Motorcycle Accident Attorney Serving Los Angeles
We all know that motorcycles are somewhat dangerous, but that does not mean drivers are free to injure those who choose this mode of travel. While it is true that motorcyclists are quite exposed to the elements and other vehicles, they can still operate in a safe manner by carefully following traffic regulations. But while these riders may have control over their own actions, they cannot predict or prevent the reckless nature of negligent drivers around them. Make no mistake, a vast number of motorcycle accidents are caused not by the riders themselves, but rather by the vehicles around them.
Too often, victims of motorcycle accidents are dismissed as thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies who “got what they deserved.” But it is important to note that a motorcycle is one of the most affordable vehicles you can purchase in Los Angeles. It may be that these “thrill-seekers” simply did not have any other choice but to drive to work on a motorbike. Everyone enjoys motorcycles, from responsible, professional adults, to young teens. Everyone deserves the right to take legal action after being injured by a negligent driver, whether they were riding a motorcycle or not.
If you want to hold these negligent drivers accountable, your best bet is to book a consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles. Our legal professionals can guide you toward a positive outcome, which often involves a considerable financial settlement. Using this settlement, you can pay for your medical expenses, your missed wages, and a wide range of non-economic damages. However, you should know that time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury lawsuits. Act quickly and connect with us as soon as possible, as the statute of limitations may prevent you from taking legal action if you wait too long.
Recent Examples of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Motorcycle accidents occur on an extremely frequent basis in the Los Angeles area. The prevalence of these accidents shows two important things: firstly, it shows that motorcycles are actually quite popular in Los Angeles, and many people rely on these vehicles as their primary mode of travel. Secondly, it shows that motorcycle safety is a genuine issue in Los Angeles that is perhaps not getting the attention it deserves from municipal lawmakers and local authorities.
On November 10th, 2021, it was reported that a 24-year-old rider was killed after he rear-ended a pickup truck on I-5 near Solana Beach. It is not clear why the motorcyclist crashed, although the authorities later determined that neither drugs nor alcohol was involved. However, the motorcycle was in the fast lane when he crashed, which had led many to believe that the truck might have merged into the lane without seeing the motorcyclist behind him.
On November 8th, 2021, it was reported that a woman was killed in South El Monte after falling from her motorcycle. As far as anyone can tell, the initial crash did not end the woman’s life. However, a vehicle then failed to stop and ran her over while she was lying in the middle of the road. The Chino Hills Police Department announced that they intended to question the driver who did not stop.
On November 9th, 2021, it was reported that a motorcyclist was killed after a three-vehicle collision in the Claremont area. Very few details were released, although traffic was blocked for at least two hours while authorities conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
In October of 2021, it was reported that a State Trooper had been awarded almost $50 million as a result of his motorcycle crash in California. He was riding his police motorcycle at the time, and he was rear-ended while conducting a traffic stop. As a result, he was left with permanent injuries. This gives you some indication of how much a motorcycle injury settlement can be worth.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
California follows a system of “pure” comparative negligence. This essentially means that you can file a lawsuit even if you are partially to blame for your own accident. For example, you might have been speeding at the time of the crash. However, the vehicle that struck you may have been texting and driving while running a stop sign. The court may determine that while the other driver is mostly to blame for the accident, you should shoulder some of the liability yourself as well. Therefore, they might determine that you are 25% to blame for your own injuries.
While this does not prevent you from holding the other driver accountable, it does affect your total settlement amount. You would essentially receive 75% of the “normal” settlement that you would have otherwise received if you had been totally faultless. While this can be frustrating, it is important to remember that other states are much more strict about these matters. You can technically file a lawsuit even if you are 99% responsible for your own injuries in California. Other states may prevent you from taking legal action if you are 50% or even 1% responsible for your own motorcycle crash.
Calculating Your Settlement
If you are wondering how much your settlement is worth, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, your economic damages are relatively easy to calculate. You simply add up your medical expenses, missed wages (both past and future), and any other expenses you might have incurred due to your accident. Non-economic damages can be more difficult to quantify, since these damages deal with emotional and mental issues such as depression, PTSD, loss of consortium, loss of purpose, loss of enjoyment of life, and so on.
Typically, your non-economic damages are assigned a numerical value, usually on a scale of 1 to 10. This is sometimes referred to as a “general damages multiplier”. Motorcycle injuries are often very serious, permanent, and life-altering. These “serious injuries” are often associated with very high multipliers. For example, someone who has become paralyzed due to a motorcycle accident may have a general damages multiplier of 7 or 8.
This general damages multiplier is then combined with your total economic damages to calculate your final settlement amount. For example, you may have $500,000 in medical expenses, plus $250,000 in lost wages. If your general damages multiplier is 7, you would be left with a total settlement amount of roughly $5.25 million.
With all that said, it is worth mentioning that the vast majority of these settlements are settled out of court. This means that you and your attorney will be negotiating directly with the insurance company that represents the defendant. These insurance providers obviously want to pay as little as possible, so there can be a lot of “back and forth” before they agree to provide you with a suitable settlement.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims file personal injury claims, including those who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents. We understand how serious and life-changing these incidents can be, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Even though there might be a certain negative stigma attached to motorcyclists, we can fight for your rights effectively. With our help, you can recover a fair, adequate settlement that fully reflects the true extent of your injuries. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately get started on an effective action plan together.
