Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, especially in the bustling Los Angeles area. Motorcyclists that are involved in an accident are much more likely to be severely injured or killed than the other party. We know that being involved in a serious accident can be life-changing from mental trauma, permanent injuries, and scarring, to long-term financial damages. At C&B Law Group, our motorcycle accident attorneys acknowledge that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. With that in mind we want to ensure that injured accident victims are not also victims of the tactics of insurance companies, so call us today for a free consultation!

Based on the most recent data from the 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. At C&B Law Group, our award-winning motorcycle accident lawyers are here to represent and protect motorcyclists in the Los Angeles area.

Common Causes

Unfortunately, even the most skilled and cautious motorcyclists can be victims of an accident. In many cases, these accidents happen due to no fault of the rider.

Distracted Driver – Surrounding drivers tend to pose a great risk for motorcyclists. In particular, drivers that 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 – Objects in the road, as well as road defects like potholes, pose a much greater risk 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 potholes, they’re also more likely to lose control while maneuvering away to safety.

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

Weather – 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.

California Lane Splitting Law

It is legal for motorcyclists to split lanes in the state of California. The California Highway Patrol outlines additional laws and general guidelines that protect the safety of riders.

• Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal.
• Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal
• Drivers in the far left lane should give motorcyclists room to pass
• Check mirrors and blind spots, and signal before changing lanes or turning

Carpool Lanes

Can cars exit the carpool lane when the lane is solid?

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 than they already deal with.

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.

Common Injuries

• Neck and Back Pain
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

Compensation

Hiring a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will help ensure that you are properly represented. Our attorneys at C&B Law Group have considerable experience, resources, and staff to ensure that we get our clients the compensation they deserve. Our reputable team will explore every avenue to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages you may face including:

• Current and Future Medical Expenses
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages