Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Long Beach?

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating and economical way to get around, especially in Southern California. With its mild climate and open roads, it’s no secret that California is a haven for bikers. Yet with more motorcycles on the road, there are more chances of motorcycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Long Beach personal injury attorney can protect your legal rights and help you get fair compensation. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is a top motorcycle accident law firm in Long Beach providing expert guidance for all the questions you may have regarding a motorcycle accident case. We offer a no-risk, free consultation to get started.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash due to negligent driving, you have the right to recover compensation for your injuries and other financial damages. Long Beach’s top-rated motorcycle accident attorney, Daniel Kim, has successfully represented countless personal injury victims and maintains a 99% success rate in the cases he undertakes.

Our law office has extensive knowledge and experience dealing with aggressive insurance companies. That’s why we have been so successful in recovering over $250 million in settlements for our clients.

Daniel Kim is a highly rated personal injury lawyer recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, as well as other distinguished trial lawyer associations.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Although it is possible to file a claim on your own, having the expertise of a motorcycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. Most cases involve intense negotiations with aggressive insurance companies who will want to settle for as little as possible. Dealing with insurance agents, doctors, and accident specialists on your own is a daunting task. Let an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer negotiate with the insurance company so you can focus on recovering.

Motorcycle accident attorneys are experts at obtaining maximum compensation for their clients. We know what is a fair settlement, and what is not. While most cases are settled before they reach a trial, our legal team has trial experience and is ready to go to court in the event that we cannot reach a fair settlement.

Not only will an accident lawyer help with insurance companies, our legal team will also connect you to our extensive and trusted network of repair shops, doctors, and medical specialists. We care about your health and well-being, and we make it a priority to assist you with treatment during this difficult period. Our personable, knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your recovery plan with you at your convenience.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. The value of your accident claim will depend on a variety of factors, like the severity of your injuries and medical costs incurred after the accident. Under California law, victims are entitled to two types of damages, economic and non-economic. Below are a list of damages you can claim:

• Current and future medical bills: Hospitalization, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation add up to significant amounts and may go beyond your insurance policy.
• Lost wages: A serious accident will undoubtedly have an impact on your ability to work and your income. A personal injury claim can compensate you for your lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress and loss of consortium all fall under this category.
• Permanent physical injuries: Part of your personal injury lawsuit can include the cost of ongoing treatment in the event you suffer severe injuries or a disability.
• Emotional damage: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD require mental health treatment.
• Personal property damage: Damage to your bike, clothes, or other personal gear can be included in motorcycle accident claims.
• Wrongful death: In the event of a death, a spouse or family member can file a wrongful death lawsuit for expenses listed above.

Statute of Limitations 

In California, victims have two years to file a motorcycle accident claim. Therefore, it is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Some exceptions can be made, but they are on a case by case basis and require the knowledge of an experienced personal injury attorney. Your best chances at receiving compensation rely on contacting an attorney as soon as possible.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

California has more registered motorcycles than any other state in the US. According to state officials, there are nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in California. Statistically, motorcycles have the highest rate of crashes within the spectrum of transportation, especially in Long Beach. In fact, the city is noted as one of the most dangerous areas for motorists – and motorcyclists – for a handful of years.

Having an understanding of the most common causes of Long Beach motorcycle accidents is one of the best ways to prevent a collision from occurring in the future. We have represented clients in the following types of motorcycle accident cases:

• Head-on collisions – A large percentage of all serious motorcycle accidents involve a car making direct contact with the front of the motorcycle. In fact, more deaths are from head-on collisions than any other kind of motorcycle accident.
• Rear-end accidents – When drivers tailgate, they do not leave enough room to brake for abrupt stops and collide with the vehicle in front of them.
• Dooring accidents – This occurs when a car door is opened into oncoming traffic and a motorcycle rider crashes into the door.
• Speeding – Accidents occurring at high speeds increase the severity of the accident and impact of the collision.
• Drunk driving – Intoxicated motorists endanger their own lives, as well as the lives of fellow motorists.
• Distracted driving – Using mobile devices, eating, or simply not paying attention while driving presents a serious danger to everyone on the road.
• Splitting lanes/unsafe lane changing – Abrupt lane changes is extremely dangerous, as it unexpectedly cuts off other motorists and increases bikers’ chances of being hit.
• Motorcycle defects – Common manufacturing defects include faulty brakes, light failure, bad tires, and steering complications.
• Left-turn accidents – One of the biggest causes of accidents happens at intersections where a driver and a motorcyclist are making a left turn.

Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Many drivers wrongly assume that motorcycle riders drive recklessly and therefore are at fault for accidents. However, a majority of accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by distracted driving or left-turn accidents.

When determining fault in an accident, factors such as the severity of the damage, the injuries, and the police report will be taken into account. Under California’s comparative fault or partial liability law, if both parties are found at fault, they are eligible to receive damages. For example, a judge or insurance adjuster might decide that the motorcyclist was 10% at fault and the driver 90% at fault. In that case, the motorcyclist would be able to recover 90% in damages.

Insurance companies are incredibly cunning when it comes to negotiation. Their primary goal is to settle for the least amount of money possible. Having a Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney that understands the ins and outs of settling a motorcycle accident case is important. Additionally, a lawyer can help file potential lawsuits against the at-fault driver and/or their insurance company if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Get medical attention

Following an auto accident, especially a motorcycle accident, you should always seek immediate medical attention. Only a doctor can assess your injuries properly and proceed with the right treatment.

Call the police

In the event of a serious accident, call the local authorities and obtain a police report. A detailed report is a significant piece of evidence in a personal injury case.

Exchange contact information

Exchange information with the other party involved in the crash, including name, phone number, address, license number, vehicle description, and insurance company details.

Take pictures 

Make sure to collect any evidence of the accident, like pictures or videos of the motorcycle crash scene as well as any injuries that you may have obtained during the accident.

Talk to eyewitnesses 

If there are any witnesses to your accident, make sure to get their contact information. Their testimony could help your case if their recollection of the accident matches yours.

Contact motorcycle accident lawyers

A qualified Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Hit-and-Run?

Hit-and-run accidents are a growing concern throughout the state. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, fatal hit-and-run crashes increased 10% from 2020 to 2021, while injury hit-and-run crashes increased 19%. Hit-and-runs can be a serious felony and result in a fine and jail time if the driver causes a serious injury or fatality.

In the event that you are injured in a hit-and-run, move your car to a safe location and immediately call the police. The responding officer will create a police report, which could be very useful when filing a claim. Tell as much as you can about the vehicle and driver that hit you, including the make, model, and color of the car. Additionally, speak to any witnesses and get their contact information.

After the accident, you will want to file an insurance claim. If you need assistance, reach out to motorcycle accident lawyers who can help you recover damages through your insurance company.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

It is common knowledge that injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are serious and often fatal. Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than passenger vehicle drivers, and five times more likely to be injured, according to data provided by the NHTSA. Even if you feel fine or see no visible injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately following an accident. Our law firm has been successful in recovering compensation for the following types of injuries.

• Broken bones – Broken bones, especially in the lower extremities of the body, can require months of recovery and even physical therapy.
• Facial fractures – Face injuries can range from minor to severe and lead to facial disfigurement.
• Head trauma – Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from concussions, a fractured skull, and brain damage. It can be fatal if the impact on the head is massive.
• Spinal cord injuries – When the spinal cord is injured from the impact of a motorcycle crash, it can result in paralysis. This is a catastrophic injury that usually results in permanent disability.
• Road rash and burns – One of the most common yet overlooked injuries is road rash. What might appear as a simple cut, scrape, or bruise can be much more serious and can lead to permanent damage to the skin.

If you have suffered any of these types of injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer for a free assessment of your case.

Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents make up 2% of all traffic collisions in Long Beach from 2013 to 2017. However, more than 60% of all fatal and serious injury victims are motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Long Beach

With a population of nearly 500,000, Long Beach is one of the most populated cities in Southern California and Los Angeles County. Whether you’re riding through downtown Long Beach or on the I-405 freeway, be mindful of these dangerous intersections and roads:

• East Stearns St. and Palo Verde Ave.
• West 27th St. and Daisy Ave.
• East Los Coyotes Diagonal and East Stearns St.
• 8th St. and Termino Ave. 
• East 7th St. and Redondo Ave.
• Bay Shore Ave. & East 2nd St.
• 54th Pl. and East Ocean Blvd
• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) just past 7th St.
• East 4th St. and Redondo Ave.
• Martin Luther King Ave. and 7th St.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You

Whether riding a standard, cruiser, sport bike, or scooter, motorcycle riders should feel safe and protected on the road. Our law firm strongly supports the motorcycle community and all the benefits from riding a bike. Our commitment to our clients extends to times in need, and we have a proven track record of success when it comes to defending motorcycle accident victims.

If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may not have time to wait. Contact motorcycle accident lawyer Daniel Kim and our professional legal team so we can help you protect your rights and help you cover medical expenses and other costs. Our firm offers a free consultation to all potential clients.

Our motorcycle accident attorney proudly serves clients in nearby neighborhoods and communities in the Long Beach area and throughout Los Angeles County including: Avalon, Bixby Knolls, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bluff Heights, Carson, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Lomita, Los Altos, Los Cerritos, Naples, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Signal Hill, and Torrance.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

Directions to Our Long Beach Office

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — Long Beach, CA
Address: 3646 Long Beach Boulevard, #201, Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: (562) 512-5550