Any sort of motor vehicle accident can result in injury, damages to vehicles, and a subsequent lawsuit. While riding a motorcycle, there are different risks and additional laws that you as a rider should know, and we can understand that these may be confusing for other parties involved in an incident. Due to these often confusing regulations, we highly recommend having a personal injury lawyer you trust in the event that something happens. Our goal is to keep your mind at ease while you enjoy all the positive aspects of the open road. Read below to get a better understanding of the need for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Finding a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the United States by population, with nearly 4 million people. Famous for its freeway systems and accompanying traffic (unfortunately), there are millions of motorist interactions a day. Because of the sheer volume of interactions, there are inherently more accidents, incidents, and lawsuits.
When you do need help, it can be hard to understand which of the motorcycle accident lawyers is the best fit for your case. We’d like to make it easier for you to find quality representation. That’s why we have lawyers in Los Angeles ready to take your case and provide digital and phone consultation immediately. We know time is of the essence should you need representation, and it’s especially hard to get around LA with a motorcycle that’s been in an accident.
Law Tigers has lawyers with personal experience in riding, and we believe this sets us apart from many other firms. Our team is dedicated to representing our clients using our extensive legal knowledge base, and also understands the nuances of riding and the real-life factors that might get overlooked by other representation.
This comprehension of liability can lead to positive outcomes in cases that might otherwise be seen as difficult to win. Our track record of success speaks for itself, but we also want you to feel comfortable with us as a team that shares a common passion. The human element of a lawyer and client relationship is not one we take for granted.
Now that we’ve gone over our qualifications, here are some up-front pieces of information you should know whether you have legal representation or not.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in California?
It sure is- in fact, California is the only state in which you can pass a vehicle in the same lane and ride between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Due to this distinction, it can be confusing for out-of-state riders who visit California, or vice-versa.
Additionally, the biggest risk to riders is typically other cars who are not paying attention or do not know road rules. This becomes magnified when there are a set of laws dealing with lane splitting (or lack thereof), so certain motorists may react poorly when you split lanes. Always be aware of your surroundings, but especially when you are dealing with something as legally convoluted as lane splitting.
Other Important California Motorcycle Laws
California has some of the most intricate motorcycle laws in the country. They are mostly designed to protect riders, but if you are unaware of them and in violation, they could end up costing you money via tickets, fines, or legal damages. It is important to note that:
- You must operate your headlights at all times, even during the day. This technically only applies for motorcycles built after 1978, but we recommend it for all riders to avoid issues.
- The age for a learner’s permit is anything under 21 (unlike 18 for a normal California Driver’s License). Additionally, you cannot carry passengers, drive on the freeway, or drive at night during the twelve month period you have a learner’s permit.
- You must pass a vision exam, knowledge test, and skills test just like a normal driver’s license.
- There is an updated exemption to smog checks for bikes that are eight or fewer years old.
These come in addition to all the normal rules and regulations of the road for California. Keep them in mind, stay up to date, and be safe at all times.
What Damages Can Be Reimbursed After a Motorcycle Accident?
When you are involved in a collision, there are going to be resultant damages many times. Understanding what you can recuperate and the likelihood under California law will help you choose how to proceed.
The types of damages that will be likely to result from an accident are direct damages, such as medical bills, repair costs, and lost earnings from missing work. These can usually be precisely calculated, and may be settled via insurance depending on the type of accident or who is at fault.
The other types of damages are non-economic, such as pain and suffering, PTSD, or potential earnings. These are the damages that often require complicated legal negotiations, and having a strong team behind you can make the difference between a successful suit or defense.
Liability in California Motorcycle Accidents
California negligence laws deem that a negligent party is liable for injuries and damages caused to another. This means that whether it is a car and motorcycle, two motorcycles, or motorcycle and pedestrian, whoever breached the duty of care will be liable.
This is a fancy way of saying you need to know the laws and understand them, as well as have legal counsel who can protect you in any given case. We always want to assume that our actions are legally covered and other people are acting with good intentions, but that is sometimes not the case.
Contact the Law Tigers If You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident
At Law Tigers, we understand that staying on the road is a huge priority for riders. This means avoiding injury, and being able to settle claims or suits when accidents do occur.
We have spent decades as both riders and legal representation for the community we love. The most trusted lawyers in Los Angeles are right here riding with the Law Tigers. Reach out today for a free consultation to see how we can act as an additional layer of protective gear.
