Motorcycle accidents in Long Beach often happen because of several recurring types of negligence:
- Driver inattention – Distracted drivers who fail to see motorcycles can cause serious collisions.
- Left-turn accidents – Many motorcycle crashes occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming rider.
- Lane changes without checking blind spots – Drivers who fail to check their blind spots may sideswipe motorcyclists.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Excessive speed reduces reaction times, increasing the likelihood of severe crashes.
- Drunk or drugged driving – Impaired drivers have poor judgment and slow reaction times, putting motorcyclists at extreme risk.
- Road hazards – Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
In Long Beach, heavy traffic near areas like Downtown, the airport, and the freeways can magnify these risks for riders. Congested conditions make it more likely that a driver will change lanes abruptly, follow too closely, or fail to notice a motorcycle stopped in traffic. When we investigate a crash, we look closely at the roadway design, nearby intersections, and traffic patterns to understand how local conditions may have contributed to what happened.
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Liability for a motorcycle accident can fall on several different people or entities, depending on how the crash happened:
- Negligent drivers – Motorists who violate traffic laws or fail to yield to motorcyclists may be held responsible.
- Government entities – Cities, counties, or state agencies responsible for maintaining safe road conditions may face claims when dangerous defects contribute to a crash.
- Motorcycle and parts manufacturers – Companies that produce defective bikes or components may be liable if those defects cause or worsen a collision.
- Bars and establishments – Businesses that over-serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver who later causes an accident may face dram shop liability where applicable.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and analyze accident reconstruction data to establish fault.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation after a motorcycle crash may include several categories of damages:
- Medical expenses – Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost income – Wages lost due to inability to work and loss of future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and gear.
- Wrongful death damages – If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, families may pursue damages for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Beyond these categories, many riders also need help with future care costs, modifications to their home or vehicle, and support if they cannot return to the same type of work. We look at how your injuries affect your daily life, your ability to ride again, and your long-term plans so that a settlement or verdict reflects both what you have already lost and what you are likely to face in the future. By working closely with medical providers in the Long Beach area, we can better document these needs in your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Long Beach?
California law gives you only a limited amount of time to bring a motorcycle accident claim:
- General injury deadline – In many cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Property damage claims – Claims focused only on property damage may be subject to different time limits under California law.
- Claims involving government entities – If a public agency may be responsible, special claim rules and much shorter deadlines can apply.
California law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
If the crash involved a government entity (such as poor road conditions maintained by the city), the deadline may be much shorter. Acting quickly ensures that vital evidence is preserved and strengthens your case.
Important evidence like skid marks, debris fields, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses can disappear within days or weeks after a motorcycle collision. Witness memories can also fade, especially in busy areas near Long Beach City College or major intersections where many incidents occur. When you contact a motorcycle accident attorney early, we can move fast to secure records, put potential defendants on notice, and begin building the foundation of a strong claim before valuable information is lost.
Insurance Companies Don’t Have Your Best Interests in Mind
Insurance companies often use several tactics to reduce what they pay on motorcycle claims:
- Blaming the rider – Adjusters may lean on stereotypes about motorcyclists being reckless or speeding, regardless of what really happened.
- Minimizing injuries – Insurers sometimes argue that your injuries are not as serious as your doctors indicate or that they were preexisting.
- Pushing quick settlements – Low, early offers may be designed to resolve the claim before the full cost of treatment is clear.
- Requesting broad records – Carriers may seek extensive medical histories in an effort to find reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
After a motorcycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. Adjusters often stereotype motorcyclists as reckless, even when the crash was caused by another driver’s negligence.
Our firm knows these tactics and fights aggressively to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.
Insurers may also pressure you to give a recorded statement, sign broad medical releases, or accept a quick offer before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We help you respond appropriately to adjuster requests, handle communications on your behalf, and make sure that any settlement discussions take into account your ongoing medical care and future limitations. By stepping between you and the insurance company, we allow you to focus on healing while we protect the value of your claim.
What To Do After a Long Beach Motorcycle Crash
The moments and days after a motorcycle wreck can feel overwhelming, especially if you are facing serious injuries and mounting bills. Knowing what steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights. While every situation is different, there are practical actions you can follow to avoid common mistakes and give your future claim a stronger foundation if you decide to pursue one.
Whenever possible, seek immediate medical care, whether that means calling 911 from the scene or going to a nearby facility such as Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. Follow your doctor’s instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and keep copies of discharge papers, prescriptions, and imaging reports so there is a clear record tying your injuries to the collision. You should also try to gather photos of the scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries, and save contact information for witnesses who may later help confirm how the crash occurred.
As soon as you are stable, consider reporting the accident to your own insurer and obtaining a copy of the police report, but avoid giving detailed statements to the other driver’s insurance company before you understand your rights. A brief consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Long Beach can help you decide how to handle calls from adjusters, whether to repair or total your bike, and what to do if you are unable to return to work right away. The guidance you receive early on can make a meaningful difference in how your claim progresses and how well your losses are documented.
How Our Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we don’t just take on cases—we take on powerful insurance companies and negligent parties who try to deny responsibility. When you choose us, you get:
- Aggressive representation – We fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
- Extensive resources – We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build strong cases.
- No upfront fees – You don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Compassionate support – We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
We also guide you through each step of the process, from dealing with repair or total loss issues for your motorcycle to coordinating appointments with doctors who understand trauma from motorcycle crashes. If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation, we are prepared to present your story in the appropriate Los Angeles County court and show how the collision has affected every part of your life. Throughout your case, we remain accessible to answer questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about any settlement offers.
Call for a Free Consultation: (562) 270-0546
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Long Beach, don’t face the legal battle alone. Let us fight for you.
Call (562) 270-0546 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you recover and move forward.
