liability.
What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
You may be entitled to economic damages such as medical bills, prescriptions, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost wages, and bike repair or replacement; non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life; and, in rare cases involving outrageous conduct, punitive damages. Salamati Law fights to pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.
What injuries commonly result from motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle crashes can cause serious harm, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord and internal injuries, fractures, burns, scarring and disfigurement, and “road rash.” Because these injuries can affect you far into the future, Salamati Law works to maximize your financial recovery for both current and long-term needs.
Can I file a claim if a loved one died in a motorcycle accident?
Yes. If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include lost income and financial support, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial or cremation expenses. Los Angeles County has led California in fatal motorcycle accidents, and Salamati Law provides surviving families with strong, compassionate representation.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at Salamati Law?
Salamati Law handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless the firm recovers damages on your behalf. The firm offers free, no-obligation consultations, is available 24/7, and provides multilingual service (Se Habla Español).
Schedule a Free Consultation Talk with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It’s never too early to call for a complimentary, no-obligation case review to explore your legal options. In fact, a lawyer should be one of the first calls you make as soon as you can after receiving immediate medical care. At Salamati Law, we are happy to assist clients in Southern California with thorough investigations, expert advice, and case-building resources. Our knowledge and resources will help you achieve the best possible outcome and the compensation you deserve.
Filing suit can never bring back a lost loved one or undo the physical damage that has been done. However, it can hold those liable accountable and provide some relief from financial hardship during this challenging period. Contact a qualified Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to schedule your free consultation. Se Habla Español.
