Maison Law represents motorcycle accident victims in Los Angeles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury attorneys at Maison Law can get you the compensation you need. Motorcycle accidents tend to be horrific collisions, resulting in life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, after an injury-related accident, most victims are unaware of their rights or what they can do to protect their health and financial future. Fortunately, that’s where Maison Law can help.
Our team of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Maison Law will ensure you take the proper legal steps to protect your right to compensation for medical bills, property damage, and the trauma you’ve been forced to endure.
Don’t let a motorcycle accident injury define the rest of your life. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Claims Process
Step 1
Call Us For A Free Consultation
Call us 24/7 with No Obligations.
Step 2
Describe Your Accident Details
We will then discuss your legal options and decide whether to move your case forward.
Step 3
Retain Maison Law w/ No Upfront Fees
We work on contingency. No attorney fees unless you win your case.
Step 4
Receive Your Compensation
We will fight for you to earn the highest possible payout for your damages.
How to Know if You Need a Lawyer for a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident
This is unlikely, but if you only suffered minor scrapes or bruises from a motorcycle accident, you may not need a lawyer.
However, the majority of motorcycle accidents in California do result in some sort of injury requiring medical attention.
The following is a list of factors where it is recommended you contact us at Maison Law after a motorcycle accident:
- There were serious injuries: You will need compensation to cover your current and future medical bills if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Maison Law can ensure both.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one has passed away due to the accident you will need compensation for funeral expenses and damages related to the untimely loss.
- Fault: If you are blamed for the accident, but are not at fault, an attorney can protect and assign liability to the at-fault parties. Our firm will reduce liability if you are liable to some extent or eliminate it entirely. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about fault, we are happy to help.
- Multiple parties involved: Multiple parties make cases complex. Our attorneys will manage your case while protecting your best interests and right to compensation from all liable parties.
- False police report: If a police report places blame on you, and you disagree, we will gather evidence such as street cam footage, witness statements, and dash cams to support your claim.
How Maison Law Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims in Los Angeles
With its mix of winding roads and stunning views, Los Angeles is a popular motorcycle destination. Routes like Mullholland Highway and Sunset to PCH are not just popular scenic routes for motorcyclists, but they’re also high-traffic areas for 18-wheelers and other motorists, putting many motorcyclists at a high risk of being injured in an accident. And according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are not uncommon, averaging around 5,000 injury-related or fatal accidents.
One thing these statistics don’t mention is how expensive motorcycle accidents can be for victims and their families. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle accidents have an average of around $16 billion in damages each year. For that reason, it is recommended to consult with an experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Maison Law to get the full extent of your damages.
While it is common for insurance companies to blame motorcyclists for accidents or deny their claims entirely, Maison Law protects injured motorcyclists’ right to fair compensation, regardless of who was at fault. If you’ve been injured in Los Angeles, our firm will ensure you’re compensated for the following damages:
- Economic damages: financial damages you incurred due to the accident.
- Medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Loss of future potential earnings
- Loss of property
- Cost of repairs
- Non-economic damages: these are subjective, non-compensatory damages.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages: these are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party.
- Reckless behavior
- Actions performed out of spite
What Influences Settlement Value in a California Motorcycle Accident?
You may consider filing a personal injury claim if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in California. Before filing, it is important to understand several factors that may influence the value of your settlement. The following factors include:
- Liability: the degree to which the defendant is found responsible for the injury can add value to your settlement. The more reckless the defendant’s actions usually result in a higher settlement.
- Insurance coverage: the defendant’s insurance policy limits can cap the maximum settlement amount. If the defendant has an insufficient insurance policy, then alternate means of compensation will have to be pursued.
- Legal representation: the expertise and negotiation skills of a personal injury attorney will impact the outcome of your case.
- Contributory negligence: California is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning both the plaintiff and defendant can be found at fault. If you’re found at partial fault, then your settlement will be reduced accordingly.
- Nature and extent of Injury: the cost of all reasonably necessary medical treatment and the estimated cost of future medical treatment are essential to the value of a case.
- Objective findings for physical pain: pain is a subjective thing, so, objective evidence is needed to support it in a personal injury case. This is usually presented in the form of X-rays and MRIs.
- Medical history of the victim: the prior medical history of the plaintiff comes into play if they were injured in the same area where they already have a medical history of issues. Under California, the negligent party is not responsible for prior injuries unless they were made worse by the incident.
- Plaintiff’s age: the age of the victim comes into play if the injury may have been a result of “degenerative changes” rather than the careless act, or hazardous condition.
- The occupation of the victim: the amount the injured victim was making and the amount they can no longer make due to their injuries plays a large role in determining their settlement.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements Based on Injury
While there is no exact settlement amount for a serious motorcycle accident injury claim since each incident varies significantly on a case-by-case basis, there are various factors that can help determine the value of your case, such as:
- Extent of damages
- Medical treatment needed
- Insurance coverage limit
- Determination of fault
When it comes to your motorcycle accident settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, if you only sustained minor injuries from the crash or you were partially liable for the incident, your settlement could result in a lower amount. However, serious injuries are common with motorcycle accidents and typically result in higher payouts than accidents with minor injuries.
Partial liability in California does not mean you are not entitled to compensation because California follows Comparative Negligence Law, meaning your compensation will only be reduced by your percentage of fault in the incident, rather than none at all. So, when considering settlements for motorcycle accident injuries, they will generally fall into three categories:
- Low Settlements: minor accidents with little to no injuries can result in a low settlement in the low thousands to cover damage done to your vehicle and medical bill to treat minor injuries.
- Moderate Settlements: moderate settlements can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. These motorcycle accident cases usually involve medical treatment for significant injuries, some missed work, and longer recovery periods.
- High Settlements: high settlements typically involve motorcycle accident incidents with serious injuries, long-term medical treatment, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. Settlements can be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars and up to millions of dollars.
How to Maximize Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Maximizing your settlement is perfectly normal, as most motorcycle accident victims will suffer major medical costs, vehicle repairs, and serious changes in their lifestyle. Motorcycle accident injuries can be life-altering, which is why accident victims are entitled to the maximum amount of compensation for all the damages they’ve been forced to endure.
While an experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney will handle the legalities of your case, you can help maximize your settlement after an accident by:
- Seeking medical treatment: Nothing is more important than your health. After an accident, you should always get seen by a doctor, even if you feel fine. Not seeing a doctor will only hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Reporting the accident: After a motorcycle accident, it is important to get a police report. Police reports typically cover who was involved in the accident and who was at fault. It’s okay if you’re unable to get it yourself. A lawyer can subpoena that information if necessary once a lawsuit is filed with the courts.
- Gathering evidence: take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements, as well as their information. Accidents can get cleaned up quickly, and cars can get moved, so it is important to capture the damage of all the vehicles involved.
- Following up on your injuries with a doctor: Any injuries you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries.
- Contact Maison Law: protect your legal right to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need
What Our Clients Say
Understanding How Motorcycle Accident Law Protects Injured Riders in Los Angeles
Other drivers on the road owe a “duty of care” to the other drivers around them, including motorcyclists. Duty of care isn’t just a suggestion for drivers in Los Angeles; it is a law they must follow. According to Civil Code 1714, people are responsible for their actions and for preventing their property from harming others. This includes motorcyclists. The statute states:
“Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself. The design, distribution, or marketing of firearms and ammunition is not exempt from the duty to use ordinary care and skill that is required by this section. The extent of liability in these cases is defined by the Title on Compensatory Relief.”
To establish the actions of a careless driver caused your motorcycle accident, you would need to prove the following:
- Duty of care: the other driver has a legal obligation to drive with caution and prevent any hazardous incidents that could injure someone
- Breach: the other driver failed to uphold their duty of care toward other drivers
- Cause: the other driver’s carelessness was a direct cause of the accident
- Damages: You suffered verifiable damages and incurred heavy losses due to the injuries sustained from the accident
How Does Fault Work in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
In most states, the at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for damages. In California, however, the fault is determined by a “comparative negligence” system. Comparative negligence allows an injured party who shares fault for their injuries to receive compensation, a legal action covered by the Comparative Negligence Law, which states:
“Under the pure comparative negligence rule, the state allows the plaintiff to claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault even when they are 99% at fault.”
So, being found partially at fault for a motorcycle accident doesn’t mean you can’t be compensated for your injuries. At Maison Law, we specialize in reducing liability or eliminating it entirely. To see what legal options are available for your situation, contact us today for a free case review.
Common Dangers that Cause Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
In 2017, according to Berkley University, nearly 22% of all motorcycle accidents were fatal or ended in severe injuries. These horrific accidents are common in Los Angeles due to the lack of awareness from other motorists and the amount of risk involved with using a motorcycle in high-traffic areas like Los Angeles. The following dangers are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Absence of barriers: motorcyclists are not protected by metal, airbags, or seat belts like a typical car. The only preventative barrier is their helmet.
- Reduced Stability: Motorcycles can travel at high speeds, but at the cost of stability, making them susceptible to other vehicles, harsh weather, and hazardous road conditions.
- Reduced Visibility: Motorcyclists are less noticeable to other vehicles, especially at night.
- Poor Road Conditions: debris and other objects on the road might be easy for a car to ride over, but a motorcyclist is at a much higher risk if the road surface has been compromised.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
According to SAFETrec, 13% of all accidents in the United States involved motorcycles. This mainly due to careless drivers failing to share the road safely with motorcyclists. The most common vehicle collisions with motorcycles include:
- Distracted Driving: even momentary glances can cause devastating accidents. Distracted driving can be proven through camera footage, cell phone records, and collision investigations.
- Speeding: speeding only increases the severity of accidents and is a leading contributor to fatal motorcycle accidents every year in California. A driver’s CPU data can potentially reveal their speed before an accident.
- Moving violation: running red lights, illegal U-turns, or failing to yield can disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to major accidents. These illegal actions can typically be proven by traffic camera footage and eyewitnesses.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): this action is one of the leading causes of fatal motorcycle accidents in California.
- Lane-splitting: occurs when motorcyclists ride between lanes of traffic, which can lead to accidents if drivers are not aware of the motorcyclist.
Lane Splitting Safety for California Motorcyclists
Lane splitting is defined in California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 as a vehicle that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between two rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including both divided and undivided streets road or highways. Motorcyclists can avoid lane-splitting accidents by following these safety tips:
- Consider the total environment before lane splitting, such as:
- Width of lanes
- Size of surrounding vehicles
- Weather
- Lighting conditions
- Be aware of danger increasing at higher speeds
- It is safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic
- Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses, and motorhomes
- Riding on the shoulder is illegal and is not considered lane splitting
- Make sure you are visible to other vehicle before lane splitting
- Wear bright colors and reflective/protective gear
When is a Motorcyclist Deemed At-Fault for Lane Splitting?
A motorcyclist might be liable for causing a lane-splitting accident in California if they were:
- Traveling faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed deemed unsafe for the current road conditions
- Weaving in and out of traffic while lane-splitting, or areas where vehicles are not permitted to ride
- Failing to use clear signals to indicate lane changes or sudden maneuvers
- Failing to yield the right-of-way when a forward motorist has signaled a lane change
- Following too close behind another vehicle
However, a vehicle can be liable for causing a lane-splitting accident for the following violations:
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Speeding
- Maneuvering to block a motorcyclist from passing
- Carelessly changing lanes without yielding to motorcyclists or other vehicles
Ultimately, fault in an accident will be determined through evidence such as traffic cams, dash cams, and witness statements. The attorneys at Maison Law have the resources to obtain the evidence needed to prove your case and remove you from liability. We work with accident reconstruction experts to impose maximum liability on the at-fault party and ensure you are fully compensated if you have been wrongly injured in a motorcycle accident.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Yes – In California, motorcycle riders can still file an injury claim even if they weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of their accident. The support may be reduced if a jury determines your injuries would have been less severe if you had worn a helmet. A jury can still award you a substantial judgment to help with your recovery.
Two years. California motorcyclists face a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident to file an insurance claim. Turning your case over to a skilled attorney as soon as possible only helps your case because evidence and testimony are harder to secure as time passes.
Insurance companies use old stereotypes about motorcyclists to unfairly blame riders for accidents. Adjusters also delay responding to claims to get victims desperate as more bills pile up. They hope victims become more likely to accept “lowball” settlement offers after being kept waiting.
Contact Maison Law | Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Maison Law, we understand that injured victims only have one chance at securing financial relief after a serious accident. That’s why we focus on getting your case resolved and getting you paid as quickly as possible.
Our firm has proudly managed numerous motorcycle accident cases, successfully protecting riders from liability and reaching fair settlements quickly and efficiently on their behalf. So, don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action for your Los Angeles motorcycle accident injury.
Contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a cent until your case is won.
Additional Resources
- Motorcycle Accidents on 405 Freeway
- Motorcycle Accidents on Sepulveda Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Ventura Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Wilshire Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway 5
- Motorcycle Accidents on Reseda Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Balboa Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Santa Monica Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Venice Boulevard
- Motorcycle Accidents on Hwy 101
- Motorcycle Accidents on Hwy 1
- Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway 10
- Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway 110
- Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway 105
- Motorcycle Accidents on Sunset Boulevard
- Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
