Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles? The team at Golden Gate Legal is ready to fight for you. Get the help you need.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly difficult, leaving you with physical injuries and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Los Angeles area, we encourage you to contact us at the number below.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury firm with a proven track record of helping riders navigate motorcycle accident cases in Los Angeles. We've created this guide to provide clear direction on what to do after a crash, offer an overview of the legal process, and address the questions you might have along the way.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
If you get into a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it's important to follow the steps below to protect your health and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If you are able, move to a safe area away from the busy Los Angeles traffic to prevent any further accidents or harm.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority is safety, so call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or significant property damage. Even if you believe you're unhurt, it is essential to get a medical evaluation, as many serious injuries don't show symptoms right away.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signs. It's also crucial to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses and to swap driver's license, insurance, and contact information with the other parties involved.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the moments after an accident, it's crucial to avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, no matter how minor they seem. It is also wise to refrain from posting about the crash on social media or signing any documents from an insurance company before you've had a chance to speak with an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, the team at Golden Gate Legal can step in to protect your rights and manage the difficult conversations with insurance companies. Our dedicated attorneys will navigate the legal system on your behalf, fighting to get you the compensation needed for your recovery and losses.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
Golden Gate Legal has dedicated years of experience handling complex personal injury proceedings, including numerous motorcycle accident cases. If you're looking for a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles, here are a few reasons why our firm stands out:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our team fights aggressively to ensure you receive every penny you're entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: We handle the legal burdens and protect your rights against insurance companies, so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case, because we believe in our ability to deliver results for you.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our dedicated team is here for you around the clock to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
Don't just take our word for it; see what our clients have to say in our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle the entire legal process for your Los Angeles motorcycle accident claim, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We start with a complimentary meeting where we'll hear your side of the story, address your concerns, and evaluate the merits of your claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team meticulously collects crucial evidence like accident reports and medical bills, and then we manage all communications and filings with the insurance providers for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care and will track your recovery journey to build a strong case that accurately represents the extent of your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've reached maximum medical improvement, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to take your fight to the courtroom.
- You Get Paid: Once we secure a settlement or verdict, we manage the final details to make sure you get your money promptly.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence, the law allows you to seek compensation for the losses you've suffered. Compensatory damages for motorcycle accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies often try to undervalue your claim to protect their profits, which is why it's so important to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like the team at Golden Gate Legal fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle:
Road Rash
These are painful abrasions that occur when a rider’s skin grinds against the pavement, often leading to serious issues like infection, permanent scarring, or nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Suffering a broken bone is a common result of a motorcycle wreck, and healing can involve surgery, casts, and a long rehabilitation period that might still leave you with chronic pain or limited movement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The intense force of a motorcycle collision can inflict spinal cord damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis and profoundly affecting a person's independence, mobility, and future.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury can lead to lasting complications such as memory problems, cognitive difficulties, confusion, and significant personality changes.
Foot and Leg Injuries
A motorcyclist's feet and legs are at significant risk during a crash, often resulting in injuries such as broken bones, dislocated joints, or deep cuts.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a crash can lead to PTSD, causing persistent fear, intrusive memories, and sleep disturbances that often require professional counseling to overcome.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While every crash has its own story, many motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles happen for a few common reasons:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding leaves drivers with less time to react to unexpected dangers and greatly increases the chances of a severe, high-impact collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's judgment, slows their reflexes, and significantly heightens the risk of a tragic accident.
Running Red Lights
Failing to stop at a red light can cause a serious collision with cross-traffic or tragically injure a pedestrian.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of distracted driving or following another vehicle too closely, these types of accidents can cause severe whiplash and other debilitating neck and back injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly switching lanes without checking blind spots or using a turn signal can force other vehicles to brake hard or swerve, often leading to a collision.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, the act of a motorcycle riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped cars, is a risky maneuver that often results in accidents when drivers are not expecting it or fail to check their blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, we represent personal injury clients in Los Angeles without any initial costs. We only receive a fee if we win or settle your case, so you face no financial risk in seeking our help.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident requires a detailed investigation into the unique circumstances of your crash. It involves gathering evidence to build a strong case. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can help you establish their negligence and hold them accountable.
It's also important to know that if you are found to be partly responsible, your final compensation could be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Knowing how this works is key to understanding the potential value of your claim, especially when navigating the aftermath of an accident in a busy city like Los Angeles.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It's crucial to act within this timeframe, as waiting too long could mean you lose your legal right to seek compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies operate under strict deadlines. After you file a claim, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the moment they receive all your required paperwork, they have another 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once your claim is approved, the insurer is required to issue payment within 30 days. These timelines are outlined in the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, meaning the entire settlement process should ideally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
In Los Angeles, a motorcycle accident typically remains on your driving record for three years from the date of the crash. However, this period can extend to ten years if the accident involved hazardous materials or a commercial vehicle. The count starts from the day the collision occurred.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
Here at Golden Gate Legal, we start by listening. We want to hear your story and understand exactly what happened in your Los Angeles accident. Our first goal is to make sure you feel supported and not like just another case file. We'll also take a close look at your injuries and can point you toward the right doctors to get you on the path to recovery.
Your only job should be to focus on getting well. We'll handle the entire legal battle for you. Our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, which includes money for your medical treatments, lost earnings, and the pain and suffering you've endured.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
