Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you often have more serious injuries than the occupants of a car would in a two-vehicle crash. In fact, motorcycle riders are four times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than passengers in cars and trucks. Motorcycle accident victims are more likely to have catastrophic and life-threatening injuries than other accident victims because their bodies are more exposed to damage during the crash. If you are part of a motorcycle accident it is important to have an attorney experienced in motorcycle accident claims.

Oftentimes, motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist. They are actually caused by negligent drivers. In addition, injuries in motorcycle accidents can be caused by defective products, such as helmets, tires, or the motorcycle itself. Enjoying a ride on a sunny California day can be fatal when a motorcycle enthusiast is thrown from his or her bike and sustains critical injuries due to an accident with a negligent driver. It can take weeks, months, or years to recover from those injuries, and that is assuming that the accident victim can never recover at all.

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney who has experience in handling these specific cases. At Oaks Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to helping Los Angeles motorcycle accident victims prevail in their lawsuits against the individuals responsible for their injuries.

How Motorcycle Accidents Differ From Car Accidents

Because motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than automobile and truck drivers, they are more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident. They are also smaller than regular vehicles, with only two wheels and no seatbelts or airbags. Furthermore, because they are not enclosed or protected by metal, injuries are more likely to be serious. Broken bones, road rash, limb loss, deformity, traumatic brain injury, and damage to internal organs are all examples of motorcycle accident injuries.

In comparison to automobile or truck drivers, motorcyclists incur various risks; for example, they have less stability and visibility than car drivers. Motorcycles are more vulnerable on the road than vehicles, and as a result, they frequently sustain more serious and permanent injuries. Other important distinctions are:

• Most motorcycle accidents result in the wrongful death of the rider or passenger.
• Motorcyclists are at risk of long-term damage such as spinal cord and brain injury; therefore, they may need additional financial support. They also require other compensation for medical expenses and long-term wages.
• Victims of motorcycle accidents face challenges in court from jurors who regard all bikers as reckless drivers.

Types of Serious Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

The injuries that motorcyclists experience as a result of their accident are usually more serious than a general passenger vehicle injury. A motorcycle accident can cause severe trauma to the body, either when the body is impacted by another vehicle or when the body is thrown from the motorcycle and strikes the ground or another solid object. Some of the common injuries from motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Head injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury
• Scarring and lacerations (otherwise known as road rash)
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, particularly to the knees and shoulders
• Back injuries, including paralysis
• Neck injuries

Just because you chose to ride a motorcycle does not mean you are responsible for the injuries that were caused by another person’s negligence. Every day, cautious and responsible motorcyclists in Los Angeles are struck and injured by drivers who are careless and irresponsible. Do not let them get away with it. The insurance company for the driver that caused your accident is responsible for compensating you for your injuries.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys on Your Side – For Victims & Their Families

When you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you will have to go up against the other driver’s insurance company. Many motorcycle accident victims in California make the mistake of thinking they can negotiate with the insurance company on their own.

It is important to remember that without an attorney, the insurance company will usually never negotiate with you in good faith. They are out to take advantage by minimizing your settlement to save their company money. Many motorcyclists find their claims wrongfully denied by an insurance company that insists that the accident is the motorcyclist’s fault.

Once the motorcyclist hires an experienced personal injury attorney, the insurance company is more inclined to make offers. Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Call our office today to speak to one of our experienced Los Angeles motorcycle attorneys about what we can do to help you with your accident claim. At Oaks Law Firm, we start with the claims process, but we will aggressively pursue litigation on your behalf if there is any delay or denial from the insurance company or the party responsible.

What Should You Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?

The first moments following a motorcycle accident are often critical. In many cases, a motorcyclist knows immediately they have sustained serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. But it is also possible for a motorcyclist to get up and “walk away” from the scene, seemingly without a scratch. Even if you find yourself in the latter position, you should never assume that everything is okay. Here are a few basic steps you need to follow anytime you have been involved in a motorcycle accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: If anyone appears injured at the scene, including yourself, do not hesitate to call 911 and get emergency responders dispatched as soon as possible. Even if you think you are fine and cannot see any visible wounds, you should still get checked out by a clinic or your primary care physician as soon as possible following an accident. Keep in mind that many injuries–especially internal ones–may not present any symptoms until several hours or days after an impact.
2. Gather Information at the Scene: As with any motor vehicle accident, if you are physically able to speak with the other driver or drivers involved, you must exchange basic contact, vehicle, and insurance information. You should also take pictures of the accident scene if you have your smartphone with you. 
3. Do Not Apologize: Many of us have an instinctive need to apologize following an accident, even when we do not have all of the facts. It is important to avoid giving in to such instincts in the moments following a motorcycle accident. Never apologize to the other driver or make any statements that could be construed as an admission of fault. The reality is that even if you feel responsible there may be other factors at play that you are not aware of–such as that the driver that hit your motorcycle was speeding or intoxicated.
4. Contact a Qualified Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Even when the driver who hit your motorcycle was clearly at-fault, their insurance company may try to get you to accept a settlement before you are in possession of all of the facts. Remember, the insurance company is looking out for its own interests, not yours. That is why you should always speak with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney before dealing with any insurance company or legal representative for the other parties involved.

After a motorbike accident, you may safeguard your rights, future well-being, and physical and mental health by taking these crucial actions. Don’t undervalue the value of getting legal counsel from an expert to make sure you get all the money you are due. As a motorcyclist injured in an accident, Oaks Law Firm is here to help you navigate the legal system and defend your rights. For a free consultation, get in touch with us right away. We’ll help you obtain the justice and recompense to which you are due.

What to Look for In A Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There are several things you should consider when hiring your Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney. Selecting the appropriate legal counsel is an important step. Consider the following aspects when meeting with your motorcycle accident attorney team to determine if they are a good fit:

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Although you cannot completely avoid a car or motorbike collision, you can take steps to lessen the chance of injuries and fatalities. Because motorbikes are smaller than other cars, most drivers will not notice them until it is too late to avert a collision.

As a result, to be seen by other automobiles, riders should wear bright colors. Because motorbikes are not enclosed in metal like other vehicles, protective gear such as a helmet is also required. If your helmet does not have a face shield, consider wearing safety goggles instead. Avoid riding at night since you may be less visible to other drivers, which increases the danger of a crash.

You should also avoid driving while distracted; fidgeting with your phone or iPod, for example, reduces your reaction time, increasing your risk of a crash. It’s also crucial to ride within your skill level; if you’re not an experienced rider, don’t try weaving in and out of traffic.

Other Parties May Be Responsible for Your Motorcycle Accident

Another compelling reason you should always work with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer is that there may be other parties aside from the driver who hit you that may be legally responsible for your damages. Identifying these parties and holding them accountable is crucial to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. Here are some common examples of third-party liability for motorcycle accidents:

• Motorcycle Manufacturers: An accident may result from a defect in the design or manufacture of your motorcycle or one of its many components. If that is the case with your accident, you have the right under California product liability laws to sue the business that designed, manufactured, or sold the defective part. Unlike personal injury claims against drivers, you do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent, as California imposes strict liability in defective product cases.
• Premises Liability: In some cases, a motorcycle accident is the result of improperly maintained roads. Motorcycle accident victims can pursue a premises liability claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road in question. These kinds of lawsuits are complex, however, and require following special rules that do not apply to other types of personal injury claims.
• Medical Malpractice: If the doctors and other healthcare workers who treat you following a serious motorcycle accident fail to exercise appropriate professional care and make your condition worse, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. Seeking compensation for additional injuries or complications caused by medical negligence can significantly impact your recovery process.

A knowledgeable attorney with the ability to properly analyze your case and find all potential options for compensation is necessary to successfully navigate these complicated legal situations. The Oaks Law Firm staff is skilled in managing cases involving motorcycle accidents and has a wealth of expertise in resolving all kinds of third-party responsibility claims.

Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Other drivers’ irresponsibility can sometimes result in serious physical injury. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your pain, lost income, medical treatment, and other expenditures related to your injuries in such circumstances. If a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. Although the process may be lengthy, Oaks Law Firm can assist you in obtaining the necessary documents.

CALL TODAY! (877) 539-5366

Recovering the Damages You Deserve

If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of damages you've suffered. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering. You must bring forth your claim within one year of the accident date. Not filing your case within one year will bar you from recovery.