Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful weather and scenic views in the United States, which makes it the perfect spot to ride a motorcycle! Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents still occur and can be devastating and often result in life-changing circumstances for everyone involved. One distracted driver can cause a serious accident, regardless of the safety measures a motorcycle rider takes when sharing the road with other vehicles.
At The Barnes Firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping motorcycle accident victims in Los Angeles and across the state of California. Our motorcycle accident attorneys understand motorcycle law and how to navigate it to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
Processing a motorcycle accident is a stressful experience. Instead of focusing on recovery, you may have to deal with an insurance company who doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Many people are unaware of how a motorcycle accident attorney can assist you in moving on from the crash.
Engaging a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney may unlock your chances of obtaining a fair settlement amount that covers all your losses.
The team of trusted and experienced motorcycle attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work hard to help you get the best result possible. All too often insurance companies will not offer fair compensation after a motorcycle accident. The road to recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long, and insurance companies will often lowball motorcycle accident victims to pay out fast. Our team of Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will review your case for FREE, investigate every aspect of your accident, and help you get the best result possible – including the money you deserve to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.
Over 80,000 motorcyclists are injured in motorcycle accidents each year across the United States. In California, there are over 800,000 registered motorcyclists who take to the road each year. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for injuries than other drivers because:
Even when motorcyclists drive safely and practice caution, accidents can still happen. Our team of motorcycle attorneys at The Barnes Firm have found that the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,000 people in 2020. Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, video calling, eating, smoking, reprimanding children in the back seat, fussing with technology in the car, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road. Often, vehicle drivers are not good at anticipating the speed and movements of motorcycles. Distracted driving gives drivers of vehicles less time to react, which could result in a driver crashing into a motorcyclist.
Left turn accidents account for over 30% of motorcycle accidents. These accidents generally happen when a driver in a vehicle mistakes the distance and speed of an oncoming motorcyclist at an intersection and makes a left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle approaching their vehicle. In many cases, the driver of the vehicle fails to evaluate the speed and distance at the intersection before making a left turn, causing a motorcycle accident to occur.
In 2019, speeding killed 9,478 people in motor vehicle accidents. Speeding endangers everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists. A speeding car or truck needs more stopping distance, especially when behind a motorcycle. Increased speed can also lead to more serious injuries for the motorcyclist.
According to the NHTSA, one person is killed every 45 minutes in a DUI related crash. Driving under the influence is illegal in every state, and these crashes are all preventable. Driving a car or truck under the influence leads to severe impairment in vision and vehicle control. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to hit motorcyclists because of their smaller profile compared to other vehicles.
Motorcyclist’s ride exposed to outdoor elements, which can include rain, sleet, hail, heat, wind, snow, and more. These weather conditions create dangerous roads for all drivers and make motorcyclists more susceptible to being struck by a distracted driver.
Tailgating a motorcycle is extremely dangerous. The impatience of other drivers often leads to rear-end motorcycle accidents. Rear-end accidents commonly happen at red lights or stop signs, railroad gates, or in traffic when traffic comes to an abrupt or sudden stop.
As of August 2016, lane splitting is legal in the state of California. Lane splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Studies have shown that lane splitting can help reduce road congestion on busy Los Angeles streets and highways. Due to this, other vehicle drivers must be even more alert to their surroundings to avoid causing a motorcycle accident, especially when changing lanes while driving or coming out of a complete stop in traffic. Purposely blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider, or opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist, is illegal.
Given a motorcyclist’s lack of protection from other drivers and road conditions, injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can often be severe. According to the NHTSA, a motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision and five times more likely to be injured in a traffic collision. At The Barnes Firm, our trusted motorcycle accident attorneys have handled cases involving the following motorcycle injuries:
The most severe injuries are sustained when the point of impact is located at the front of the motorcycle. Proper protective gear, including a helmet that is fitted properly and worn correctly, can help reduce the severity of injuries. In California, every motorcyclist and motorcycle passenger are required to wear a helmet while riding. However, even with proper protective gear, motorcycle riders and passengers can experience catastrophic injuries in an accident. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys can help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
The law in California requires all riders and passengers to wear a U.S-compliant motorcycle helmet when riding a motorized bicycle, motorcycle, or non-motor-driven cycle. A manufacturer must certify that the helmet complies with U.S. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident attorney can determine the most viable strategy for recovering your losses.
Many motorcyclists don’t know where to turn or what to do after being involved in an accident. The experienced motorcycle attorneys at The Barnes Firm are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have after a motorcycle accident. If you’ve been involved in or witnessed a Los Angeles motorcycle accident:
1. Get to Safety. Analyze your surroundings and get out of harm’s way and away from traffic. Your safety is the priority after a motorcycle accident. If you can, move your motorcycle off the road to avoid further collisions
2. Call 911. After getting to safety, call 911 to report the accident. Request an ambulance if necessary.
3. Collect Information About the Accident. Exchange information from the accident scene, including the other driver’s personal and insurance information. Take photos of the scene of the accident, and request that you get a copy of the police report before you leave the scene if possible.
4. Call an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys are available to answer any questions regarding your case.
Our trusted motorcycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles will work diligently to help you get the best result possible. Not sure you have a case? Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation.
If you sustained an injury in a lane-splitting accident, the negligent driver is at fault for the collision. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California, though it can still be seen as a dangerous or negligent action.
When an accident occurred because of a lane-splitting motorcycle, chances are high that the rider may be blamed for the accident, though they might not truly be at fault. If they were safely lane splitting, and a distracted or otherwise negligent driver hit them, the driver should be liable.
If you can demonstrate that the accident occurred because of the actions of a driver, you can obtain full or partial compensation for your injuries.
The statute of limitation is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, you have two years if you did not immediately discover the injury. Alternatively, it is two years from the date you found the injury.
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means you must file your claim within two years of your accident or injury discovery. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, contact our experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm as soon as possible. We can help assist in answering any questions you may have regarding filing a motorcycle accident claim in California.
As a victim, you must demonstrate that you sustained an injury due to another person’s action or negligence to obtain compensation. The required evidence depends on the type of personal injury you’ve sustained.
The different pieces of evidence might include:
After a motorcycle accident, many people think they can only be compensated for medical expenses. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to recover more than just medical expenses for your case. Damages we have recovered for victims of motorcycle accidents include:
At The Barnes Firm, we will work hard to make sure you are compensated for all your damages. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you identify and calculate your damages and fight to help you get the best result possible for your case.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can use strong arguments to convince a jury that you deserve a specific settlement award. An attorney is a highly skilled negotiator who advocates for your interest during settlement negotiations with an insurance provider.
Here are examples of damages you can obtain:
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you have endured or will experience because of the injury you sustained in a motorcycle accident. Financial losses make up a significant portion of your personal injury award.
Here are the types of economic damages:
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses victims suffer due to the injury. You can receive different kinds of non-economic damages depending on your injury.
Here are a few examples of non-economic damages:
A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can seek the full compensation for all your damages. Please contact us for your free consultation today!
As one of America’s largest injury law firms, The Barnes Firm has helped many clients injured in motorcycle accidents get the best result possible. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys understand first-hand how quickly a motorcycle accident can happen and how unexpected the injuries can be.
If a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles has injured you or a loved one, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. From the first conversation through to the final settlement, the trusted team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm will work hard for you every step of the way.
Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers at The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys help victims from California. Our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in Los Angeles at 633 W 5th St #1750, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.051221159397144, -118.25445490707811
Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
In California, the concept of comparative negligence is governed by the doctrine of “pure comparative negligence.” This means that even if a plaintiff is primarily at fault for their own injuries, they may still be entitled to recover damages from other parties who are also at fault.
The court will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved in the accident, including the victim and any other parties who may be responsible, such as another driver.
Read More Here: Is California A Comparative Negligence State?
In the event that you are partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand comparative negligence laws and how they may impact your case. In the state of California, the comparative negligence law follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you are found to be 99% at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible to recover 1% of the compensation.
Read More Here: What Happens If I’m At Fault For An Accident In California?
Technically, no, California is not a no-fault state. While an injured driver can still file a claim to the other driver’s insurance and that claim will have to be paid, it doesn’t end there. Drivers in California do still retain their right to sue for additional damages.
In an at-fault state, such as California, each insurance company pays for the damages sustained according to the degree of fault of each party. The motorist who caused the accident is responsible for the damages to whoever was injured.
Read More Here: Is California A No Fault State?
California is the only state that allows lane splitting. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist can ride between two vehicles heading in the same direction. One of the main reasons for lane splitting in California is its ability to reduce traffic congestion, a desirable outcome in large cities.
Read More Here: Is Lane Splitting Legal In California?
In order to get a motorcycle license in California, minors of driving age must pass specific skills and written tests, including additional requirements set by the DMV. Minors should also be at least 16 when applying for a motorcycle license.
Read More Here: How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Motorcycle?
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has set rules to regulate motorcycle use in response to the high risk of road accidents. For instance, a motorcycle license allows one to legally operate a motorized bicycle, motorcycle, or bicycle equipped with motors and mopeds.
Read More Here: How To Get A Motorcycle License In California?
Every motorcycle crash is unique and will have different factors to consider. According to the NHTSA, most accidents are caused by a car or truck driver. The main reason is that the driver does not see the motorcycle rider. Sometimes, the cause of a collision is a parts manufacturer. It is rarely the fault of the motorcycle driver, contrary to popular belief.
Many reasons can lead to motorcycle accidents. The core issue is negligence. Whether it is another driver, a government agency, or a product manufacturer, it is likely a third-party lawsuit. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
The cause of the accident will also determine liability issues. The cause determines the responsible party and, therefore, the recovery options.
The NHTSA reports there are more than 5,000 motorcyclists killed in collisions across the U.S. That accounts for 14% of total traffic fatalities for the year. There were 565 motorcyclist deaths in California in a recent year. For comparison, California car accident deaths were about 4,000 for the same reporting year.
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. Often, they occur on highways where traffic is moving fast. The most dangerous counties for motorcyclists in California include:
The following intersections are also some of the most dangerous in California for collisions:
There are 8.3 million registered motorcycles nationwide. Every year, this number increases. There are 89,000 collisions involving these motorists. That is equivalent to 1% of registered motorcyclists being involved in collisions. About 25% of motorcycle crashes are the rider’s fault. This number can range by area and year.
You can seek payment for pain and suffering in a motorcycle accident settlement. The amount will depend on the severity of your injuries and if you will suffer long-term impacts. It is calculated by taking your economic losses and multiplying them. These damages are often awarded in cases involving permanent injuries or disability.
The civil process can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. You will have to handle insurance claims and the court. The more complex the civil case, the longer it will take to resolve the claim. It can take weeks or months for a settlement. However, a lawsuit can take a year or more in some instances. Issues that can lengthen case time include liability and insurance.
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