Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on Los Angeles Roads

Most motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles don’t happen because of rider error. They can happen because another driver wasn’t paying attention. Left-turn accidents are especially common: a driver misjudges a rider’s speed at an intersection and turns directly into their path. Distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, failure to yield, and speeding can account for a significant share of serious crashes on routes like I-405, Mulholland Highway, and US-101.

Liability doesn’t always rest with another driver alone. Under California Civil Code §1714, responsible parties may include employers of at-fault drivers acting within the scope of their employment, vehicle or parts manufacturers, government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions, and, in some cases, property owners. California has permitted lane splitting since 2016, and when a negligent driver causes a crash with a rider who is lane splitting lawfully, that driver may bear full or partial responsibility for the resulting injuries.

Injuries Motorcycle Accident Victims Face

The injuries that follow a motorcycle crash are often catastrophic. Our firm handles the full range of serious harm these collisions produce: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputations, severe fractures, road rash, internal organ damage, and nerve injuries. California Vehicle Code §27803 requires all riders to wear a DOT-compliant helmet, and even helmeted riders can suffer life-altering head and brain injuries in high-impact collisions. Because motorcycles provide no enclosed structure, injuries can be far more severe than those in comparable car accidents, often requiring surgery, extended rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Compensation Available Under California Law

A serious motorcycle accident generates losses that extend well beyond the initial emergency room bill. Under California law, victims may seek economic damages covering medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage, including motorcycle repair or replacement. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement are also recoverable.

California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning a rider who bears some share of fault can still recover compensation, reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Insurers sometimes argue that a rider’s failure to wear a helmet worsened specific head injuries, which can affect the damage award for those injuries even though it doesn’t eliminate the claim. In cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud, punitive damages may be available under California Civil Code §3294.

Deadlines & Legal Requirements After a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally gives motorcycle accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That window can shorten significantly when a government entity is involved. Claims against the City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County typically require an administrative claim filed within six months of the incident. Missing either deadline can eliminate the right to recover entirely.

An SR-1 form must be submitted to the California DMV within 10 days of any accident involving injury, death, or qualifying property damage. Evidence preservation is equally urgent. Traffic camera footage, event data recorder information, and witness contact details can be lost or overwritten quickly after a crash. Early legal involvement can help protect that evidence before it’s gone.

How Insurance Companies Handle Motorcycle Claims

Insurers often begin building their defense before an injured rider has left the hospital. Common tactics can include disputing liability, raising comparative fault arguments based on lane splitting or helmet use, and pressing for early settlements that close the file before the full scope of injuries is clear. Recorded statements made without legal guidance can be used against a claimant later.

Our approach is built around preparation. We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, accident scene photographs, and available surveillance footage, documenting every financial loss and accounting for future care costs before any settlement conversation begins. We act as a buffer between our clients and the insurance companies so injured riders can focus on recovery. When fair resolution isn’t possible through negotiation, we can take the case to the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Start Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Claim Today

Effres & Effres offers free case evaluations for motorcycle accident victims throughout the Los Angeles area. We work on a contingency fee basis, advancing all litigation costs, so there’s nothing to pay unless we win. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you. Our attorneys have recovered over $300 million for injured clients, including an $11,250,000 motorcycle accident result. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but our preparation and commitment to every case don’t change.

Call Effres & Effres at (818) 222-9720 to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney and get a free, no-obligation review of your case.