Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that could turn victims' and their families' lives upside down. A major injury motorcycle collision could cause significant financial strain, resulting in medical bills, cost of vehicle repairs, and lost income.
The experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys at the Vaziri Law Group have a track record of fighting hard for victims of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles and throughout California. We will work diligently to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your losses. We don't charge fees unless you receive compensation for your motorcycle crash.
Learn more about motorcycle accident claims for serious injuries below. Then, contact our experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- How a Motorcycle Crash Case Unfolds
- What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- Why Choose the Vaziri Law Group for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
- Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
- Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
- Factors Influencing the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
- FAQs
- Contact Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
What Causes Motorcycle Accident from Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Pinning down the cause of your motorcycle or car accident is one of the most important steps to getting the compensation you deserve. In California, the at-fault party will be held financially responsible for the crash, which means they may have to compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
Here are some of the individuals or entities that might be held liable in your motorcycle accident case:
Negligent drivers
If a drunk or distracted car or truck driver struck your motorcycle and caused your injuries, his or her insurance company might compensate you for your damages. Examples of negligence or wrongdoing include:
-
Driving while texting.
-
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-
Speeding or violating the rules of the road, such as running a red light or stop sign.
If the driver was on the job, his or her employer can also be held responsible. This could even apply to rideshare accidents.
Automaker or parts manufacturer
If your accident was caused by a defective motorcycle, the manufacturer or the defective part can be held liable for your accident and resulting injuries and damages.
Governmental entity
If a dangerous or defective roadway causes your motorcycle accident, the governmental agency responsible for designing or maintaining the roadway can be held liable.
How a Motorcycle Crash Case Unfolds
There are several steps involved in a motorcycle crash case. They include:
Discovery
In addition to preparing and filing relevant paperwork in court, your lawyer will also engage in the discovery process. This is the formal process where the parties exchange information about evidence and witnesses they plan to present during the trial.
Settlement
Many motorcycle crash cases are settled out of court. This means that we help you agree with the defendant. This could avoid a long, expensive, and stressful trial. But we want to make sure you receive a fair settlement. We will help you decide if you should accept the settlement offer.
Trial
If the case ends up in the courtroom, your personal injury lawyer will represent you and present your case to the judge and jury.
Motorcycle accident cases are civil personal injury lawsuits, which means as the plaintiff, you must prove or present evidence of the defendant's negligence or wrongdoing. Your Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will help you secure and compile the crucial evidence you need to prove your case.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take or fail to take after a Los Angeles motorcycle accident could determine how your motorcycle accident claim goes. The following actions must be taken in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident to protect your rights:
-
Call 911 to report the accident. File a police report and get a copy for your records.
-
Exchange information with the other parties involved in the collision. Don't admit fault or make any statements to anyone at the scene.
-
Take pictures of the accident scene and videos using your cell phone if possible.
-
Get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. This helps you document the types of injuries you sustained and the treatment you received.
-
Ensure you preserve all documents about your accident and injury, including police reports and medical records.
Why Choose the Vaziri Law Group for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
At the Vaziri Law Group, we are 100% committed to helping you get the maximum possible compensation for your losses. We understand that motorcycle accident victims and their families are not just dealing with physical limitations but also emotional and financial challenges – all of which can be overwhelming. Our law firm specializes in personal injury cases.
Our legal team consists of experienced lawyers who have handled various auto accident cases, particularly motorcycle accidents. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don't charge you any fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries can range from moderate to severe, catastrophic, or even fatal. Because motorcyclists have minimal protection, colliding with another vehicle or hitting the pavement could result in various injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash. They were four times more likely to be injured.
Here are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
-
Broken bones or fractures
-
Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
-
Road rash
-
Injuries of the upper and lower extremities
-
Burn injuries
-
Limb amputations
Motorcycle accident victims often suffer permanent injuries that could result in disabilities or long-term effects such as chronic pain. In many cases, victims may be unable to return to work for an extended period. Working with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will help victims and their families secure maximum compensation for their losses.
Why Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be looking at mounting medical expenses and an inability to earn an income because of your injuries. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather and compile evidence that can help strengthen your claim.
We will file your motorcycle accident case promptly before the statute of limitations or the deadline to file expires. Under California law, you have two years to file your personal injury claim from the date of injury. However, those deadlines could shift depending on who the defendant is. For example, if you are filing a claim against a governmental entity, you must file within 180 days (6 months) of the injury.
We will use our experience, knowledge, and resources to help you recover from your injuries. Instead of stressing out about paperwork, deadlines, and legal strategies, we will do all that heavy lifting for you.
Factors Influencing the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
-
Severity of injuries. The more severe and long-lasting the injuries from the motorcycle accident, the higher the potential compensation. Serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage can lead to extensive medical treatments and long-term care needs, which significantly increase the claim's value.
-
Lost income and earning capacity . If the motorcycle accident results in injuries that prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, this loss of income will be factored into the compensation. Future lost earnings, especially if the injuries lead to career limitations or a need to change professions, also heavily influence the settlement amount.
-
Medical expenses. The total cost of immediate and ongoing medical treatment is a major component of any motorcycle accident claim. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any specialized medical equipment needed for rehabilitation.
-
Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering reflects the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. This non-economic damage is harder to quantify but increases with the severity of the physical injuries and the psychological impact of the accident.
-
Liability and negligence. The clearer it is that the other party was at fault due to negligence, the stronger your compensation claim. California's comparative fault law means that compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the accident.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, ensure your safety and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you believe you are not seriously injured, as some symptoms may appear delayed.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim. If your claim is against a governmental entity, you must file a claim within six months of the accident.
What types of damages can I recover in a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you can recover economic damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Why is it important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help navigate the complexities of your claim, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for all your injuries and losses. They can also help collect and compile evidence to strengthen your case .
Contact Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
Motorcycle crashes are always serious. Even at low speeds, fatal motorcycle accidents can happen. See a doctor first if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Then, let us advocate for your rights. At the Vaziri Law Group, we take great pride in fighting for motorcyclists hurt in crashes. Let us do the same for you. Contact our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. Let us see how much compensation you can recover for your crash.