Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Despite the protective gear motorcyclists wear they are still susceptible to many serious injuries and in most cases more serious than those suffered by car drivers or truck drivers. Although at first glance it seems  that motorcyclists are to blame for the accidents, statistics show that’s rarely true. Motorcyclists have the same rights as any other motorist, even though these rights are sometimes overlooked or ignored. Everyone on the road needs to take extra precautions when surrounded by motorcyclists as one moment of inattentiveness can cause serious injuries and even death to motorcyclists and their passengers. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle injuries are the following:

Rear End Collision – Most of the time a rear end collision is one of the main causes for motorcycle accidents, and it is considered to be entirely beyond the control of the motorcyclist. While most rear end accidents involving other motorists are usually “fender benders,” when motorcyclists are involved, such small impact collisions can result in serious injuries and even deaths.

Improper Lane Change by Another Vehicle – Given the fact that motorcycles are harder to spot because of their size, motorcycle accidents are often caused when another vehicle, due to their own negligence, fails to see a motorcyclist and changes a lane into a motorcycle.

Aggressive Braking by Other Drivers – To avoid rear ending another vehicle in front of you, it is always a good idea to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. In Los Angeles, many drivers drive aggressively due to heavy traffic. That is why it is extremely important to keep a safe distance in Los Angeles and avoid getting into a motorcycle collision.

A Left Turn in Front of You – One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when another vehicle misjudges your speed or their ability to make a left turn in time before you approach them. Best way to avoid a collision under this scenario is to be a defensive driver and to see this coming. Remember, you must not only pay attention to your driving but also the driving of other motorists, since one mistake of someone else can cost you your life.

Someone Opens Their Car Door – Car drivers can sometimes fail to see you coming and open their car door, causing a motorcycle collision. To avoid a collision in this manner, keep a proper look out and scan your surroundings. In addition, do not ride between active traffic lanes and parked cars.

Bad Road and Weather Conditions – Bad weather conditions are one of the major causes for all motorcycle accidents. Rain makes the roads slippery while the sun makes the riders sleepy, both of which can cause motorcycle accidents and serious injuries and death. To avoid these conditions, simply take a break and wait for the road conditions to improve before continuing on your trip.

Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Aside from the above-mentioned causes for motorcycle accidents which are usually caused by other motorists on the road, there are some accidents that are caused by the motorcyclists themselves. With a little bit of caution, you can avoid these accidents, by simply trying to avoid the following:

Don’t Drink and Ride and Don’t Use Drugs and Ride – As reported by the NHTSA, a significant 43 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents are linked to alcohol consumption. This perilous practice endangers not only the motorcycle rider but also poses a threat to all other road users. The influence of drugs and alcohol can severely compromise a driver’s judgment, reflexes, and overall driving performance. Given that riding a motorcycle already demands heightened skill, attention, and coordination compared to an average car, the detrimental effects of intoxication on handling become even more pronounced. Simply put, Do Not Ride Under the Influence!

Avoid Riding In Poor Weather Conditions – Whether it is raining outside or if it is too hot, an experienced rider will take a break and wait for the riding weather to improve before continuing on his journey. Unfavorable weather conditions increase the chances of a motorcycle accident.

Avoid Lane Splitting When You Can – Lane splitting allows motorcyclists to reach their desired destination in less time. Lane splitting is one of the main driving manners when it comes to motorcyclists in Los Angeles, as the traffic in our city can sometimes waste lots of our precious time. However, if you choose to split lanes, you must be cautious, as many drivers cannot see you, which can cause a serious motorcycle accident.

Be a Defensive Driver – We all want to reach our destination in the least amount of time possible. But is it worth getting into a serious motorcycle accident? Drive defensively, it will give you more time to react and avoid a motorcycle accident.

Stay Out of People’s Blind Spots – “You may see them, but they cannot see you” is something my dad used to always say. On a motorcycle it is even more important to stay out of people’s blind spots, as motorcycles are smaller, and motorcyclists ride quickly.

Watch Your Own Blind Spots – Always scan your surroundings before making a lane change. Knowing what’s around you is crucial in avoiding motorcycle accidents while making a lane change.

Do a Regular Check Up and Inspection of Your Motorcycle – Many motorcycle accidents are caused by defects on motorcycles, which range anywhere from defective engines to defective tires. Doing a regular checkup of your motorcycle can save you from a potential motorcycle accident and subsequently serious injuries or death.

Do Not Get Distracted – Remember, you are on two wheels. A small distraction which would not cause a driver of a motor vehicle to get into an accident, can cause you your life. Keep your eyes on the road and stay focused.

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Common Types of Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists suffer some of the most severe injuries as a result of an accident, which is due to their vulnerability by not being protected by a structure of a vehicle. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are those of the lower extremities, such as:

• Feet,
• Ankles,
• Knees,
• Pelvis, and
• Hips.

Although less frequent than lower body injuries, upper body and head injuries are often more serious, leading to traumatic brain injuries and death. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very different from a broken bone, as it affects our personalities and mental abilities. The severity of a TBI can range anywhere from a mild concussion, memory loss, amnesia, change in mood and frequent headaches to severe brain injury such as seizures and even mental retardation. Aside from TBIs, other more common upper body injuries are the following:

• Neck Injuries,
• Back Injuries,
• Broken Ribs,
• Facial Disfigurement,
• Upper Body Skin Burns,
• Arm Fractures, and
• Paralysis.

Motorcyclists who suffer any of these injuries will need the best medical treatment available. Therefore it is imperative that you retain a competent motorcycle accident lawyer Los Angeles from Bojat Law Group, who will fight for you and enable you to receive the best medical treatment and legal representation.

California’s Helmet Regulations

California is known for its scenic highways and a thriving motorcycle culture. However, riding a motorcycle in the Golden State comes with certain legal requirements, including the state’s helmet law.

California’s helmet law, established in 1992, mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet while riding on a motorcycle. This law applies to riders of all ages, and helmets must be securely fastened under the chin. The helmet law in California holds significance when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and you were not wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the incident, it can have consequences for your personal injury claim. While California is a comparative negligence state, meaning that fault is allocated among all parties involved in an accident, not wearing a helmet could potentially be seen as contributory negligence on your part. In the event of a lawsuit or insurance claim, it might affect the compensation you receive, particularly for head injuries or traumatic brain injuries. In the event of a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to understand both the helmet law and your rights as a rider. If you were the injured party in a motorcycle accident claim, seeking legal assistance should be your first step right after calling 911. Bojat Law Group specializes in handling motorcycle accident cases, providing expert guidance and support to those facing such challenges.

Proving Damages in a Motorcycle Accident

Damages suffered by motorcycle accidents can be economic or non-economic in nature. As noted above, in the majority of motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist is not at fault, and thus in those situations getting compensated for the damages suffered is rarely a difficult task for an experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney.

Economic damages suffered in a motorcycle accident includes objectively verifiable monetary losses such as past and future medical expenses, loss of past and future earnings, the economic value of domestic services, cost of repair or replacement, loss of use of property, and loss of employment or business opportunities.

Non-economic damages are usually more difficult to prove as they are not objectively verifiable monetary losses but subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life and inconvenience.

Making sure that all of these damages are obtained on behalf of their client takes a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles who will personally fight for his clients during every step of the way. You’ve found one – call Bojat Law Group for a free consultation and let an experienced attorney lead your case to success. 

Your Rights to Compensation After a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, victims often face medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To alleviate these financial challenges, seeking compensation is essential.

Compensation for motorcycle accidents typically covers:

Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care. It’s essential to document all medical expenses for a comprehensive claim.

Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period.

Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement of your damaged motorcycle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle accidents often result in physical and emotional pain. Compensation may be awarded for the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured.

Legal Fees: Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney Los Angeles to take over the legal process is crucial. In many cases, legal fees are also recoverable.

To ensure a successful compensation claim, you should take the following steps:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is a priority. Prompt medical care not only aids your recovery but also establishes a record of your injuries.

Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information, including photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and the police report.

Consult Bojat Law Group: An experienced personal injury attorney can help assess your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

Know Your Rights: Understand the statute of limitations for filing a claim in California, which is typically two years from the date of the accident.

Remember, every motorcycle accident case is unique, and the compensation you may receive depends on various factors. Seeking professional legal guidance is essential to navigate the process of personal injury claims and maximize your chances of a fair settlement.

If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a legal professional with expertise in motorcycle accident cases in Los Angeles. Bojat Law Group can provide you with full legal assistance based on your specific situation.

How Can a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?

When involved in a traffic accident, it is crucial that you act on time and take legal action as soon as you can. The sooner you contact the Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, the better. Each minute that passes by diminishes your ability to obtain the full amount of compensation you are legally entitled to. Given the nature of a motorcycle accident and the severity of injuries caused by them, riders are often unable to work or to live normally due to severe injuries. This can cause tremendous financial difficulties for the riders and their families. Thus, it is extremely important to act on time. Do not wait. Call Bojat Law Group, the best attorneys for motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles.