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.
- 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 Accidents
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 Accident
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
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.
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.
