MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Experienced Legal Advocacy for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Motorcycle accidents can be complex, emotionally taxing, and financially draining. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you understand how overwhelming the aftermath can be. The city’s vibrant and bustling roads, where motorcycles are more than just a trend but a preferred mode of transportation, come with unique risks. An experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney is crucial to navigating these challenges and protecting your rights. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe, given the vulnerability of riders compared to other motorists. Medical bills can accumulate rapidly, and victims may face extended periods of recovery, loss of income, and emotional trauma. This is where the expertise of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney comes into play. From investigating the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies and representing your case in court, having a skilled attorney by your side can make all the difference. With their comprehensive understanding of California’s laws, they will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Lane splitting is legal. Vehicle Code §21658.1 authorizes motorcycles to ride between lanes, so lane splitting is not automatic fault after a crash. Helmet law. California’s universal helmet law (Vehicle Code §27803) requires a DOT-compliant helmet; riding without one can affect head-injury damages but does not bar a claim. Countering rider bias. Pure comparative negligence applies, and insurers often blame the rider, so scene evidence matters to rebut that assumption. Filing deadlines. Two years for injury claims (Code…

Key Takeaways

Lane splitting is legal. Vehicle Code §21658.1 authorizes motorcycles to ride between lanes, so lane splitting is not automatic fault after a crash.
Helmet law. California’s universal helmet law (Vehicle Code §27803) requires a DOT-compliant helmet; riding without one can affect head-injury damages but does not bar a claim.
Countering rider bias. Pure comparative negligence applies, and insurers often blame the rider, so scene evidence matters to rebut that assumption.
Filing deadlines. Two years for injury claims (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1); six months if a government entity — such as a road-defect claim — is involved (Gov. Code §911.2).
Contingency fee. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Handled by Simon P. Etehad (California State Bar #186449), Etehad Law, 150 South Rodeo Drive, Suite 350, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 — (310) 550-1220.

Motorcycle Accidents — Etehad Law, Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys

The Highs and Lows of Motorcycling in the City of Angels

Motorcycles are an incredibly popular way to get around in Los Angeles, a city known for its heavy traffic and long commutes. California stands out as the only state in the nation that permits motorcycles to legally cut lanes, or "lane split," giving motorcyclists a distinct advantage in stop-and-go traffic. While this can make commuting faster and more efficient for motorcyclists, it also increases the risk of serious and often life-threatening accidents. A Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney can help navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring victims understand their rights and get the compensation they deserve. Motorcycle crashes have significantly increased in California over the last fifteen years, with the Los Angeles Metro area being one of the hardest hit. In 2011 alone, California reported the third-highest number of motorcycle fatalities in the United States. These statistics underscore the growing concern for rider safety, especially in urban areas with dense traffic. Although some accidents are due to the speed or conduct of the motorcycle rider, many crashes are caused by negligent or distracted drivers. Victims often face devastating consequences, from severe injuries to extensive medical expenses, which is why a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney can be instrumental in helping injured motorcyclists rebuild their lives.

Our Personal Approach

Even when a rider is partially at fault for an accident, that rider may still be eligible to receive compensation for injuries suffered as a result of the collision. Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating consequences, and the road to recovery is often complex, both physically and legally. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney who can assess your case, explain your rights, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve. It’s crucial that a person who suffers injuries in a motorcycle accident speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer to understand his or her legal rights and how to enforce them. Our team of seasoned experts isn’t just familiar with the law; we also understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road. This insight equips us to build a robust case tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring we address the full impact of the crash on your life. Trust a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney with the experience and dedication needed to advocate for you, protect your interests, and navigate the complexities of your claim.

Recent Case Results: $11,000,000

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

Recent Case Results: $1,000,000

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

Recent Case Results: $825,000

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

Recent Case Results: $726,000

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

Recent Case Results: $650,000

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

Recent Case Results: $585,000

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

If you or a loved one need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, call us to schedule a free case consultation and we'll guide you to success.

(310) 550-1220

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Not automatically. California Vehicle Code §21658.1 makes lane splitting legal, so the practice itself is not negligence. Fault turns on speed, spacing, and each party's conduct. A driver who changed lanes without signaling or opened a door into your path can still be responsible.

Yes. California requires a DOT-compliant helmet (Vehicle Code §27803), but going without one does not end your claim. It may reduce compensation for head injuries a helmet could have prevented, under comparative fault. It has no bearing on unrelated injuries such as a broken leg.

Adjusters often assume riders are reckless and use that bias to devalue claims. Countering it takes evidence — scene photos, witness statements, traffic-camera footage, and reconstruction. We document how the crash actually happened so the rider's conduct is judged on facts, not on stereotype.

Left-turn collisions, where a car turns across a rider's path, are among the most frequent. Others include unsafe lane changes, drivers following too closely, road hazards, and distracted driving. Establishing the specific cause shapes who is liable and what evidence we pursue.

Two years from the crash for injury claims (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). If a government entity contributed — for example, a poorly maintained road — you must file a government claim within six months (Gov. Code §911.2). Waiting risks losing evidence and the case itself.

Yes. Vehicle Code section 27803 requires a helmet meeting federal safety standards for every rider and passenger, at any age. Riding without one does not bar a claim, but a defendant will argue it contributed to head injuries, so it becomes a comparative fault question rather than an automatic defence.

Because juries carry assumptions about riders. Adjusters lean on that, opening with a high fault percentage against the rider and a low valuation. Physical evidence, scene reconstruction and the rider's own record of training and licensing tend to be what shifts it.

That is the most common serious motorcycle collision. A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, and misjudging a motorcycle's speed or distance is not a defence. Skid marks, the impact point on the bike and the resting positions usually establish the sequence.

More than people expect. A cracked helmet, torn leathers and scored armour are physical proof of impact force and of what the rider was doing to protect themselves. Keep every piece exactly as it is and photograph it before anything is cleaned or thrown out.

Often, through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Motorcycle policies carry it and many riders never check the limits until they need them. It is worth having the policy read early, because notice requirements under those clauses can be tight.

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