Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Lane-splitting
• Speeding
• Drinking and driving
• Poor road conditions (including loose gravel, roadkill, potholes, etc.)
• Cars making left-hand turns
• Head-on collisions

While lane-splitting is legal in California, it is also a common cause of car vs. motorcycle accidents. If a motorist fails to check before changing lanes they can easily collide with the motorcyclist.

Similarly, left-hand turns are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, particularly in urban driving settings. When a motorist goes to make a left-hand turn and fails to check for either oncoming motorcyclists or a motorcyclist in the lane beside them, they can easily strike the motorcyclist.

Steps to Take Right After a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you must act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. Here is what you should do step-by-step:

• Stay calm and check for injuries: First, make sure you are safe. If possible, move your motorcycle out of traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request an ambulance if needed. A police report will later be important for your case.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle or other vehicles.
• Collect information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all parties. Gather contact information from witnesses, too.
• Avoid talking about fault: Do not admit fault or discuss accident details with others. Stick to the facts when speaking with police.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately.

Responding quickly after a crash helps ensure that key evidence is preserved and medical records accurately document your injuries. Timely action is especially important in busy cities like Los Angeles, where emergency responders handle high volumes of calls and traffic delays can slow response times. Documenting the scene, road conditions, and local traffic lights supports your claim in areas where collisions frequently occur.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents. Common injuries include:

• Road rash: Abrasions caused when the skin scrapes against the road. These may require long, painful healing.
• Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, or ribs are common due to the force of impact.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, TBIs can occur. These injuries may cause memory loss, cognitive issues, or lasting disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or total paralysis, sometimes requiring lifelong care.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs like the liver or spleen can be life-threatening and may need surgery.

Mild injuries, such as sprains or bruises, can still disrupt your daily routine, especially since many people in Los Angeles rely on motorcycles for commuting. Crashes on city streets may also cause knee, ankle, or wrist injuries when a rider tries to break a fall. In more serious crashes, like those involving freeway pileups or busy intersections, riders may suffer several injuries at once, which makes recovery longer and often requires ongoing care from local medical professionals.

The recovery process for these injuries can be lengthy and costly. It may include surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical expenses.

Impact of Helmet Laws on Your Accident Claim

In California, helmet use is mandatory for all motorcycle riders and passengers. Here’s how this law may affect your claim:

• Contributory negligence: If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you could receive less compensation. The insurance company or a court may say that not wearing a helmet made your injuries worse.
• Full protection: Wearing a helmet helps protect you from serious head injuries, and it shows you were following the law, which can help your claim.
• Head injury claims: If you suffer a head injury despite wearing a helmet, you may be entitled to higher compensation for medical bills, rehab, and pain and suffering.

Law enforcement in Los Angeles enforces helmet laws, especially near popular motorcycle routes such as Mulholland Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway. Following helmet regulations can reduce your risk of injury and protect your legal rights if you decide to file a claim. When you meet California’s safety requirements, you show you ride responsibly. This fact can discourage insurance companies from disputing your injuries or trying to reduce your compensation by alleging negligence.

Always wear your helmet to stay safe and strengthen your legal options.

Understanding Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be traumatic, leaving you with injuries and stressful legal challenges. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we want our clients to know their rights and understand what steps they can take to secure fair compensation. Our experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers guide clients through every stage of the process.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Legal representation: Having legal counsel can affect the result of your case. We work to protect your interests at every stage.
• Insurance negotiations: Navigating insurance claims is complex. Our team knows how to negotiate with insurance companies so you get the compensation you deserve.
• Gathering evidence: Building a strong case involves collecting witness statements, accident reports, and medical records. We manage this process carefully.
• Understanding compensation: Learn what types of compensation you might qualify for, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We help you identify all your possible claims.
• Statute of limitations: There are strict time limits for filing a claim after an accident. Our legal team ensures your case stays on track and you meet your deadlines.

Crashes in Los Angeles often involve multiple parties with different insurance policies and disagreements about road conditions or traffic signals. We guide clients as they work through police reports and court matters in greater Los Angeles, so forms are filed correctly and requirements are met. Riders here face unique challenges because city street layouts and frequent construction zones can affect the facts of an accident.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice.