Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Looking for a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney? The team at Golden Gate Legal fights for injured riders. Get the help you need to recover.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly taxing, leaving you with physical injuries and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Los Angeles area, please contact us at the number below for guidance.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience representing clients in motorcycle accident cases across Los Angeles. This article will provide direction on what to do after a crash, give an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you may 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:
Make Sure You're Safe
First and foremost, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it's safe and you're able to, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to a safer spot on the side of the road to prevent another collision on the busy Los Angeles streets.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, your first move should be to call 911, especially if anyone is injured. It's also critical to get a medical evaluation right away, even if you feel okay, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Accident Scene
Using your phone, capture photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, making sure to get shots of vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signs. You should also collect contact details from any witnesses and swap license, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
It's critical to avoid admitting fault or even apologizing, as these statements can seriously harm your case down the road. Similarly, you should not post about the accident on social media or sign any documents from an insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
When a motorcycle accident happens in Los Angeles, let Golden Gate Legal take on the legal burdens and protect your interests against insurance companies. We are committed to guiding you through each phase of your personal injury claim with compassion and professional expertise.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
At Golden Gate Legal, we have dedicated years of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases for clients across Los Angeles, in addition to a wide range of other personal injury proceedings. When you're looking for a firm to represent you, here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our team fights aggressively to ensure you recover every penny you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: We make it our top priority to safeguard your rights and interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at all times: Accidents don't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we; our team is available to help you whenever you need us.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of the legal process for our clients in Los Angeles, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your healing:
- 1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a complimentary meeting where we hear your side of the story, address your concerns, and determine the viability of your claim.
- 2. Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will meticulously collect all necessary evidence, including accident reports and medical bills, and then formally file your claim with the responsible insurance carriers.
- 3. Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care and will keep track of your recovery journey to make sure the full extent of your injuries is documented for your case.
- 4. Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've finished your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- 5. Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- 6. You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final details and paperwork to get your settlement funds to you as swiftly as possible.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver's negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the damages you've incurred. Compensatory damages for motorcycle accidents in California are intended to cover a variety of losses and may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible to protect their bottom line, which is why having experienced California personal injury attorneys from Golden Gate Legal on your side is crucial to recovering the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this isn't a complete list, we commonly handle cases involving the following types of injuries:
Road Rash
Road rash refers to the painful scrapes and cuts a rider gets from sliding on the pavement during an accident, which can result in serious issues such as infections, lasting scars, and nerve damage.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent result of motorcycle crashes, often requiring surgery, immobilization in a cast, and a long healing process that can lead to permanent mobility challenges or persistent pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The powerful impact from a motorcycle crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis that alters a person's mobility, self-sufficiency, and future quality of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can lead to significant challenges, including problems with memory, disorientation, difficulty thinking, and shifts in mood or personality.
Foot and Leg Injuries
Your legs and feet are particularly exposed in a motorcycle crash, commonly leading to injuries such as broken bones, joint dislocations, and deep gashes.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma from a crash can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing persistent fear, nightmares, and severe anxiety that often requires professional counseling.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
CAUSE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Speeding or Reckless Driving
When drivers speed or behave recklessly, they have less time to prevent an accident, making severe, forceful collisions much more likely—especially when navigating bustling city traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cloud your judgment, slow your reaction time, and greatly increase the odds of a devastating accident.
Running Red Lights
Ignoring a red light frequently results in dangerous T-bone accidents at intersections and poses a major threat to pedestrians trying to cross the street.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of a driver following too closely or not paying attention, these types of accidents can lead to painful injuries like whiplash, even at low speeds.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly changing lanes or not looking for cars in your blind spot can easily result in a sideswipe or make other drivers swerve to avoid an accident.
Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles is a dangerous move that often leads to collisions, simply because other drivers aren't expecting it and might not check their blind spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, Los Angeles accident victims pay no upfront attorney fees. We only collect a fee if we successfully win or settle your case, so hiring our firm comes with zero financial risk.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Showing that the other driver was at fault involves a careful investigation of the specific details of the accident. If you believe the other driver is to blame for the crash, we can help you prove their liability and build your case.
However, it's crucial to know that if you are found to share some of the fault, your final compensation amount may be lowered accordingly. This concept is vital for understanding what your claim might be worth, particularly with the challenging driving conditions found throughout 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. If you miss this critical deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, once you file a claim, the insurance company is on the clock. They are legally required to acknowledge your claim and begin their investigation within 15 days. After you provide them with all the necessary proof and documentation, they have 40 days to decide whether to accept or reject your claim.
If your claim is approved, the company must issue payment within 30 days of that approval. This means that, according to California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire settlement process should wrap up within 85 days from the time you submit your completed claim paperwork.
How long does a motorcycle accident stay on your record in California?
In Los Angeles, a motorcycle accident will typically show on your driving record for three years from the date of the crash. However, this period can be longer—up to ten years—if the collision involved hazardous materials or a commercial vehicle. The clock for how long it stays on your record starts ticking on the day the accident happened.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we begin by listening to your story to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life in Los Angeles. Our first priority is making sure you feel heard and supported. We then evaluate the extent of your injuries and can help connect you with the right doctors to ensure you get proper medical attention.
While you concentrate on your health, our team will manage the legal complexities for you. We take on the fight to secure the financial compensation you need for your recovery, including covering medical expenses, lost wages, and the personal toll of your pain and suffering.
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
Other Locations We Serve
Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
