Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
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Our Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support For Injury Victims
A motorcycle accident in Glendale can change someone’s life in an instant. If you or your loved one is suffering injuries from a motorcycle crash caused by another person, our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can provide legal guidance and support. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Glendale is currently the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County after Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Clarita. Based on 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Glendale ranks as the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County, with a population of around 187,050.
The city is located in the Verdugo Mountains, south of the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel Mountain Range’s southern side is almost completely urbanized and includes cities, like Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge, and unincorporated communities, like Altadena, La Crescenta-Montrose, and Sunland-Tujunga in Los Angeles. Glendale is predominantly a land area, as only 0.43% of the total land area is water.
While motorcycle riding is a popular mode of transportation in Glendale and the rest of California, it also carries inherent risks. Motorcycle accidents can turn people’s lives upside down. If you’ve been seriously injured in this type of incident, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your options and navigate the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and other damages.
At Arash Law, we assist injured motorcyclists in evaluating their cases and pursuing claims that reflect the full scope of their losses, including medical expenses, repair costs, and other accident-related impacts. To discuss your case, feel free to reach out to us.
How Motorcycle Accident Attorneys In Glendale Can Help
Arash Law is a personal injury law firm in California that provides legal services to injured victims across the state. We have the resources and experience to handle a variety of cases, including motorcycle accidents. Here are some of the ways we assist clients:
- Advocate for Your Rights — We help you understand your rights after an accident and explain the legal options that may be available for pursuing a claim.
- Build a Case — Our team investigates the accident, reviews reports, and, when necessary, consults with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists to identify responsible parties and gather supporting evidence.
- Manage Communications — We can handle communications with insurers, the other driver, and other parties involved in the case, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Meet Deadlines — California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. For example, under the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, many of these claims must be filed within two years. We track these deadlines and work to submit legal requirements on time.
- Handle Negotiations & Litigation — We represent clients in negotiations with insurance companies and prepare cases for litigation if a settlement cannot be reached.
Largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021; client suffered spinal and wrist injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Many variables are at play in motorcycle accidents, and some of them will be much easier to prove than others. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents our Glendale lawyers have encountered include:
Dangerous Left-Hand Turns
A left turn is always one of the most dangerous maneuvers a motor vehicle can perform because it often requires crossing two opposing lanes of traffic. When a driver does not correctly gauge the speed or distance of a motorcycle, a left-turn collision is more likely to happen.
Poor Road Conditions
Motorcyclists may encounter various road issues that may impact their ability to control their vehicles. Among the most dangerous types of road conditions are pavements in disrepair (like on La Crescenta Avenue), fallen trees, poorly lit roads, dangerous intersections, improperly marked curves, unsafe curbs, loose gravel, wheel ruts, potholes, construction, and other road conditions.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on accidents are less common but more deadly because they involve two vehicles colliding head-on. Such accidents are often the result of one driver going the wrong way, but there may be other possible causes.
Lane-Splitting Accidents
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) notes that lane-splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California, but intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in ways that can cause harm to the rider is illegal. Opening a vehicle door on the side of moving traffic, also known as “dooring,” is also illegal.
Lane-splitting remains a risk for motorcyclists and can result in fatal accidents. It occurs when a lane-splitting motorcycle gets too close to vehicles beside it, a car suddenly tries to shift lanes and does not notice a motorcyclist, or a car suddenly opens one of its doors into the motorcyclist’s path.
Reckless Driving And Intoxication
Drugs and alcohol remain a common factor in too many California motorcycle accidents, and it may be the motorcyclist or another driver who was under the influence. Reckless driving under California Vehicle Code § 23103 involves a person driving a vehicle on a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Deadly Intersections
While motorcycle crashes may happen anywhere in Glendale, certain roadways in the city are more often the location for collisions than others. Based on local traffic data, here are some of the intersections where most motorcycle crashes occur:
- Brand Boulevard and Goode Avenue
- Sanchez Drive and North Brand Boulevard
- East Colorado Street and South Brand Boulevard
- West Glenoaks Boulevard and Western Avenue
- North Glendale Avenue and East Wilson Avenue
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, identifying the cause can be complex and challenging. Working with Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers early can help you understand the factors that contributed to the crash, gather necessary evidence, and assess potential avenues for pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents In Glendale, California
The significance of motorcycle accident injuries continuously varies by case. Therefore, some people will deal with their injuries for only a few days, while others might experience years of recovery.
Based on data from the National Safety Council, motorcycles accounted for only 3% of registered vehicles in the U.S. and 0.6% of total vehicle miles traveled in 2023. Yet, motorcyclists represented 15.5% of traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all traffic-related injuries.
Common injuries in Glendale motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones Or Fractures
- Severe Lacerations
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Organ Damage
- Facial Trauma
- Significant Disfigurement
- Road Rash
- Wrongful Death
Injuries Due To Motorcycle Helmet Defects
Defects in motorcycle helmets may result in grave facial injuries and brain damage. Such injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses and long-term or permanent disabilities, including brain damage, paralysis, or lasting neurological impairment. Many victims may face financial hardships due to the costs associated with their injuries.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Glendale can assist you in pursuing compensation for medical bills and other accident-related expenses from potentially liable parties, such as the helmet manufacturer or other responsible entities.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?
Possible Liable Parties In A Motorcycle Accident Case
The following are some of the most common examples of parties that can be liable in a motorcycle accident:- Other drivers involved in a crash are the most common liable parties in motorcycle cases.
- It is also possible for the owners of the other vehicles, when they are different from the drivers, to be liable for damages.
- Trucking companies or truck owners can be liable for truck accidents caused by their drivers.
- Manufacturers of motorcycles may be liable for accidents stemming from defective motorcycle parts.
- Mechanics of motorcycles can be liable when a motorcycle accident results from a failed repair.
- Government entities responsible for maintaining a road may be liable in a motorcycle or car accident caused by dangerous conditions like potholes.
Determining Liability In A Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability in motorcycle accidents can be complex. Insurance companies sometimes challenge claims by questioning a motorcyclist’s actions or relying on initial police reports, which may not capture the full circumstances of the crash.
At Arash Law, our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers review available evidence, consult experts when necessary, and evaluate the accuracy of police or insurance assessments. We gather facts, documentation, and witness testimony to build a case that reflects what happened and how it affected the injured rider.
If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiations, our attorneys are prepared to present the case in court. California’s comparative negligence law also plays an important role, as a judge or jury may determine how fault is shared between the parties involved.
Motorcycle accidents often occur because of a single unsafe decision or error by another party. Our role is to carefully examine the circumstances, identify who may be liable, and guide you through the legal process toward pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Types Of Damages You Can Pursue After A Motorcycle Accident
Helmets are generally the first thing that many people, including insurance companies, think of when inquiring about injuries in connection with a motorcycle accident. California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires all riders and passengers to wear a United States Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
If a person was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, an insurance company is more likely to deny compensation. However, keep in mind that everyone can file injury claims in California, regardless of whether they were wearing a helmet.
In a motorcycle accident case, different types of damages may be pursued depending on the circumstances. A Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate the situation, gather supporting evidence, and explain what categories of damages may apply to your situation.
Some of the most common types of damages you may seek include:
- Medical Expenses — After an accident, you should be able to seek medical help without worrying about the bills. You may be compensated for the costs of medication, treatments, hospitalization, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses.
- Property Damage — If your motorcycle or any other property, such as a helmet or cellphone, was damaged due to the accident, you may recover the costs of repairing or replacing them.
- Lost Income — You may get compensated for the wages you lost if the injuries you sustained prevent you from working. This can help you maintain financial stability as you recuperate from your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — If your injuries from the accident prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies that interest you, you may seek compensation for diminished quality of life.
- Pain and Suffering — You may seek payment for the emotional pain and mental suffering you experience due to the accident.
Understanding The Statute Of Limitations For A Glendale Motorcycle Accident
All personal injury actions involve time limits for how long people can file their cases. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. California has a two-year statute of limitations for claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, meaning that people cannot file claims after two years have passed.
California does allow for certain exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, an injured minor will have two years to file once they turn 18 years of age, and a person who is unable to file their claim because of a medical condition (such as being in a coma) may have their deadline tolled until they recover.
Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can help determine the applicable deadline for filing your claim and guide you in submitting it on time.
What Riders Need To Do After Being In A Glendale Motorcycle Accident
Victims should take certain steps at the scene of motorcycle crashes to help protect their rights and make the claims process go more smoothly. Among the things you can do are the following:
Check For Injuries And Call 911
If you can, find a safe place, possibly by the side of the road, to check yourself for injuries. Observe for bruises, wounds, or other signs of injury. Be prepared to describe any injury to the emergency dispatcher.
If you need emergency assistance, call 911 to report the accident. Calling this number will dispatch authorities to the scene of your crash to compile a report. The police report can be useful in these cases, as it offers an independent perspective from a third party not involved in the accident.
Preserve Evidence
Take photos or videos of the accident scene from varying angles and distances. Be sure to get pictures of your injuries while they are at their worst, but also look for skid marks on the street, road defects, traffic signals, and any other circumstances that might help prove how an accident happened.
Exchange Information
All parties involved in any motor vehicle accident in California will want to be sure they exchange their personal information with all other drivers. Get people’s names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
When you are exchanging this information with another driver, do not comment on your accident or make any kind of admission of fault. Try to limit your comments to only the information you are exchanging.
Gather Witnesses’ Contact Details
If other people witness the accident, get the contact information of these parties. Witnesses can provide helpful, independent accounts of the incident that may support your case.
When witnesses are uncomfortable giving you their information, ask police officers for assistance. A witness may be more willing to give their name and phone number to a police officer.
Inform Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance policy may require you to report any accident immediately in order to file a claim. Keep it short and stick to the facts.
Many people feel the urge to talk about the accident they were just involved in, but you need to be cautious, especially when it comes to social media. Anything you say that harms your case on a social media website can be used against you.
Seek Medical Attention
Everyone involved in motorcycle accidents should visit a hospital for a complete evaluation of their condition, even when they do not think they suffered an injury. It is important to remember that many serious injuries involve delayed symptoms, so people may not be aware of how hurt they are until several days later.
Medical treatment is also necessary for any claim you file because insurance companies usually demand proof that an injury was treated after an accident. If you wait a few days or weeks before consulting a doctor, it may be difficult to argue that the injury is related to the accident.
Consult A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer In Glendale
If you suffered severe injuries from a motorcycle accident, speak to a lawyer who can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies. Our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can manage the legal aspects so you can focus on recovering.
Auto v. Motorcycle – At first glance, the evidence seemed to be unfavorable to our severely injured client. The police report had placed him at fault for the crash. He was alleged to have been under the influence and speeding on his motorcycle. And he lacked motorcycle insurance subjecting him to California’s Prop 213, barring him from recovering damages for pain and suffering. Benny and his team, however, were able to prove that the truck driver violated his training and his company’s policies and procedures and made an exceptionally dangerous turn that contributed to the collision. Had the turn been made safely, the crash would not have occurred.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that motorcycle fatalities decreased by 9.4% in 2019, and motorcyclist deaths from not wearing a helmet decreased by 18% that year. In its 2023 Highway Safety Plan, the California Office of Traffic Safety reports that 539 motorcycle deaths occurred in 2020, a 9.8% increase from 491 in 2019.
OTS also reported the following facts:
- The counties with the highest fatal injuries among motorcyclists are Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Kern, and Sacramento.
- The counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Kern, Sacramento, and Alameda County had the highest number of severe injuries among motorcyclists.
- The rural counties with the highest rates of fatal injuries per capita by county include Lassen, Colusa, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Napa, and San Benito.
- The counties with the highest rates of critical injuries per capita are Del Norte, Trinity, Sierra, Alpine, Calaveras, Mono, Mariposa, and Inyo.
Furthermore, UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) reported that motorcyclists were 13% of the 4,285 traffic fatalities in California in 2021. There has also been an increasing trend in the number of motorcyclist fatalities in California from 2019 to 2021. Moreover, Los Angeles County recorded the most motorcycle accident fatalities (120) and serious injuries (821) in 2021 across California.
Statistics From The NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show the following:
- In 2020, the 5,579 motorcyclists killed represented 14% of all traffic fatalities, the highest number since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) began in 1975.
- The number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2020 increased by 11% from 2019.
- Motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently per vehicle miles traveled than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.
- A greater percentage of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents in 2020 had alcohol impairment than other types of vehicle drivers.
- 57% of motorcyclists who died in 2020 in states without universal helmet laws didn’t wear helmets, compared to 11% in states with universal helmet laws.
Data from 2020 traffic accident reports from the NHTSA showed the following:
- In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities and marking a 1% increase from the 6,143 fatalities in 2021.
- In 2022, motorcyclists (26.16) had a fatality rate almost 22 times higher than that of passenger car occupants (1.20) per vehicle miles traveled.
- In 2022, motorcycle riders had a significantly higher rate of alcohol impairment in fatal collisions (28%) compared to drivers of cars, trucks, or other vehicles.
- In states without universal helmet laws, 54% of motorcyclists who died in accidents in 2022 were not wearing helmets. Only 11% of fatalities involved helmetless riders in states with universal helmet laws.
Other Statistics
The Bureau of Transportation statistics also shows:
- In 2020, there were 5,620 motorcycle fatalities. In 2022, this increased to 6,218 deaths.
- In 2020, there were 82,662 injured people, fewer than in 2019.
- In 2020, 98,365 motorcycles were involved in crashes, the lowest number since 2015.
The OTS California Annual Report 2021 shows:
- In 2020, there were 35 unhelmeted motorcycle deaths compared to 28 in 2019.
- The percentage of motorcyclists at fault in injury crashes was 59% in 2020, higher than 54% in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents
What If I’m Found Partially At Fault For The Motorcycle Accident?
If the court finds you partially responsible for a motorcycle accident in Glendale, you can still file a claim for your injuries. California has a pure comparative negligence law. Under this principle, a person who is 75% at fault for an accident can still recover 25% of the compensation. Even if you are 99% at fault, you can still get 1% of the compensation.
Motorcyclists are sometimes wrongly assumed to share responsibility for accidents. These assumptions are not always backed by facts. Working with experienced Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can help you present evidence accurately and avoid being unfairly held responsible.
If the court finds that you share responsibility in the accident, lawyers can help you pursue compensation proportionate to your degree of fault.
What If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet During The Accident?
Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can lead to severe injuries and tragic deaths. However, if you’re concerned that not wearing a helmet during the accident can affect your claim, then the answer is that it does not have any bearing on the success of your case. The opposing counsel can, however, use this to decrease your settlement based on California’s comparative law.
How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations, or the period of time a victim can file a claim, is typically two years after the injury. However, certain factors may affect this time frame. In any case, hiring a lawyer as soon as possible is advisable, as they can have more time to build your case. Your motorcycle accident lawyers in Glendale can investigate your case thoroughly, gather important evidence to support your claim, and work to meet the necessary deadlines.
What Is The Average Case Settlement Amount For Motorcycle Accidents?
Settlement amounts in motorcycle accident cases can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances. Factors that may influence the amount include:
- Whether the injuries are minor, moderate, or severe.
- Other losses caused by the accident.
- Insurance coverage limits.
- Whether the victim was partially at fault.
Our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can review the facts of your case, estimate the value of your claim, and handle negotiations with insurers.
How Much Compensation Do You Get For A Motorcycle Accident?
The total compensation you can get depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries sustained and the skill of your motorcycle accident lawyer in Glendale.
How Long Does The Motorcycle Accident Claim Take To Settle?
Depending on the specifics of the case, the motorcycle accident claims process can be settled within a few months to several years. Cases involving large amounts of damages are more likely to have an extended timeline, as the defendant may push back more, which may result in the case ending in court.
Furthermore, the medical treatment you need can also affect the duration of your settlement. You may be advised to wait to file a claim until your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) has been reached. This will allow your Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer to prepare more accurate estimates of your financial damages.
How Can A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help With An Insurance Claim?
Some victims believe that they can handle their claims on their own. They might think, “Do I really need a personal injury lawyer?” Although you are not legally required to hire one, a lawyer can guide you in navigating the complexities of filing a claim.
Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers represent accident victims and their interests. They assist in investigating, collecting evidence and witness statements, filing a claim, and negotiating. If needed, they can also take the case to trial. Our firm focuses on helping victims seek compensation for their losses so that they can focus on recovery and treatment.
How Much Does Hiring A Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Glendale Cost?
Our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t have to pay any upfront attorney’s fees. You only pay if we secure a settlement or court award on your behalf. Certain case-related costs, such as court filing fees or expert expenses, may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our lawyers can explain this fee structure in detail during your consultation.
Who Can File A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Glendale?
Any victim of a motorcycle accident in Glendale may file a claim for damages, whether they’re pedestrians, motorcyclists, or car passengers. Your age, gender, or immigration status does not affect your right to seek compensation for damages.
I Can’t Speak English. Can I Still Hire A Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You can still hire our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers even if you wish to speak in a language other than English. Just let us know when you reach out so that we can make arrangements for you. We provide these additional services since we believe that language shouldn’t be a hindrance in seeking financial recovery for all accident-related costs.
Speak With Our Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., understands that motorcycle accidents can be challenging and that seeking compensation for damages can be complex. We work diligently to help clients explore their options and pursue compensation for expenses and losses in their motorcycle accident cases.
You can call (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free initial consultation. Our Glendale motorcycle accident lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you understand the legal options that may be available for you.
Our Glendale accident lawyers offer legal support and representation to injured victims. We handle cases involving slip-and-fall accidents, pedestrian accidents, bike accidents, and dog bites. Our car accident lawyers also help victims of Uber and Lyft collisions, hit-and-run accidents, and DUI accidents.
Arash Law also serves clients in many surrounding areas of Glendale, including La Canada Flintridge, Burbank, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Beverly Hills, Monterey Park, Commerce, East Los Angeles, and Rosemead.
