Have You Been Hurt

IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

We are experienced car accident lawyers

Free Case Review

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a California motorcycle crash? You have rights under the law and may be entitled to a cash settlement by filing a civil claim with La Justicia’s team of motorcycle accident attorneys. Contact La Justicia’s experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at (833) 567-3634 for a free and confidential consultation. Our dedicated team is standing by to answer your questions 24/7.

Motorcycle riding is a popular mode of transportation in California, but it’s also a common leisure activity. In fact, California actually has over 808,000 registered motorcycles – the largest number among all states in the U.S.

If you’ve been injured in a California motorcycle accident, a personal injury civil lawsuit with La Justicia can help ensure that you recover the financial compensation you deserve for all applicable losses, such as hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contacting La Justicia’s team of experienced and aggressive California motorcycle crash attorneys to fight for a maximum damages award after your accident can be the best decision you ever make.

WHY DO SO MANY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN CALIFORNIA?

While California has the most registered motorcycles in the U.S., it also holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of motorcycle accidents when compared to other states.

The causes of motorcycle accidents in California can vary, but some common factors include:

Lane splitting: This occurs when a motorcycle driver passes between two lanes of traffic. While lane splitting on a motorcycle is legal in California, it can unfortunately be dangerous if not executed properly.
Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in California and around the world. When a motorcyclist speeds, the amount of time he or she has to react to changing roadway conditions is reduced – often dramatically.
Driver error: Drivers of other motor vehicles commonly cause accidents when one fails to see a motorcycle. Sudden lane changes or turns by car, truck, and 18-wheelers can also lead to accidents involving unsuspecting motorcyclists.
Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Whenever someone drives under the influence of a mind-altering substance, the chances of causing an accident are significantly increased.
Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads (e.g. potholes, uneven surfaces, improper safety signage) can lead to crashes where motorcyclists lose control.

If you are a motorcyclist in California, taking precautions to avoid accidents is advisable. Such precautions can include wearing protective gear, following traffic laws, and being aware of your surroundings. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to assess the extent of your injuries. Once your injuries have been assessed and your condition is stable, contacting La Justicia’s team of dedicated and proven motorcycle accident lawyers can be a critical step in recovering financial compensation for any losses.

CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), in 2020 there were a total of:

9,487 reported motorcycle collisions in California
8,593 injuries suffered in California motorcycle collisions
539 fatalities resulting from California motorcycle crashes

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), confirmed the following motorcycle accident statistics for the Golden State in 2020:

472 motorcyclists were killed in traffic collisions, which represents a 9% increase from the 433 motorcyclists killed in 2019.
14,534 motorcyclists were injured in traffic collisions, which represents a 7% decrease from the 15,573 motorcyclists injured in 2019.
Motorcyclist fatalities accounted for nearly 14% of all California roadways deaths in 2020.
The majority of motorcycle accidents (about 59%) involved a collision with another motor vehicle.
Speeding was a factor in 39% of fatal motorcycle accidents in California in 2020.

The OTS notes that it’s important to keep in mind that the statistics for 2020 may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to changes in traffic patterns and behavior. For example, many drivers of all motor vehicle types reported engaging in more risky behaviors such as speeding and reckless driving during the pandemic.

TYPES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which are classified as severe and even life-threatening. The most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

Whiplash
Back injuries
Neck injuries
Road rash (This type of abrasion is caused when the skin scrapes against the pavement, often leading to painful injuries ranging from minimal scrapes and bruises to severe lacerations.)
General cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
Broken or fractured bones (Motorcycle crashes – particularly those occurring at high speeds – can cause broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis).
Internal bleeding (Motorcycle accidents can lead to internal injuries, which can manifest a number of ways – damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs).
Head trauma (Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe injuries impacting the brain.)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Concussion or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI)
Catastrophic injuries
Paralysis
Soft tissue damage
Spinal cord injuries (Motorcycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term complications.)
Amputations/loss of limb (Traumatic amputations of limbs or extremities are frequently needed after serious motorcycle accidents.)
Scarring or disfigurement
Emotional/psychological trauma (A motorcycle crash can cause psychological trauma to the injured driver. Such trauma after motorcycle accidents may include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Whether your motorcycle accident injury is relatively minor – entailing just a few scrapes and bruises – or severe/catastrophic – entailing brain trauma or other damage requiring long-term medical care – you can be confident that the experienced team of attorneys at La Justicia will fight aggressively on your behalf to recover the maximum financial compensation you need to make a complete and fast recovery.

CAN I SUE AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY?

As an injured motorcyclist, you may be able to sue for a California motorcycle accident if the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. For personal injury cases – including motorcycle accidents – California follows comparative fault law. Under comparative fault (also known as comparative negligence), even if you were partially responsible for the motorcycle accident, you may still be able to recover financial damages. In motorcycle accident cases where a percentage of liability is assigned to all involved parties, your compensation would likely be reduced according to your percentage of fault.As an injured motorcyclist, you have the right in California to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages through a personal injury lawsuit with the team of motorcycle accident attorneys at La Justicia.

Filing a successful motorcycle accident injury lawsuit in California typically involves certain factors:

Proving that the other driver was at fault for the accident (or at least deemed primarily at fault – 51% or more under comparative negligence laws)
Proving that the other driver’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused your injuries
Demonstrating the extent of your injuries and damages (through medical bills, medical exams/procedures, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma)

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, it is recommended that you speak with the experienced team of personal injury attorneys at La Justicia immediately after you’ve completed a medical exam. The La Justicia army of motorcycle accident attorneys will advise you on your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY?

Motorcycle accidents are virtually always traumatic for the rider/passengers involved, regardless of the severity of the actual collision. The extent of a motorcyclist’s injuries can equate to a long and difficult road to recovery. For California’s motorcycling enthusiasts, knowing the steps to take after an accident – particularly one involving serious or catastrophic injuries – can be critical to your health and well-being (as well as your pocketbook when you eventually file a civil claim for damages with La Justicia).

While the moments immediately after sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident can be stressful, it’s important to complete as many of the steps below as possible. Doing so can help ensure that your civil lawsuit for financial compensation includes all applicable damages (meaning the largest possible payout) and has the best chance of success.

REMAIN CALM: It may be difficult under such trying circumstances, but it is absolutely essential for injured motorcyclists to remain calm and not panic. Once you’ve examined yourself for injuries and assessed your overall condition, checking on any other individuals involved in the accident who may have suffered injuries is also encouraged.
REQUEST EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: Call 911 or your local emergency first-responders’ number to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT: The most important step you can take after a motorcycle accident is to seek immediate medical attention. This means undergoing a thorough and complete physical examination by a licensed California physician. Even if you feel “fine” or like your injury “isn’t that bad,” it’s absolutely critical that you have your condition examined by a doctor as soon as possible after the motorcycle crash occurs.Having a doctor’s exam being completed after a motorcycle accident ensures that a medical record of your injuries and condition is established. This official record can be a very important piece of evidence when you file your claim for financial compensation with a La Justicia motorcycle accident lawyer. While having a medical exam completed can be intimidating for some – particularly if you do not have medical insurance or the financial means to pay out-of-pocket – it is strongly recommended that you still proceed (and also receive any recommended treatment).
COLLECT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Take pictures and videos of your injuries immediately after the motorcycle accident has occurred.
CALL THE POLICE: A police report should be filed to establish the time, place, and basic facts related to your motorcycle crash. However, never admit any type of liability or make an official statement without having a La Justicia motorcycle accident lawyer present. The best advice is to simply state the basic facts of the motorcycle accident – your team of La Justicia motorcycle crash attorneys will handle the subsequent steps of proving liability, issuing demand letters, etc.
GET WITNESS STATEMENTS: Gather any available witness statements that will support your version of events.
ACCIDENT SCENE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene – including your damaged motorcycle.

COLLECT CONTACT INFORMATION: Gather contact information (driver’s license, phone number, email, etc.) of all involved parties. While collecting contact information for everyone is important, it’s most critical that you obtain the contact info/ID of the at-fault driver who caused your motorcycle crash.
CONTACT THE BEST MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS WHO WILL FIGHT FOR YOU:Contact the proven and aggressive motorcycle accident lawyers at La Justicia for a free and confidential consultation. We will fight tirelessly to recover a maximized total damages award which includes all applicable losses – pain and suffering, medical care costs, lost wages, etc.Furthermore, do not sign any legal documents or accept any type of cash settlement/payment for your motorcycle crash before speaking with a La Justicia team member.

WHAT DAMAGES MAY BE INCLUDED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASH SETTLEMENT?

If you were involved in a California motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to recover financial damages for the losses that were caused due to the crash. Some of the damages that may be recoverable in a California motorcycle accident lawsuit include:

Medical expenses : You may be able to recover compensation for the cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, physical therapy expenses, and other medical out-of-pocket expenses.
Lost wages : If you have missed work due to your motorcycle accident injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and income.
Property damage : You may be able to recover compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, as well as any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life/reduced quality of life : If the accident has affected your ability to participate in activities that you previously enjoyed – i.e. motorcycling – you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages : In some cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly wanton or without regard for personal safety, you may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are not capped in California motorcycle accident claims, and are designed to severely punish the wrongdoer while also deterring similar behavior in the future.

It’s important to note that the specific damages that may be recoverable in your case will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident and the injuries you have sustained. A qualified La Justicia motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine which damages you may be entitled to recover.
When you meet with a La Justicia motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation, our team will review the facts of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, provide you with an overall estimate for how long it may take to reach a cash settlement, and offer an approximate value for how much your motorcycle crash claim may be worth. The overall value of a motorcycle accident claim is often dependent on a number of factors, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the degree of liability on the part of the at-fault party, whether or not the victim sought medical treatment, the skill and ability of the victim’s personal injury attorney, and the complexity of the case.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY CLAIM?

In California, personal injury civil claims (lawsuits) are bound to a statute of limitations. This deadline – the statute of limitations – dictates how long an injured victim has to sue or file a claim for financial compensation after an injury or accident has occurred.

For the vast majority of California personal injury cases – including most motorcycle accidents – injured victims have two years from the date of the incident to file their claims. However, it is strongly recommended that you pursue your California motorcycle accident injury claim with La Justicia’s experienced team of lawyers immediately after the crash occurs. Doing so ensures that you have the best chance of recovering the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

While the two-year statute of limitations applies to most California motorcycle accidents, some exceptions exist which make the deadline for filing claims even shorter. One such example includes claims brought against government or public entities (e.g. a federal delivery service like the USPS). Government or public entity claims typically only have a six month statute of limitations – meaning that from the day your accident occurs, you only have six months to sue for damages. Accordingly, if your motorcycle accident involved being struck by a delivery truck or other type of public/government vehicle, you may have a much shorter window in which to legally file your claim for damages. Contact La Justicia’s team of motorcycle accident attorneys as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is processed within the statute of limitations.

CONTACT THE BEST CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

At La Justicia, our army of motorcycle accident attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that each and every client’s case receives the professionalism, compassion, dedication, and attention needed to reach a successful conclusion. And that means securing justice through maximum financial compensation for all of the damages you sustained your motorcycle accident injury.

With more than 50 years of combined experience and over $500,000,000 in settlements and verdicts recovered for injured motorcycle, car, truck, Uber/Lyft, and scooter accident victims, you’ll have peace of mind and confidence throughout every step of La Justicia’s litigation process.

Contact a member of the La Justicia team today at (833) 567-3634 for a free, confidential, and no obligation motorcycle accident lawyer consultation. Our team from the Personal Injury/Motorcycle Crash Division is available 24/7 to answer any questions you have.