The Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase want to be the law office you call if you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash.
We have helped thousands of clients recover from collisions. We have the resources to complete the job with a track record of more than 45 years of success.
What to ask a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer
- How much is a motorcycle accident settlement in California?
- How much does a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney charge?
- What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, California?
- Have you handled motorcycle crash cases like mine?
- Will you go to trial for my lawsuit if necessary?
These are essential questions to ask when you meet with your motorcycle accident law firm to make sure you are hiring the right lawyer for you.
Time to File Your Accident Claim (Statute of Limitations)
Time is of the essence to file your accident claim, as the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in California is two years from the accident date.
Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have the experience and skill to fight for your rights. Call to get a free consultation today at (323) 238-4683.
Expert Legal Representation For Your Case
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
H. Gavin Long - Massive Verdict: Motorcycle Accident Attorney of Bisnar Chase Gets Record Verdict
What To Look For in Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer is imperative for making a winning case. A general attorney will not be well-versed in tort law relating to motorcycle injuries incurred in California. In contrast, injury attorneys handle only accidents and are familiar with all California courts.
- How much experience do you have handling motorcycle injury cases specifically? You’ll want someone very familiar with motorcycle accident cases and laws. Bisnar Chase has handled motorcycle accident cases for over four decades with exceptional results, including a 2022 verdict for $5.3 million for a client when the defense only offered $125K.
- Are you willing to take my motorcycle case to trial if a satisfactory settlement can’t be reached? You want an attorney willing to go to court. Our lawyers are all trial attorneys familiar with all Los Angeles courts and defense teams. We have taken many cases to trial and will never “settle” your case to be done with it.
- How will you investigate my motorcycle accident and build my legal case? Look for thoroughness—inspecting the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and reconstructing the crash. We have a dedicated team of experienced investigators and experts who will review all of the crash data to form a winning strategy.
- Will you handle my property damage claims as well as my personal injury? Yes. We handle all aspects of your motorcycle accident injury claim, including property damage, pain and suffering, economic damages, and punitive damages if warranted.
- How frequently will you update me on my case status? We will update you every 30 days, sometimes sooner, when there is a significant development.
- What out-of-pocket costs will I be responsible for? We will shield you from liability until your case is won. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
- What percentage of my motorcycle settlement will you take as your fee? Personal injury attorneys in California typically charge about 33%. Some cases can be more complex, depending on the resources involved.
Steps to Take After Your LA Motorcycle Crash
The San Gabriel Tribune reports that the national rate of motorcycle fatalities is 28 times higher than those involving motor vehicles.
An accident can cause extreme stress, and injured motorcyclists are often left at a loss for what to do next. The following are measures you can take to earn the maximum compensation for your case and make the legal process easier for you:
Receive medical attention
Motorcyclists have less protection than those who operate a four-door vehicle, making them more prone to catastrophic injuries. If you have been hit by a passenger vehicle and are unable to move, have someone nearby or the negligent party themselves call an ambulance for you.
It is the law that drivers involved in a car accident cannot leave the crash scene. If the driver who hit you fled the crash scene, ensure you include this in your statement.
Call the local authorities
After catastrophic accidents, the police must be called. Calling the police will ensure that the scene is protected, evidence is secured, and a full police report is recorded. When the police arrive, please give them your statement of what occurred. It is important that the circumstances of the accident are documented.
This statement will be valuable when filing a claim through your insurance company or taking legal steps to secure the compensation you deserve. This can also aid your Southern California motorcycle accident lawyer later in your case.
Gather evidence and information
After a motorcycle collision, one of the most important measures is exchanging information with the at-fault party. The information you need to collect includes the name, address, driver’s license number, license plate, insurance policy number, vehicle’s VIN, and the best contact you can reach the driver at. Ensure you get any witnesses’ contact information to support your accident claim.
Do not move the motorcycle or the defendant’s vehicle before taking pictures and videos of all the angles where the accident occurred. Once it’s safe, move the vehicles to a safer area and try not to impede traffic.
Remember, you want to gather as much information as possible because if your insurance policy does not provide you coverage, you may have to handle the claim yourself.
Contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer
Once you have made your claim and received an offer, you need to take a step back and add up all your expenses. The insurance companies may misrepresent what you are entitled to and pressure you to accept the offer. Do not accept their offer immediately.
The Los Angeles motorcycle injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase believe that you should be compensated for the maximum possible amount, including damages, medical costs, and more.
Our lawyers will handle your case for you so the only thing you have to worry about is your recovery. Call our LA law office for a free case analysis at (323) 238-4683.
Motorcycle Equipment to Protect Yourself
Most cyclists are under the impression that the only equipment they need while riding a motorcycle is a helmet. Although some states do not require more than that, cyclists should take extra measures to protect themselves on the road.
Below, you will find other equipment you will need to protect you in the event of a collision.
- DOT or Snell-approved helmet
- Abrasion-resistant motorcycle jacket
- Motorcycle gloves
- Eye protection
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Rain gear
- Base layers (to hold in heat or cool)
- Motorcycle pants with pads built-in
- Knee and elbow pads
- Wear high-visibility colors
If you have questions about your accident and who is at fault, contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney for a free case evaluation. Call 323-238-4683.
Common Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Most people are confident when they become a motorcyclist that they are skilled and cautious enough to avoid all hazards. The reality is that when a motorcyclist is suddenly presented with a road hazard, they will only have a split second to react. Sometimes that is just not enough time to avoid danger or a potentially catastrophic disaster.
If motorcyclists find themselves victims of a wreck, they can suffer from injuries such as:
Road rash:
Road rash, or abrasions, are superficial but extremely painful injuries that most cyclists experience in an accident. Abrasions happen when a part of the body skids on the road, exposing the underlying tissue.
This can tear through flesh and even expose bone. You must seek medical treatment immediately because abrasions can easily lead to a bacterial infection and worsen the injury.
Broken bones:
Bone fractures in a motorcycle accident can be inevitable. Symptoms can range from discoloration of the skin, deformed limbs, numbness, or pain when moving. Typical areas that can be fractured include arms, legs and the spinal cord.
A broken bone can cost thousands of dollars, especially if surgery is involved. Speak to a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to explore the compensation you may be entitled to.
Lacerations:
The minimal amount of protection that a bike provides to a rider can lead to superficial or deep cuts in the skin. Unlike abrasions, lacerations are actually cut through the skin. Someone can obtain cuts from vehicle parts, glass, and other debris when hitting the ground. If not treated immediately, open wounds can lead to severe nerve damage.
Other motorcycle injuries that can occur
- Brain injuries – head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Skull fractures
- Neck injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Liability in Your Motorcycle Incident in LA County
If you have come out of a motorcycle crash with just a few scrapes, consider yourself very lucky. Most motorcycle accident cases we see are very serious, resulting in catastrophic injuries or even death.
With none of the protection that a car would afford, the injuries tend to be serious. The law firm of Bisnar Chase believes that someone needs to be held accountable for the injuries they have acquired from someone else’s negligence.
To determine the liability of the parties involved, call a motorcycle injury attorney in Los Angeles. The lawyer can determine the percentage, if any, of your liability. Using comparative negligence, you can still receive compensation.
Potential parties that can be held accountable for the damages include:
Reckless driver:
In California, careless driving can cause a motorist to face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or a driver’s license suspension.
Vehicles pulling out from blind spots, running red lights, stop signs, or a moving obstruction suddenly impacting the path of a moving motorcycle can also cause a devastating accident. Due to cyclists only having moments to react, this can result in a deadly situation.
Governmental entity:
Premises liability cases include hazardous or dangerous conditions on privately owned establishments and residential or commercial properties. Governmental entity cases include dangerous conditions on city streets, airports, municipal transportation, etc.
Contact Bisnar Chase, and one of our Los Angeles premises liability lawyers can decide whether you have a case.
Property owner:
Property owners have an obligation to ensure that their property does not cause any hazards to the public. For example, if a private construction zone created dangerous conditions for motorcyclists on the road, the property owners could be held liable.
Causes of Los Angeles Motorcycle Wrecks
When traveling on the road, according to www.iii.org, the odds of a car occupant dying in a transportation accident were 1 in 47,718 over the course of a one-year sample.
When inside a vehicle, you are mostly protected from debris, rain, and other hazards by a metal barrier surrounding you. It is also equipped with other safety devices, such as seatbelts. Unlike a car, you and your motorcycle are vulnerable to the elements and debris, putting you in danger of being thrown from your bike with zero protection.
Here are some possible dangers you may experience while riding a motorcycle:
- Other vehicles: vehicles pulling out from blind spots, running red lights, stop signs, or a moving obstruction suddenly impacting the path of a moving motorcycle. You will only have moments to respond when faced with a sudden obstruction.
- Road hazards: This ranges from debris in the street to potholes in the road surface. Debris might include items that have fallen from a truck and are now lying in the street and other potential hazards.
- Traveling on the freeway or fast-moving roadways behind vehicles offers the chance of the vehicle blocking your early awareness of the hazard, running the item over, and having it kicked up into the air in front of you, making it impossible to avoid.
- Oil, ice, or any potentially slippery surfaces.
- Potholes, cracks or any other road damage that motorcycle tires can have issues with.
- A substance hitting you and blocking your vision or obscuring your goggles, helmet, or eyes directly.
- Poor weather like rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, and black ice.
- Poor motorcycle conditions or maintenance are also hazards. This could lead to flat tires or blowouts, engine failure, sudden stalls, parts falling off, and other issues that could lead to a sudden crash.
If you are unsure who caused your accident, call one of our seasoned Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation. Call 323-238-4683.
Motorcycle Laws in California
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcyclists must adhere to the same safety laws as car drivers. However, extra caution should be paid to motorcycle riders, especially when lane splitting is legal in California.
- Motorcycle helmets required: Riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating a motorcycle. Passengers are also required to wear a helmet.
- Eye protection: Riders and passengers require eye protection such as glasses, goggles, or a face shield.
- Licensing: You must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to operate a motorcycle in California legally. You can get a permit at age 15 1/2 and a license at age 16 after completing a safety course.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory. The minimum coverage is $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for two or more people, and $5,000 for property damage.
- Lane sharing: Motorcycles can carefully pass between slowed or stopped traffic traveling in the same direction. It is not legal to lane split at over 30 mph.
- Passengers: You must be at least 16 years old to carry a passenger. Passengers must be able to reach the footrests.
- Safety course: All riders under 21 must complete a motorcycle safety course to get their license. It’s recommended for all new riders.
- Noise limits: Motorcycles manufactured after 1986 must not exceed 80 decibels. Modified exhaust systems may not exceed 95 decibels.
- Handlebars: Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders when seated.
California Motorcycle Crash Statistics: Every year, 50,000 motorcyclists are injured and an average of 2,000 are killed in collisions. Over 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. If you ride, first and foremost, be careful.
Calculating Damages and Compensation in a Motorcycle Crash
Uninsured motorist coverage should always be present in your insurance policy because it’s possible that you won’t have any legal options available if someone injures you and has no insurance or assets. You will want to do an asset search to find out if the at-fault party owns property or has income that could be targeted to make you whole instead of having motorcycle coverage.
You can be entitled to losses such as:
- Property damage: costs to repair or replace your damaged motorcycle, helmet, gear, etc.
- Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain and mental anguish caused by the injuries
- Medical expenses and therapy: ambulance fees, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical treatment related to crash injuries.
- Wrongful death: compensation for the loss of financial support if a loved one is killed. Funeral and burial costs may also be included.
- Lost income: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work in the future.
- Punitive damages: extra compensation intended to punish the defendant for egregious actions. Requires proof they acted maliciously.
- Contingency Fee Agreements: The right to legal representation without any upfront fees. Attorneys collect a percentage only if you win compensation.
- Trial by Jury: The right to request a jury trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Appeal: The right to appeal if there is a disagreement with the verdict or settlement amount.
Do Not Overshare with the Insurance Companies
Most policyholders don’t realize that the insurance companies are not your friends. They work to minimize claims and often low-ball claimants. The insurance adjuster will offer speedy processing of your motorcycle claim to give you the least amount of money possible.
Consult with your lawyer before you talk to the insurance companies on either side.
If you have questions about the value of your injury claim, contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation; we aren’t paid if you don’t win. Call 323-238-4683 today.
Los Angeles County Motorcycle Collision Reports
Vehicle collisions are a frequent occurrence in LA County. Some incidents can lead to amputations or being dragged under a car. Countless motorcycle crashes have also involved passenger drivers leaving the scene of an accident.
Below are just a few motorcycle cases that have occurred in Los Angeles.
A Granada crash leaves a motorcyclist without part of his leg: Police arrived at the scene where a man had lost part of his leg, after reports of motorcycles traveling at high speeds. Paramedics rushed to the scene of the collision located on the 118 Freeway.
Motorcycle trapped under a speeding car: George Valentin of Corona, California, was caught on camera leaving the scene of a crash. A motorcycle became trapped under a vehicle after the rider, Chain Arunritthirot, was thrown 200 feet away. Arunritthirot did not suffer any serious injuries.
Some of Bisnar Chase’s Motorcycle Case Results:
- $30,000,000 – Motorcycle Accident
- $5,600,000 – Motorcycle Accident
- $3,000,000 – Motorcycle Accident
- $1,000.000 MVA – Motorcycle Accident
We have recovered more than $900 million, with over 12,000 clients served. We have represented Los Angeles injured motorcycle accident victims for over four decades, and we may be able to help you, too.
Our experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers will provide you with first-class personal attention and take care of every detail of your motorcycle accident claim. From settlements to trials, we will have your back every step of the way.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in the US
In a recent study by Forbes, the following statistics were updated for motorcycle accidents nationwide:
- There were over 82,000 motorcycle accident injuries in 2020.
- 36% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders without a valid license to drive motorcycles.
- August is the most dangerous month for motorcycle crashes because of the warm weather and longer rides.
- Men account for over 90% of fatal motorcycle crashes.
- As of 2020, the year 2016 saw the most motorcycle fatalities, at over 5,300 killed and over 100,000 injured.
- Most female motorcycle accident victims are passengers.
- Over 5,500 motorcycle riders were killed in 2020. This is the highest number of motorcycle deaths since 1975.
- Over 2,000 of those killed were not wearing helmets.
- Speeding was responsible for 34% of fatalities in motorcycle wrecks.
- Over 26% of the accidents involved drinking while riding.
- Over 75% of motorcycle accidents are front-end crashes.
- California law requires that motorcyclists wear helmets.
- In California, there was a 3% increase in fatalities in 2021.
- About 70% of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections.
- California ranks fifth in motorcycle fatalities.
Sources used in the Forbes study included the following citations:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Motorcycle Safety
- The National Safety Council
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- Crashstats.com Motorcycle crash data
Choose an Award-Winning Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Bisnar Chase is a prominent personal injury law firm based in Newport Beach, California. We have received numerous honors and awards recognizing our legal expertise and success in securing impressive settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Founded in 1978 by John Bisnar, Bisnar Chase handles many personal injury cases. He stands out as one of California’s premiere injury attorneys for our superior client representation and our ongoing fight to make California safer for motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and those visiting public premises.
Some of our noteworthy accolades include:
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates recognizes attorneys who have secured million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Bisnar Chase injury attorneys are members of this exclusive forum.
- AAV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, denoting the highest level of professional excellence based on peer reviews and recognition. Less than 1% of attorneys receive an AV Preeminent rating.
- Super Lawyers honors: Multiple attorneys at our law firm have been selected as Southern California Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed on no more than 5% of regional attorneys based on peer nominations and evaluations.
- Best Law Firms in America: Repeatedly included in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms, indicating our impressive level of expertise and success in securing favorable case results.
- Perfect 10.0 Rating on Avvo – The firm has earned Avvo’s highest rating every year since 2009, showcasing its outstanding legal abilities and professionalism.
- Top Verdicts and Settlements lists: According to the Daily Journal, LawDragon, and other legal publications, Bisnar Chase accident attorneys have obtained top jury verdicts and settlements in California and nationally.
Call (323) 238-4683 for your free case evaluation with our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers team. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay if we fail to win your case.
A personal injury lawyer has the perspective needed to help you get fair compensation for damages such as lost wages and medical bills.
