California is home to the largest number of registered motorcycles in the nation. The Golden State has nearly 800,000 motorcycle registrations. Motorcyclists love the thrill and freedom of riding a bike in California.
While riding a bike can be a thrilling experience, motorcycles are considered more dangerous than any other type of vehicle. This is evident from distressing statistics: Each year, over 5,000 motorcyclists die in traffic accidents across the United States, and California accounts for more than 15% of motorcyclist deaths in the U.S.
It is advisable to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer if you were injured while riding a bike in Los Angeles. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at Titan Law Firm are committed to helping you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Beverly Hills
Motorcycles present unique dangers to riders and other drivers sharing the road with bikes. While the vast majority of motorcycle accidents are preventable, common causes of collisions involving motorcyclists include:
| Speeding | Failure to maintain a safe distance |
| Left turns | Distracted driving |
| Drunk driving | Reckless driving |
| Poor road conditions | Dooring accidents |
It is critical for motorcyclists to exercise caution when riding a bike because operating a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a motor vehicle. It is not uncommon for drivers of passenger vehicles involved in motorcycle crashes to say that they did not see the motorcyclist or blame the biker for causing the collision.
An insurance company is likely to side with the driver of the passenger vehicle because many insurers are biased against motorcycle riders. Insurance adjusters and other drivers often assume that all motorcyclists have a reckless disregard for their own safety and the safety of others.
For this reason, it is vital to contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to deal with biased and prejudiced insurance companies and ensure that your claim is handled fairly.
What Are the Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 80% of all reported motorcycle accidents in the U.S. involve injuries or death to the motorcycle rider.
Since the vast majority of motorcycle accidents cause the rider and their passenger to either slide across the ground or fly off the bike, it is not surprising that motorcyclists often sustain serious and catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:
| Spinal cord injuries | Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) |
| Disfigurement | Broken bones |
| Fractures | Permanent scars |
| Biker’s arm | Burn injuries |
| Internal bleeding | Road rash |
| Non-physical effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional distress, and others | |
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident or your loved one died in a bike crash in Los Angeles, contact a lawyer to pursue compensation for your losses and monetary damages.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Statistically speaking, motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than occupants of any other vehicle. There are several factors that make motorcycle accidents so catastrophic and deadly:
- Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles have no safety features and provide no protection against the impact of another vehicle. Motorcycles are not equipped with airbags and seatbelts.
- Two-wheeled motorcycles are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, which makes them more dangerous to operate and maneuver.
- Motorcycles are less visible to other motorists on the road. Other drivers may not notice a motorcycle in their rear- and side-view mirrors when performing such maneuvers as lane changes and turns.
While many people may argue that motorcycle riders assume the risk of injury when they choose to get on the road, motorcyclists are entitled to compensation for their damages and losses just like any other road user is.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident in Beverly Hills?
Motorcyclists can seek compensation for any damages and losses they incur as a result of someone else’s negligence. Recoverable damages include but are not limited to:
| Medical bills | Loss of income |
| Loss of quality of life | Property damage |
| Loss of consortium | Pain and suffering |
| Emotional distress |
California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. Under the doctrine, a person who contributes to their own injuries can be held partially at fault for the accident. In such cases, the victim’s damages are reduced by the percentage of their own fault.
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to shift blame toward an injured motorcyclist by arguing that the biker was negligent in causing the collision. If you are a motorcyclist injured in a motor vehicle crash in Los Angeles, it is critical to be represented by an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights.
You Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
As mentioned earlier, motorcycle accidents account for over 5,000 deaths every year. Under California law, families of those who get killed because of other people’s negligence are entitled to compensation for their losses.
In a wrongful death claim, you can seek compensation for the following losses:
| Funeral and burial expenses | Loss of consortium |
| Loss of support | Loss of future wages |
| Pain and suffering | Loss of companionship |
While no money in the world will ever replace a loved one, seeking compensation can help bring a sense of justice. An attorney could help you pursue a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed due to the negligence of someone else.
Contact a Beverly Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
It is advisable to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your motorcycle accident to protect your rights and build a strong claim. Your attorney will take the following steps to strengthen your claim and help you obtain maximum compensation on your behalf:
- Gather evidence at the scene of the crash
- Talk to witnesses and gather their statements
- Get a copy of the police report
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Review your medical records
- Communicate with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement
- Settle your claim for a fair amount or take your case to court if no settlement is reached
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles? If you answered “yes,” you should not hesitate to contact a skilled lawyer at Titan Law Firm. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to helping you regain a sense of normalcy and get compensated for all your losses and damages. Call 888.848.2656 to obtain a free case evaluation.
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