Motorcycles are an economical and enjoyable mode of transportation for many in Los Angeles. As enjoyable as this form of transportation is, it also has its downside. Motorcycles are more dangerous than any other motor vehicle because of their size and how motorists share the road. Car accidents are common, especially in Los Angeles, but motorcycle accidents can be deadly. After being involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in California?
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there are more than 8,50,000 total registered motorcycles in the state of California, more than any other state across the country. However, this means that California also has more motorcycle accidents than other areas. During the latest reporting year of data, there were nearly 14,000 motorcyclist injuries and 488 motorcycle fatalities.
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur in urban areas such as Los Angeles. With such densely packed traffic, motorcyclists are left navigating around traditional passenger vehicles on a regular basis.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles may be classified as vehicles, but motorcycle riders are considered vulnerable roadway users. The reality is that a motorcyclist has very little protection from the force of the vehicle slamming into them. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, you can count on having a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney by your side who has helped clients through the following:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and crush wounds
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe road rash
Los Angeles motorcycle accident victims are also likely to suffer from significant emotional and psychological harm in the event a severe accident has occurred. These injuries could require that a person undergo counseling and psychological therapy to make a full recovery.
Time Limit For Filing A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Los Angeles
Motorcycle accident victims in and around Los Angeles need to be aware that they have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit to recover the compensation they need. The California personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. This means that motorcycle accident victims have a two-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the allegedly negligent driver in the case. If an injured motorcyclist fails to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, they will likely lose the ability to recover any compensation at all.
Additionally, we need to point out that the insurance carriers involved in these cases have fairly strict reporting deadlines. Since the vast majority of motorcycle accidents are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers, this is important to know. Failing to report a motorcycle accident to an insurance carrier within a day or two after the incident occurs could result in the claim being delayed or denied altogether.
When you contact a skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after a crash occurs, you will have an advocate by your side who can handle this entire process for you. This includes ensuring that all claims are filed appropriately and on time so that you have the best chance of securing complete compensation.
Steps To Take Immediately After A Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident
There are various steps that can be taken in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident that could help a motorcyclist recover the compensation they are entitled to. This includes:
- Calling 911: Law enforcement officials need to come to the scene of a motorcycle accident, regardless of whether or not the incident seems severe. The police will be the ones to conduct a preliminary investigation and fill out the accident report that insurance carriers will need.
- Seeking medical care: It is absolutely vital for any motorcycle accident victim to seek medical care immediately. Even if the injuries do not seem severe at first, please understand that the signs and symptoms of many motorcycle accident injuries do not appear until hours or even days after the incident occurs. By seeking immediate medical care, victims will be ensuring their own well-being while also establishing a direct link between the incident and their injuries.
- Gathering evidence: Motorcycle accident victims can begin gathering crucial evidence after an accident, but they should only do so if it is safe at the scene. Some of the evidence that can be gathered includes the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Additionally, victims can use their phones or another type of camera to take photographs of damaged vehicles, injuries, debris, traffic and weather conditions, and more. We also recommend that motorcycle accident victims take note of any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured what happened on the footage.
- Contacting an attorney: A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles needs to be contacted immediately. An attorney can get involved quickly and begin obtaining and preserving the evidence needed to prove liability.
Lane Splitting Is Legal
Motorcyclists use the same roads and obey the same traffic laws as other drivers. California has enacted a new law allowing motorcyclists to lane split. This means a motorcyclist can travel between cars on the lane line. There is, of course, a safe and dangerous way to lane split. Safety requires the attention of all drivers on the road, not just the motorcyclists. However, drivers do not always give riders the appropriate space and attention they need. Inattentive drivers who are stopped at an intersection may fail to see a bike approaching and can cause an accident. Los Angeles drivers know that lane splitting is legal in the state but too often do not pay attention or get upset when they see a motorcyclist approaching.
Road Rage
Unfortunately, being stuck in traffic and seeing a motorcyclist zoom ahead causes some drivers to rage on the road. They become determined to seek revenge and end up causing an accident that could have been avoided. They will try to follow you and run you off the road just because you passed them. Road rage is a major cause of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles and is something to look out for. When becoming the victim of a road rage incident, contact the authorities immediately and stay clear of the driver.
Accident Insurance
Unfortunately, insurance companies are unscrupulous and do not always respect accident victims and their legal rights. Their goal is always to keep payments at a minimum or to deny claims altogether. In motorcycle accidents, injured riders and passengers may face an uphill battle fighting for just compensation. A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer specializes in protecting your rights and ensuring you get the highest compensation possible after an accident. As a rider, you must ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your motorcycle.
Defeating Law Enforcement And Insurance Carrier Biases Against Motorcyclists
It is an unfortunate reality that many individuals have unwarranted biases against motorcyclists. These negative biases are typically perpetrated by TV shows and movies, and it is not uncommon for this to become a problem when it comes to securing compensation in the aftermath of a collision. Even law enforcement officials and insurance carriers have negative biases against motorcyclists, and this can affect the entire flow of a claim.
In order to overcome these negative biases, a skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer will step in and use their resources to handle every aspect of the claim. An attorney understands that successfully recovering compensation in these situations revolves around showing irrefutable evidence to insurance carriers or to a personal injury. If necessary, an attorney can enlist the assistance of a skilled accident reconstruction expert who can use the evidence that has been gathered and piece together everything that occurred at the scene of the crash.
Compensation For a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Claim
Victims of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are likely to incur significant expenses. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, our personal injury lawyers will conduct a full investigation into your case in order to secure the compensation you are entitled to. This could include:
- Full coverage of all motorcycle crash-related medical bills
- Lost income if you are unable to work while you recover
- General household out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Property damage expense recovery
The total amount of compensation available for these cases will vary depending on factors related to each particular situation. This can include the severity of the injuries, the amount of a victim’s pain and suffering, whether a victim is able to work, and more.
Will a Lawsuit be Necessary For a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Case?
Most Los Angeles motorcycle accident cases are resolved between settlements with insurance carriers. However, if an insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies a claim, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party. A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg will handle every aspect of your claim for you. Even after a lawsuit is filed, these cases will likely be settled before they go to trial. However, our motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles will be fully prepared to take your case all the way to trial if necessary.
How a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney can Help
With over 35 years of experience with a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles, Howard Kornberg can help. Immediately after your accident and receiving medical attention, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. They will thoroughly investigate your accident and claim.
