Los Angeles Abogado de Accidente de Motocicleta

Motorcycle crashes have led to over 13,000 serious injuries or fatalities in California over the last 10 years

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, especially in a high-traffic metro like the Los Angeles area.

At C&B Law Group, our LA attorneys understand that being involved in a serious motorcycle accident can be life-changing from mental trauma, permanent injuries, and scarring, to long-term financial damages.

Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers realize that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road.

A motorcycle crash is dangerous for riders. In fact, motorcyclists that are involved in an accident are more likely to be severely injured or killed than the other party.

Basado en el datos más recientes de la National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in an accident and 4 times more likely to be injured than those in a typical passenger car.

On top of having to be more vigilant about surrounding vehicles, motorcyclists need to maintain balance, coordination, and good judgment at all times in order to remain safe. There isn’t much room for error, and one mistake or inattentive driver can cause an accident.

If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles or Southern California, our motorcycle crash attorneys are here to help.

What cities in LA County see the most motorcycle crashes?

Other data from the UC Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping System, there were 2,828 motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County (login required). Some cities with the most motorcycle crashes include:

• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Pomona
• Lancaster
• Torrance
• Santa Clarita
• Downey
• Palmdale
• Pasadena
• Compton
• Inglewood
• Santa Monica
• Hawthorne
• Carson
• Malibu

In around 45 percent of all motorcycle accidents, the victims suffered either a severe injury, a visible injury, or fatality.

In fact, the city of Los Angeles had almost two times as many motorcycle crashes as the second-highest city on the list (San Diego).

It would take the combined total number of motorcycle crashes in Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Riverside, San Jose, Bakersfield, San Bernardino, Fresno, and Oceanside to surpass Los Angeles.

Motorcycle accidents can have a deep impact. Think back to 1997, when Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis shattered and dislocated his wrist in a motorcycle crash after another driver pulled in front of him to make an unexpected U-turn.

Kiedis sued the driver for pain and injuries suffered as a result of the accident. The case was eventually settled out of court in December 1999.

Do I need a specific license to ride a motorcycle in California?

Yes, California has two different classes for two-wheel motor vehicles.

A Class M1 license grants drivers the ability to operate any two-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter and all vehicles listed under Class M2.

A Class M2 license grants drivers the ability to operate any motorized bicycle, moped, or motorized scooter.

Motorcycle crash injuries

A motorcycle crash can lead to a large number of injuries, including, but not limited to:

• Neck pain or other serious injuries
• Daño cerebral traumático
• Huesos rotos
• Cortes y laceraciones
• Dolor de espalda
• Conmociones cerebrales
• Internal bleeding or vital organ damage
• Cicatrices y desfiguración
• Latigazo cervical
• Parálisis
• Muerte por negligencia
• Salpicaduras

What is road rash?

A road rash injury can occur after a motorcycle crash. Road rash is common when riders are sent off of their bike and scrape against the road.

There are three different types of road rash.

An avulsion happens when the top layer of skin is shredded. Sometimes in an avulsion, the injury digs deeper past the skin to the muscle or bone. 

In an open wound injury, the tissue of the skin is torn, oftentimes requiring stitches to repair the area.

A compression occurs when part of the body is trapped between two objects.  

Ley de Cambio de Carril de California

It is legal for motorcyclists to split lanes in the state of California.

Lane splitting is defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 as “driving a motorcycle…between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways”.

Theoretically, lane-splitting the carpool lane is the most effective and safest way for motorcyclists to ride on freeways. However, we see it all the time on the I-5, 101, 405, and other freeways in California; cars entering and exiting the carpool lane across solid lines, posing motorcyclists with even more dangerous obstacles.

It is not legal for vehicles to enter or exit the carpool lane across any solid lines, whether single or double. The only time it’s legal to enter or exit the carpool lane is across a broken or dashed line.

Vehicles that ignore this law are simultaneously ignoring the safety of motorcyclists by making an unpredictable and unsafe lane change.

 En Patrulla de Carreteras de California outlines additional laws and general guidelines that protect the safety of motorcycle riders:

• Bloquear u obstaculizar intencionadamente a un motorista de forma que pueda causarle daños es ilegal.
• Abrir la puerta de un vehículo para obstaculizar a un motorista es ilegal
• Los conductores que circulen por el carril de la izquierda deben dejar espacio a los motoristas para adelantar.
• Compruebe los retrovisores y los ángulos muertos, y haga señales antes de cambiar de carril o girar.

Por desgracia, incluso los motoristas más hábiles y precavidos pueden ser víctimas de un accidente. En muchos casos, estos accidentes ocurren sin culpa del motorista.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

Similar to car accidents, there are various factors that can contribute to a motorcycle crash.

While drivers tend to pose a great risk for motorcyclists, those who are distracted are an even greater threat.

In particular, drivers who are intoxicated, texting, distracted, or otherwise inattentive may be much more likely to miss the presence of a nearby motorcyclist. One act of carelessness by another driver could change a motorcyclist’s life forever.

Road Debris/Defects in the road pose a much higher risk of crash to motorcyclists than those in passenger vehicles. Not only are riders more likely to get severely hurt if they hit one of these objects or defects, they’re also more likely to lose control while maneuvering to safety.

Additionally, no motorcycle is perfect, and there is always the risk of brake failure, tire defects, fuel system issues, among many other potential mechanical problems.

Also, certain weather conditions make it more likely for motorcycle accidents to occur. Rainy days make the road slick, reducing the amount of traction both drivers and riders have.

In addition, visibility is reduced due to the wet conditions and low lighting brought about by fog and clouds.

How do I prove fault in a Los Angeles motorcycle crash?

Proving fault in a motorcycle crash depends on numerous factors. One must show that the other driver was negligent, or failed to provide a duty of care.

Reckless driving is an example of negligence.

Furthermore, appropriate evidence can help with a claim. Examples of evidence include photos, videos, medical records, witness testimony’s and more.

Why Hire a C&B Law Group?

En C & B Law Group, nuestros galardonados abogados de accidentes de motocicleta están aquí para representar y proteger a los motociclistas en el área de Los Ángeles.

We know that being involved in a serious motorcycle accident can be life-altering. We want to ensure that injured accident victims are not also casualties to the tactics of insurance companies.

Our goal is your complete satisfaction and proper compensation. It’s why we work on a contingency fee basis (you don’t pay us until your case is settled).

What compensation is possible following a motorcycle crash or accident?

• Gastos médicos actuales y futuros
• Pérdida de salario
• Dolor y sufrimiento

What about punitive damages?

Punitive damages are awarded not only to punish the defendant for reckless actions, but to set an example para que otros no sigan estas acciones.

Punitive damages are in addition to other damages. They cannot be recovered alone.

An example where one might seek punitive damages after a motorcycle crash if they were hit bit a drunk driver. Your attorney will determine if punitive damages are applicable to your case.

You deserve the proper compensation for your motorcycle accident.  Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys now at  (855) 477-2365.