Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Los Angeles CA
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, California leads the nation in registered motorcycles, with over 958,000 as of the most recent data. Unfortunately, this correlates with a high number of motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities. In the City of Los Angeles alone, hundreds of motorcyclists suffer injuries or death each year. The severity of these incidents highlights the need for motorcyclists to exercise caution on the roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are about 22 times likelier to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Freeways such as the I-5, I-10, and US-101, as well as crossroads in densely populated neighborhoods, are frequent locations for these accidents.
According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), Los Angeles County was the state’s highest-ranking county for both serious injuries (821) and fatalities (120) involving motorcycles in one recent year. According to the data:
- Unsafe speed is the highest-ranking factor in motorcycle accidents, at 29.1 percent
- Weekends see the highest percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes, with 40.4 percent occurring on Saturdays and Sundays in one recent year
- Nearly a quarter of fatal collisions occur during the evening rush hour
- Urban accidents account for 74 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in California
- Male riders account for staggeringly high percentages of both injuries (90 percent) and fatalities (95 percent)
At Law Tigers, we are deeply familiar with the challenges and dangers that motorcyclists face every day on the road. Our team of dedicated motorcycle accident attorney members are committed to defending your rights and securing the justice you deserve. We offer professional, expert legal representation, tailored to the unique needs of motorcyclists. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the aftermath of your accident with confidence and support.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles due to someone else’s negligence, trust the experienced attorneys at Law Tigers. We focus on motorcycle accident cases and are committed to getting you the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
FREE CASE EVALUATION
FAQ
Why You Should Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles For Your Case
There are plenty of good reasons why you should hire a motorcycle accident attorney and have a relationship with a law firm that has a vested interest in riders like yourself.
- Connection to Medical Experts
Our team of member lawyers have relationships with local doctors and medical specialists who are experts in motorcycle injuries. This will save you from wasting any money you may be awarded in your case on medical care or procedures. Also, because we have a good relationship with doctors, in many cases you won’t need to pay out-of-pocket as these doctors are willing to accept payment after you reach a settlement in your case.
- Bike and Gear Replacement
We know how important your motorcycle and gear are to you. When you hire us, our experienced member lawyers will work with you to get your bike repaired or replaced. We make sure insurance companies don’t shortchange you on the true value of your property – even custom parts.
- Law is Complicated
You never expect to have an accident, nor the damage and injury you might face from it. The worst time to try to understand the legal process is right after you’re hurt and in recovery. While you focus on healing, let our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys make the legal process simple for you, so that you’ll not only better understand what your rights are, but your motorcycle accident lawyer will work on your behalf to get the settlement you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Los Angeles, CA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are about 22 times likelier to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Freeways such as the I-5, I-10, and US-101, as well as crossroads in densely populated neighborhoods, are frequent locations for these accidents.
According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), Los Angeles County was the state’s highest-ranking county for both serious injuries (821) and fatalities (120) involving motorcycles in one recent year. According to the data:
- Unsafe speed is the highest-ranking factor in motorcycle accidents, at 29.1 percent
- Weekends see the highest percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes, with 40.4 percent occurring on Saturdays and Sundays in one recent year
- Nearly a quarter of fatal collisions occur during the evening rush hour
- Urban accidents account for 74 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in California
- Male riders account for staggeringly high percentages of both injuries (90 percent) and fatalities (95 percent)
Common Motorcycle Accidents Injuries in Los Angeles
Motorcycle collisions often lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers between riders and the road. Even when they wear helmets and other protective gear, motorcyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may occur when a rider's head strikes the pavement or another object
- Spinal cord injuries, which can result from high-impact crashes and cause paralysis and other long-term or permanent complications
- Fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs, due to the force of impact
- Road rash, which can result from sliding across the pavement and can lead to painful abrasions and potential infections
- Internal injuries like bleeding and organ damage, due to blunt force trauma
How Do I Know I Have a Valid Motorcycle Injury Claim?
A valid motorcycle injury claim depends on establishing that someone else’s negligence caused your accident and the resulting injuries. All motorists have a duty to drive safely, and if a driver violates traffic laws or drove recklessly, they may be held responsible for the crash that injured you. You must be able to demonstrate that the accident directly caused your injuries and resulted in financial harm, such as medical expenses and lost income.
To this end, your Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will gather the evidence required to support your claim and prove the driver’s liability. By compiling strong evidence, your attorney can negotiate with the driver’s insurer or take your case to court if necessary to pursue fair compensation. This evidence may include:
- Accident reports and witness statements that help establish the driver’s fault
- Medical records that show the direct link between the accident and your injuries and demonstrate their severity
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage that shows how the crash occurred
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Financial documentation proving the economic impact of the crash, including pay stubs, medical bills, and repair estimates
Why Hire Law Tigers For Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Case
When it comes down to it, our member firms are made up of riders, for riders. You’re not just a number to us, you’re family. As riders ourselves we understand the challenges you face on the road. With decades of experience, success, and local member law firms across the country, we’re here to let you know that with us, you’ll never ride alone. If you or a fellow rider need a motorcycle accident and injury lawyer, please call us today for a free consultation. Don’t wait for the compensation you deserve!
Motorcycle-Specific Expertise – Our motorcycle injury attorney members understand the unique challenges riders face, from biased accident reports to complex insurance claims and injuries.
Maximized Compensation – An experienced Law Tigers motorcycle attorney fights for full compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, bike repairs, and pain and suffering, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Insurance Negotiation Power – Insurance companies often try to undervalue motorcycle claims. The skilled Law Tigers attorneys know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of you.
Protection from Legal Pitfalls – Filing claims, gathering evidence, and meeting deadlines can be overwhelming. Your knowledgeable Law Tigers motorcycle lawyer handles everything so you can focus on healing.
Meet Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Lawyers
At Law Tigers, we are deeply familiar with the challenges and dangers that motorcyclists face every day on the road. Our team of dedicated motorcycle accident attorney members are committed to defending your rights and securing the justice you deserve. We offer professional, expert legal representation, tailored to the unique needs of motorcyclists. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the aftermath of your accident with confidence and support.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles due to someone else’s negligence, trust the experienced attorneys at Law Tigers. We focus on motorcycle accident cases and are committed to getting you the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
Attorney Olivier Taillieu
Olivier Taillieu is a Partner of BD&J, PC, and a distinguished and respected trial attorney. He has tried and won multiple jury trials in his prolific career, and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Mr. Taillieu has been recognized by his peers as an outstanding advocate for his clients. He was one of five finalists for the prestigious CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in 2017, received the coveted nomination again in 2018, and was selected once again as one of the five finalists in 2019. Advocate Magazine has featured multiple articles authored by him on traumatic brain injuries and various trial skills.
Olivier Taillieu’s expertise and case results for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are nationally recognized. He is regularly invited to speak on the subject to audiences of his legal peers and medical experts. Among the most prominent were at CAALA’s Las Vegas conferences in 2018 and 2019 and the Brain Society of California Med Legal Conference in 2019. In 2020, he was a guest speaker at the TBI Med Legal Webinar sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of California. He routinely serves as faculty in the ABOTA trial skills program and gives lectures and CLE (Continuing Legal Education) presentations in the field of TBI, trial skills, and other related matters to his fellow attorneys.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a popular destination for motorcyclists, and for good reason: the scenery is beautiful, the roads are wide and freeing, and the weather makes it an easy place to travel. However, riders are still exposed to the risk of accidents. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents is a vital part of maintaining safety and reducing the risks of fatalities.
Common Causes of Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents
An accident can happen for any reason, and there can be a lot of variables in each scenario. However, the most common reasons for an accident involving a motorcycle are:
- Left-Turn Collisions – The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is when vehicles make left-hand turns. In this case, the car often fails to notice the oncoming motorcycle due to its smaller size and lower visibility.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving – Speed limits exist to keep everyone on the roads safe, and when drivers and riders speed, there is less time for them to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. The higher the speed of the vehicles involved in the crash, the more severe the injuries tend to be, especially for the rider.
- Driving Under the Influence – Driving a vehicle or motorcycle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol will reduce the judgment and reaction times of the drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol impairment is one of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle accidents.
- Inexperienced Riders – Riders of all experience levels can cause a motorcycle accident, but it's more likely to happen with an inexperienced rider. That's because they lack the decision-making skills that a more experienced rider would have, which can lead to disasters on the road when traffic becomes challenging.
- Distracted Driving – Everyone can be guilty of distracted driving with the rise of activities like texting, messing with the GPS, or changing the radio. If a driver takes their eyes off the road for even a second, the likelihood of an accident rises.
- Road Hazards – Hazards like uneven pavement, potholes, and debris create dangerous situations for riders. In Los Angeles, sudden weather changes can also lead to issues like slick roads, which further add to the dangers of the road.
- Grass Clippings – A freshly mowed lawn looks great and makes everyone happy, but the clippings can cause significant road hazards. They create slick surfaces, especially if they become wet, which reduces tire traction and causes riders to lose control of their bikes.
Fatal Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
An accident involving a motorcycle is always more dangerous for the rider than for the vehicle's driver. That is because there is a lack of protective barriers between the rider and the road. Some of the most common fatal injuries include:
- Head Injuries – When someone hits their head, they are always at risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), depending on how hard the impact is. Even if a rider is using a helmet, they are susceptible to a hard hit to the head when their body hits the road.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – As a rider falls off their bike, they could incur a spinal cord injury. These can cause chronic back pain, paralysis, or even death, depending on the severity and location of the trauma.
- Internal Injuries – Any blunt force trauma can lead to an internal injury. These are dangerous because they don't always manifest immediately. If left untreated, they can quickly turn fatal.
- Chest Injuries – Any injury to the chest, such as a broken rib or damage to the heart or lungs, can turn fatal because of the vital organs in that area.
How to Get a Motorcycle Accident Police Report in Los Angeles
To receive a copy of a California motorcycle accident police report, you can file a request online or by mail with the local police department. While most collision reports are available online, you may have to request a copy by mail if it involves a crime, such as a hit-and-run.
Why Should You Get a Police Report?
When seeking compensation for motorcycle accident injuries, there’s no such thing as too much evidence. Arizona Crash Reports completed by the police are among the best pieces of evidence you can have. They can provide the following:
- Proof of the accident
- Proof of parties involved
- Initial fault assessment
Keep in mind that the responding officer’s fault assessment is only an initial one. Even if the officer believes you were at fault for the crash, your lawyer may arrive at a different conclusion after reviewing all the available evidence. Many people fall victim to the media-driven stereotype that motorcycle riders are reckless people, and the officer who completed the report may share this bias. You should always consult an attorney before accepting anyone else’s account of the crash and who caused it.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
After you've suffered a motorcycle accident, you can sustain a variety of injuries. Some of them are minor, like small abrasions. Some of them are more life-threatening and can leave you with life-changing effects. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Road Rash and Burns: If you were thrown from your motorcycle, you've probably been skidding across the road. This friction can cause severe skin abrasions called road rash. Sometimes, these are mild and can heal quickly. Other times, depending on the speed and force with which you were thrown, these can lead to injuries that require skin grafts and lead to permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause broken bones. Usually, these bones include arms, legs, and ribs, but are not strictly limited to these. Injuries like this can require surgeries and long-term rehabilitation and can lead to chronic pain and disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Another common injury resulting from motorcycle accidents is injuries to your spinal cord. These injuries often have devastating impacts, like partial or complete paralysis. It's critical to seek immediate medical attention after an impact on the spine. Long-term care is also often required after these injuries are sustained. Whether a full recovery is made or not, a spinal cord injury usually leads to significant adverse effects on your quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Whether or not you use a helmet, you are not impervious to a TBI. These injuries affect the brain in significant and often permanent ways, leaving victims with cognitive impairments, memory loss, and even substantial emotional changes.
Injuries of any kind can be hard to deal with, but a motorcycle rider will deal with significantly worse injuries after a car accident than the enclosed vehicle’s occupants. Even with all the proper protective gear, motorcyclists are at a significantly increased risk of permanent harm. These risks and injuries can vary in severity depending on the details of the accident. For instance, a low-speed impact will cause less damage, whereas a high-speed crash is more likely to leave the rider permanently disfigured.
Contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The period after a motorcycle accident can be fraught with stress and anxiety, on top of the challenges associated with medical treatment and the healing process. Let Law Tigers make the process more straightforward by handling every detail of your claim. Contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney today to share your story and learn about your legal rights and options.