Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

How Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Most motorcycle cases move through the same practical steps. We review the crash facts and the location, obtain the police report, and preserve photos, videos, helmet and gear evidence, bike damage, and witness information before any of it disappears. From there we review your medical records and treatment needs, identify driver negligence, road hazards, and other contributing causes, and respond to claims that you were speeding, riding unsafely, or lane splitting improperly.

We communicate with the insurers, calculate both the economic and non-economic damages, and negotiate settlement. When a fair settlement is not possible, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and keep pushing. Throughout, you focus on recovery while we handle the paperwork, the deadlines, and the adjusters.

You do not need to know whether you have a claim before calling. A lawyer can review what happened, explain your options, and help you avoid mistakes that may weaken your case.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help preserve evidence, document injuries, and respond to insurance arguments after a Los Angeles crash.

Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different

Motorcycle accident claims are not the same as ordinary passenger-vehicle crashes. Riders have less physical protection, are more likely to suffer serious injuries, and are often blamed unfairly by drivers and insurance companies.

Several things set these cases apart:

• More severe injuries because riders lack the protection of a car frame
• Bias against motorcyclists
• Lane splitting and comparative fault arguments
• Visibility disputes, including ‘I did not see the motorcycle’ claims
• Speed allegations
• Helmet and protective gear arguments
• More serious medical documentation needs
• Higher likelihood of disputed liability
• Greater need for photos, witnesses, accident reconstruction, and medical records

A strong motorcycle accident claim must address both the injury damages and the fault arguments that insurance companies often use against riders.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Risks and Local Road Conditions

Los Angeles has a mix of freeways, surface streets, commuter traffic, delivery vehicles, rideshare drivers, construction zones, tourists, and dense lane changes. These conditions can create specific hazards for motorcyclists.

Heavy traffic on the I-405, I-10, US-101, I-110, I-5, and I-710 puts riders in close quarters with cars that change lanes and merge near freeway ramps. In stop-and-go conditions, lane splitting can become an issue, and a driver who drifts or opens a door may not see a motorcycle alongside. Busy intersections add left-turn collisions, where a driver turns across the path of an oncoming rider.

Surface streets carry their own risks. Corridors such as Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard run through Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, West LA, and the San Fernando Valley, where rideshare pickups, delivery stops, and dooring near the curb are common. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and construction zones can throw a rider who has no second chance to correct. Coastal commuter routes add their own lane-change pressure during rush hour.

Los Angeles traffic, freeway congestion, lane changes, surface hazards, and visibility issues can make motorcycle crashes especially complex.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Drivers Failing to See Motorcyclists

A driver who is not watching for motorcycles may turn, merge, or pull out directly into a rider’s path.

Unsafe Lane Changes

A car that crosses into a rider’s lane without checking the blind spot can clip or run a motorcycle off the road.

Left-Turn Collisions

One of the most common motorcycle crashes happens when a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming rider.

Rear-End Accidents

A motorcycle that stops in traffic can be struck from behind by a driver who is following too closely or not paying attention.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

High speed and aggressive maneuvers shorten reaction time and make a collision with a motorcycle far more severe.

Distracted Driving

A phone, a screen, or a moment of inattention can be enough for a driver to miss a motorcycle entirely.

Rideshare, Delivery, and Commercial Vehicle Conflicts

Frequent stops, double-parking, and quick pickups near the curb create sudden hazards for riders sharing the road.

Road Hazards and Poor Surface Conditions

Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and construction zones can destabilize a motorcycle in ways a car would absorb.

Dooring Accidents

A parked driver who opens a door into traffic can strike a passing rider with little or no warning.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drugs slow a driver’s judgment and reaction, putting nearby motorcyclists at serious risk.

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents often cause injuries that require emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long recovery periods.

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries
• Road rash and severe skin injuries
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Burns
• Amputations
• Chronic pain
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death

Photos, witness information, medical records, police reports, bike damage, and gear evidence can become important after a motorcycle crash.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles

Early evidence can be especially important in motorcycle cases because the bike may be repaired or totaled, road conditions may change, video footage may be overwritten, and insurers may start building a blame-the-rider defense immediately.

What Evidence Can Help Prove a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

A strong claim is built on records and details that show what happened, who was responsible, and how badly you were hurt. Helpful evidence may include:

• Police report
• Photos and videos of the scene
• Motorcycle damage photos
• Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and riding gear
• Dashcam, helmet cam, or surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Ambulance or emergency room records
• Vehicle repair estimates
• Insurance correspondence
• Road-condition evidence
• Traffic signal or intersection evidence
• Expert reports when needed
• Pay records showing lost income
• A timeline of events

What If the Insurance Company Blames the Rider?

Insurance companies may argue that a motorcyclist was speeding, lane splitting unsafely, following too closely, riding between lanes, not visible, not wearing proper gear, or somehow responsible for the crash. These arguments can reduce the value of a claim if they are not addressed with evidence.

A lawyer can help respond with police reports, photos, witness statements, vehicle damage, road evidence, medical records, and accident reconstruction when needed.

Before you talk with an adjuster who is already building a case against you, a short conversation with a lawyer can keep an offhand comment from lowering your claim.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in California?

Lane splitting is legal in California, but that does not mean every lane-splitting crash is automatically the driver’s fault or the rider’s fault. The facts matter, including speed, traffic conditions, lane position, driver behavior, and whether anyone acted carelessly.

California formally legalized lane splitting under Vehicle Code section 21658.1, which defines it as a motorcycle moving between rows of stopped or moving traffic in the same lane. California also requires every rider and passenger to wear a DOT-compliant helmet under Vehicle Code section 27803.

Insurance companies may use lane splitting to blame the rider. If lane splitting is involved, legal review is especially important.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries, medical treatment, lost income, property damage, available insurance coverage, liability evidence, and how the crash affected the rider’s life.

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Surgery and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Motorcycle repair or replacement
• Helmet and gear replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages where applicable

Should You Talk to the Insurance Company?

Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests. After a motorcycle crash, they may ask questions designed to make the rider appear responsible.

Be careful before giving a recorded statement, signing medical authorizations, or accepting a quick settlement. A lawyer can help you understand your rights first.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

California generally allows injured people to recover compensation even if they are partly responsible for an accident, but their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

This is especially important in motorcycle cases because insurers often try to assign partial fault to the rider. Evidence can directly affect the value of the claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?

In many California personal injury cases, the general deadline is two years from the date of injury. Claims involving government vehicles, public entities, dangerous public roads, or public employees can have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as short as six months.

Because deadlines can change depending on the facts, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident.

How Much Does a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

Etehad Law offers free consultations and handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you.

Representative Motor-Vehicle Results

The following are examples of results Etehad Law has obtained in motor-vehicle accident cases in California. These are examples of the firm’s general motor-vehicle accident results, not motorcycle-specific outcomes, and each amount depends on the specific facts, injuries, and insurance coverage involved.

Jury verdict in an auto v. auto crash where the client was held at 30% at-fault.

An auto v. auto case where a client's deposition was never taken. Initial offer of $84,000.

Client was struck by a delivery driver in this auto v. auto case.

Minor impact crash with a driver within the course and scope of work.

An auto v. truck case where a police report claimed client was at fault for unsafe lane change.

A disputed liability against a rideshare driver that ended as a confidential settlement against a rideshare company.

Meet the Legal Team Serving Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Clients

Simon P. Etehad

Founder & Lead Attorney, Etehad Law

Simon P. Etehad founded Etehad Law and has spent more than 25 years helping injured people across the Los Angeles area, including motorcyclists hurt in serious crashes. The firm has closed over 2,000 cases and works to document each client’s injuries, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation available under California law. Our Beverly Hills office serves Los Angeles motorcycle accident clients across the region.

Associate attorney Erik Harper also represents injured clients at the firm.

• Experience: 25+ years · 2,000+ cases closed
• Recognition: Super Lawyers · FIDF Western Region President
• Legal profiles: Avvo profile · [Insert Real Justia Profile Link] · [Insert Real State Bar Profile Link]
• Bar admissions: [Insert real bar admissions]
• Education: [Insert real education]

Reviewed by Clients. Backed by Credentials.

When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, reviews, communication, credentials, and the ability to respond to rider-blame defenses matter. Review Etehad Law’s professional profiles and client feedback, then contact the firm to discuss your crash confidentially.

Call for a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle crash can affect your health, income, independence, transportation, and future. Etehad Law can review what happened, explain your legal options, and help pursue compensation while you focus on recovery.

Call (310) 550-1220 or fill out the form to request a free consultation.

Free consultation. No attorney-client relationship is created unless the firm reviews and accepts your case in writing.

Request a Consultation

• Car Accidents
• Serious Injuries & Wrongful Death
• Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Broken Bone Injury
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Wrongful Death

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Call 911 if anyone is hurt, then get medical care as soon as you can, even if symptoms feel delayed. Report the crash to law enforcement, and take photos and video of the vehicles, the motorcycle, the road, skid marks, debris, your injuries, and your helmet and gear. Collect witness names, preserve your bike and gear, and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement before you speak with a lawyer.

Riders have far less protection than people inside a car, so injuries tend to be more serious, and drivers and insurers often blame the rider. These cases bring in lane splitting, comparative fault, visibility disputes, speed allegations, and helmet or gear arguments, which means the claim has to address both the injuries and the fault arguments used against riders.

Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California and is defined in Vehicle Code section 21658.1. That does not make every lane-splitting crash automatically the driver’s fault or the rider’s fault, because speed, traffic conditions, lane position, and driver behavior all matter. Insurers may still try to use lane splitting to blame the rider, so legal review helps.

Insurers often claim a rider was speeding, lane splitting unsafely, following too closely, or hard to see in order to lower the claim. These arguments can be answered with evidence, including the police report, photos, witness statements, vehicle damage, road evidence, medical records, and accident reconstruction when it is needed.

Helpful evidence can include the police report, photos and video of the scene, motorcycle damage photos, and your helmet and riding gear. Dashcam, helmet cam, or surveillance footage, witness statements, medical and emergency room records, repair estimates, road-condition evidence, insurance correspondence, and pay records showing lost income all help build the claim.

Depending on the facts, a motorcycle accident claim may cover medical bills and future care, surgery and rehabilitation, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, motorcycle and gear replacement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, and wrongful death damages where they apply. The value depends on the injuries, the evidence, and the available insurance coverage.

In many California personal injury cases, the general deadline is two years from the date of injury. Claims involving government vehicles, public entities, or dangerous public roads can have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as short as six months, so it helps to speak with a lawyer early.

Etehad Law offers free consultations and handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and you pay no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you.

Etehad Law has more than 25 years of experience representing injured people, with free consultations and no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation. The team investigates how and where the crash happened, works to preserve photos, gear, and medical evidence, and responds directly to the rider-blame defenses insurers use, serving Los Angeles motorcycle clients from its Beverly Hills office.

Attorney advertising. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Etehad Law does not maintain an office in Los Angeles; the firm serves Los Angeles motorcycle accident clients from its Beverly Hills office.

Submitting a form or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after the firm reviews and accepts your case in writing.

Laws and deadlines vary depending on the facts of your case, and the information here may not reflect the law that applies to your situation. Speak with a licensed attorney about your specific case.

Injured in a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident?

Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement, accepting an insurance offer, repairing the bike, or losing evidence that may prove the driver was at fault.

Confidential consultation. No fee unless we win.

Serving Los Angeles Riders

• Central Los Angeles
• West Los Angeles
• Hollywood
• Koreatown
• Downtown Los Angeles
• South Los Angeles
• San Fernando Valley
• East Los Angeles
• Santa Monica
• Culver City
• Beverly Hills
• Pasadena
• Glendale
• Burbank

Etehad Law serves Los Angeles motorcycle accident clients from its Beverly Hills office. The firm does not maintain a Los Angeles office location.

Credentials & Legal Profiles

Before choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer, many riders want to review credentials, ratings, and professional profiles. Use the links below to learn more about Etehad Law and Simon P. Etehad.

Disclaimer

This information is for general purposes only and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Laws vary by state.