Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles often result in catastrophic injuries, disputed fault, and aggressive resistance from insurance companies. Riders are frequently blamed simply for being on a motorcycle, even when another driver, a dangerous roadway condition, or a negligent third party caused the crash.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to a motorcycle accident, contact Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys today to discuss your case. They can help you secure the maximum possible compensation necessary to fully recover from your injuries.
Why Choose Greenberg Ruby?
Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys are known for handling serious injury cases. Led by award-winning trial attorney Emily Ruby, the firm aggressively litigates motorcycle accident claims and is always prepared to go to trial if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation. Our firm prepares every motorcycle accident claim as if it will go to trial. That approach has led to more than $700 million recovered, and a reputation that insurance companies cannot ignore.
- Our injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations into motorcycle accident cases.
- We are caring with our clients and relentless with insurance companies.
- We have secured more than $700M for our clients.
- 97.4% success rate
- Our team skillfully handles negotiations and deals with any unexpected legal hurdles
- We provide services on contingency. Meaning if we don't win, you don't pay.
- We offer free case evaluations.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Although some accidents occur due to lack of experience on the part of the motorcycle rider, the vast majority of collisions with other motor vehicles occur because of the carelessness of other vehicles on the road. This lack of visibility is even more dangerous at intersections due to the number of vehicles interacting with each other creating a more complicated situation to navigate. In fact, the most common type of motorcycle accidents involve other motor vehicles at intersections turning left in front of a motorcycle moving straight or passing them.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents Greenberg Ruby Handles
Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys represent clients who have been involved in all types of motorcycle accidents. This includes:
- Single Bike Motorcycle Accidents: Single-bike accidents make up about 25% of all motorcycle accidents, and usually occur when the rider hits an object or slippery surface and loses control. Single-bike accidents often are blamed on the rider when other factors may be involved such as faulty or defective equipment, hazards on the road or animal crossings.
- Multi-Bike Motorcycle Accidents: Other motorists' failure to visually observe motorcycles is the predominant cause of collision accidents. 3 out of 4 motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other motor vehicles, usually cars and trucks. In approximately 75% of these types of accidents the car or truck driver is at fault, having violated the motorcyclist's right-of-way because they simply did not see them. Usually this happens when the motorcycle is traveling in a straight course and the car turns left or right directly into or in front of the bike. Unfortunately, many motor vehicles' blind spots obstruct their view at the exact height and location where a motorcycle will commonly travel.
- Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents: Lane splitting can also cause accidents. When motorcyclists ride in between two lanes it is known as lane splitting or lane sharing. Lanes splitting is not illegal in the state of California, but if an accident is caused as a result of lane splitting the motorcyclist may be judged with comparative fault and held partially responsible for the accident. Unfortunately, many motor vehicle drivers are biased against motorcyclists riding between lanes, even though it is a legal way to travel. Many jurors in a court trial involving a motorcycle accident are biased against motorcyclists as well. In cases like this is helpful to have an experienced personal injury lawyer to help navigate these biases.
- Defective Equipment Motorcycle Accidents: Defective equipment is responsible for a significant number of motorcycle accidents. Frequently, defects in motorcycle brakes, shock absorbers, throttles, tires and even helmets can cause a rider to be unable to stop, to bounce out of control, to drive at irregular speeds, to lose full range of vision causing single-bike or multi-vehicle collisions.
- Failure to Yield Motorcycle Accidents: Failure-to-yield accidents often occur when other motor vehicles do not see motorcycles, but can also result from aggressive or negligent drivers who fail to yield with full awareness of the motorcyclist's presence. These types of accidents can cause the offending car to sideswipe motorcyclists, to collide with them head-on or to run them off the road. All three are serious accidents with severe physical consequences such as crushed limbs and dismemberment injuries, head and spinal cord injuries, and broken, fractured or shattered arms, legs, hips and pelvis.
- Red Light Motorcycle Accidents: Red light accidents often occur when a motorcycle has stopped at a red light and the car behind them misjudges the stopping distance and rear-ends them. Unfortunately, what would be a simple fender-bender between two cars can have deadly consequences for a motorcyclist. The biker may be forced into oncoming traffic from the impact of the collision and/or thrown from the bike. The sorts of injuries sustained from these situations are very serious, usually involving the spine, neck and head.
- Road Hazards Motorcycle Accidents: Road hazards are often ignored by the police when writing up accident reports, but even the most experienced motorcyclists can lose control when riding over uneven pavement, oil slicks or chemical spills from construction sites, gravel, loose dirt and sand or salt, potholes, surprise curves and roads that are in the process of being re-graded or resurfaced. All of the conditions listed above can lead to a dangerous lack of control.
Why Do You Need A Lawyer?
When people have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have been injured as a result, it is fair to suggest that they don't think about contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer. However, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can provide counsel and representation with your interests in mind.
Many may rely on their insurer to make the best decision regarding compensation. However, they are very unlikely to act with your best interests at heart. The reasoning behind this is simple and it all boils down to profit. For any insurance carrier to make money, they need to take in as much in premium payments as they possibly can and invest it. At the same time, they need to make as few or as little payments as possible on claims. This means that as a client and an injured party, you are probably only going to receive the bare minimum for your property and your injuries sustained.
An attorney can help you overcome these obstacles by preventing an insurance provider from taking advantage of your situation. They can fight to ensure you do not receive any lowball offers, instead negotiating for your desired compensation. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys to discuss your case. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and have a long-lasting impact on your life, don't leave your recovery in the insurance providers' hands. Fill out the form on this page to schedule a free consultation today and see how Greenberg and Ruby can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash in Los Angeles?
If you suffered serious injuries, it is strongly recommended. Motorcycle accident claims are often contested, and insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto riders to reduce payouts. An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, protect you from insurance tactics, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term harm.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California when done in a reasonable and safe manner. However, insurance companies often argue that lane splitting contributed to a motorcycle accident. Even when lane splitting is involved, a rider may still recover compensation depending on how the crash occurred and whether other drivers acted negligently.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and damages for permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation for loss of financial support and companionship.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims involving government entities often have much shorter notice requirements. Waiting too long can permanently bar recovery, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
