A Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

There are more registered motorcycles in California than any other state in the U.S.  With more than 800,000 motorcycle riders on the road, the unfortunate likelihood of being involved in an accident in Los Angeles is high. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands the obstacles that accident victims and their families are faced with.

This is why Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim works tirelessly to get clients the compensation they deserve. The fatality and injury rate for motorcyclists far exceeds the rate of other auto accidents. It’s no surprise that riding a motorcycle is certainly dangerous. However, individuals involved in a wreck can still be eligible for compensation.

If you sustained injuries from a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, Los Angeles personal injury attorney Daniel Kim can help. Call us at (310) 295-1087 or fill out a quick online form to schedule your free consultation. We do not charge any legal fees until you are compensated. Our motorcycle accident attorney is proud to serve clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding L.A. county.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Our law firm accepts cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that clients never have to pay for upfront legal fees unless we win their case. Contact us today to speak to our attorney about your motorcycle accident case at no cost or obligation.

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Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Daniel Kim has helped numerous clients since opening his own personal injury law firm in Southern California. Regarded as a leader in his field, Daniel has won many awards, including the Platinum Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest award for an attorney. He is devoted to helping motorcycle accident victims achieve maximum compensation. So far, Daniel and his legal team have helped clients recover over $250 million dollars in settlements.

Our law firm is highly experienced in dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters. The insurance company typically offers a quick payout, which does provide victims with compensation sooner. Yet, this amount is usually not enough to cover future medical fees or repair costs. Daniel Kim and our experienced legal team will ensure you get a fair settlement.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

After serious and life-changing accidents, victims may not realize that they have legal options to fight for fair compensation. Filing a motorcycle accident claim after an accident can ensure you are set up financially while holding the at-fault party accountable. There are multiple benefits associated with having a team of Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers by your side, including:

• Confidence that you’ll receive maximum compensation
• Reassurance that the insurance company will not take advantage of you
• Bringing the liable party to justice
• Doing all of the legal paperwork
• Finding the best medical treatment
• Helping you physically, mentally, and financially recover

Injured motorcyclists are given a limited amount of time to file a motorcycle accident claim. In California, the statute of limitations is just two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. Daniel Kim and his legal team have the knowledge and resources to help you receive maximum compensation. Contact our law office in Los Angeles today for a free consultation regarding your case.

What Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Every accident is unique. Therefore, the amount of compensation will vary depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries. Typically, motorcycle accident victims can recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• All past and future medical expenses

• Pain and suffering

• Psychological trauma

• Lost wages

• Personal property damage

• Permanent physical injuries

• Punitive damages

• Wrongful death

Generally, the value of a personal injury claim will be determined in one of two ways. First, the at-fault party’s insurance company will make an offer, allowing the victim to accept or reject the offer. Or, if a settlement agreement cannot be made, the case can go to trial. Then, a jury will decide on the compensation. Understanding what damages you qualify for can be overwhelming and confusing. For assistance, contact our Los Angeles law firm for a free evaluation of your case.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Driver negligence almost always plays a role in motorcycle accidents. According to a study from the NHTSA, nearly 75% of motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle. In those cases, the driver of another vehicle violated the motorcyclist’s right of way. The study also found that alcohol played a role in nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities. Unfortunately, even the safest riders may not be able to avoid accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles, CA:

Car Doors

This is when a driver or passenger opens their car door without looking to see if there is oncoming traffic, hitting a rider who may be traveling at a high speed.

Speeding

Speeding just 15 miles per hour over the speed limit from both drivers and motorcyclists is dangerous and worsens the aftermath of a collision.

Lane Splitting

Although endorsed by the American Motorcyclist Association, lane splitting remains a controversial topic. This is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of traffic. While many argue that it reduces motorcycle fatalities, collisions can still occur when a driver may not see a rider approaching and merges into another lane.

Unsafe Lane Changes

When drivers in cars fail to check their blind spots or use their blinkers when turning, they run the risk of hitting a motorcyclist.

Left-Turns

When drivers misjudge the amount of room in their lane and swerve into the neighboring lane.

Sudden Stops

This occurs when drivers don’t leave a safe distance between themselves and the driver in front of them. Under California Vehicle Code 22109, a driver cannot stop suddenly without first appropriately signaling the vehicle in the rear.

Distracted Driving

Technology can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate on the road, becoming distracted by their phones and phone applications.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Potholes, debris, broken stop lights, and construction can increase the chances of a motorcycle rider losing control. Bad weather such as heavy rain or fog can also play a major role in motorcycle accidents.

Defects/Maintenance Issues

Manufacturer defects and neglected bike maintenance can lead to operational problems.

Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Most of the time, negligent drivers of passenger vehicles are found at fault in motorcycle accidents. The truth is that most motorcyclists practice safety on the road and are well aware of the risks. When a negligent driver is at fault, he or she is liable for the damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.

In multi-vehicle accidents, such as an accident involving a passenger vehicle driver and a motorcyclist, both parties are likely to share liability. California has pure comparative negligence laws, which say all drivers involved can recover compensation. So, if a motorcycle rider gets into an accident but is found to be recklessly lane-splitting, he or she would be found partially at fault. Even if the rider is found 60% at fault, he or she can still recover 40% in damages. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can determine if you have valid grounds for pursuing a personal injury claim and determining liability.

California Helmet Law

California has a universal helmet law. Under this statute, all riders and passengers must wear a properly fitted helmet while riding. If you do not wear a DOT-compliant helmet, you could receive a citation and a fine. Failure to wear a helmet can also hurt your chances of obtaining full compensation in a claim.

It is also strongly encouraged that motorcycle riders wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and sturdy footwear.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident, there are important steps to take to protect your legal rights and well-being. If you were not incapacitated, here is what you need to do immediately after a motorcycle accident:

1. Contact the Police – Contact the authorities and do not leave the scene of the motorcycle accident. Ensure an officer conducts a police report.
2. Exchange Information with All Involved – Copies of phone numbers, copies of driver’s licenses, and proof of insurance should be collected from everyone following the crash.
3. Speak with Witnesses – Keep a written record of what any nearby bystanders witnessed of the collision. You will want to get their contact information, as well.
4. Document Everything – If you are able to do so, take photos of the accident and your injuries. If your phone was damaged during the wreck, request assistance.
5. See a doctor – Seek medical treatment and keep a record of everything. This includes a doctor’s diagnosis of your injuries, a treatment plan, and any medical bills that you accrue from the motorcycle accident.
6. Contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer – Working with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in auto collisions increases your chances of winning your motorcycle accident injury claim.

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

There is nothing worse than getting into an accident and the other driver flees the scene. More often than not, this shows the other driver’s culpability. The reality is that drivers who fail to stop may be worried about the financial consequences or may be uninsured.

As a victim of a California hit-and-run, you should follow all the same steps as discussed above. Call the police, file a report, talk to witnesses, and seek medical attention. You should tell the L.A.P.D everything you can remember about the other driver – the make, model, and color of their vehicle, what the driver looks like, and what direction they were headed. While you can call your insurance company to alert them of the crash, you should avoid discussing details without an attorney present.

What Are the Most Common Injuries of a Motorcycle Accident?

Injuries from a motorcycle accident can have devastating long-term effects. The reality is riding a motorcycle can be dangerous and lead to serious and catastrophic injuries. While there are precautions and safety measures all riders should take, you can still be involved in a traffic accident. Common injuries from a motorcycle accident are:

Road rash and lacerations – This is an injury that happens when a motorcycle rider slides across the pavement.

Broken bones – If a motorcyclist is hit by a car or truck, it’s very common to suffer a break or fracture from anywhere in the body.

Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most serious motorcycle injuries and can involve a concussion, skull fracture, or brain damage.

Upper body injuries – A lighter injury can involve the rotator cuff and irritation to the shoulder tendon or socket.

Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries from the impact of a motorcycle crash can result in paralysis (paraplegia). This is a catastrophic injury that usually results in permanent disability.

Meniscus injuries – Significant trauma to the leg where the knee is forcefully twisted in an unnatural way can cause damaged or torn ligaments.

Amputation – If an injury is severe enough and cannot be corrected, it can result in the removal of a limb.

Wrongful death – Unfortunately, some riders do not recover from their injuries. Surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents are common throughout Southern California, especially in Los Angeles.

According to the most recent California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) statistics, there were 3,606 traffic fatalities in a given year. 474 of those deaths were motorcyclists. Collectively, there were 5,014 motorcycle deaths in the U.S.

While the numbers fluctuate year to year, the overall amount of motorcycle crashes continues to increase.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Never-ending traffic, non-stop construction, narrow streets, one-way roads, and reckless drivers make Los Angeles one of the most dangerous cities to drive in. L.A.’s major intersections and highways can be especially hazardous. Some of the most dangerous for motorcycle riders are:

• Western Ave.

• Figueroa St.

• Ventura Blvd.

• Sherman Way

• Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.

• Alvarado St. and Seventh St.

• Union Ave. and Sixth St.

• Spring St. and Fifth St.

• Imperial Hwy and Vista Del Mar

• Western Ave. and Slauson Ave.

• Firestone Blvd. and Lakewood Blvd.

• Vincent St. and PCH (Pacific Coast Highway)

• Lindley Ave. and Roscoe Blvd.

• Lincoln Blvd. and Mission Ave.

• Lincoln Blvd. and Pico Blvd.

• I-5

• SR-2

• SR-39

• US 101

Motorcycle and car accidents occur more frequently at these roads and intersections. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to drive more cautiously on these roads.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near You

An accident shouldn’t leave you saddled with medical bills and other expenses. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you recover fair compensation and hold the other driver responsible. We are confident that we can win your motorcycle accident case and help you get back on your bike. Our legal team is always available to chat in a free, no-risk call. Call us at (310) 295-1087to get started.

We are proud to serve the following Los Angeles County cities from our Los Angeles office: Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Cerritos, Commerce, Cudahy, Culver City, El Segundo, Encino, Glendale, Hawthorne, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Inglewood, La Cañada Flintridge, Ladera Heights, Long Beach, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Rey, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City, Torrance, Van Nuys, Vernon, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, Westwood, and Whittier.

Driving Directions to Our Los Angeles Office

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim
Address: 205 S Broadway Suite 402, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (310) 295-1087