Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
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Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Advocating For Your Legal Rights
California negligence law governs motorcycle crashes in Long Beach. If another driver, rider, or entity failed to use reasonable care and caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain & suffering, and other losses. Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys evaluate these claims by applying the state’s elements of negligence to the specific facts of the crash.
In Long Beach, motorcycle accident cases often involve congested coastal corridors, port-related truck traffic, and busy surface streets. These are all areas where motorcycles share lanes with much larger vehicles. If a crash occurs, injuries can be severe and interfere with daily routines, work, and mobility.
Depending on the circumstances, injured riders may pursue compensation through an insurance claim. However, factors unique to the city may cause insurers to contest fault and coverage early on.
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases In Long Beach Are Different
Motorcycle accident claims in Long Beach present unique issues not found elsewhere. Crashes commonly occur along shoreline routes, downtown arterials, and corridors affected by heavy Port of Long Beach truck traffic. They can happen in these areas due to limited visibility and significant speed differences between motorcycles and larger vehicles that frequently make lane changes.
Local roadway design and construction also influence the occurrence of crashes. One example is the City of Long Beach’s Studebaker Road Transformation Project. This initiative covers the corridor from 2nd Street to Carson Street.
This project can affect the following roadways:
- I-405 to Wardlow Road
- 2nd Street to South of SR-22
- Wardlow Road to the South of the Los Coyotes Diagonal intersection
- South of SR-22 to I-405
- Los Coyotes Diagonal Intersection
Planned upgrades may involve lane reconfigurations, construction zones, and changes in traffic patterns. These conditions can bring motorcycles closer to trucks and commuter vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions when lanes shift or narrow.
During motorcycle accidents, the Long Beach Police Department usually handles emergency response. However, crashes on nearby state routes may be handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Local insurers use these agencies’ accident reports to determine fault and calculate settlement offers. However, if settlement negotiations do not lead to a resolution, victims can file a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
California Motorcycle Laws That Affect Long Beach Claims
State and local laws directly influence fault assessment in Long Beach motorcycle accident claims. Here are a few that could raise disputes over rider liability:
- Helmet Requirements — California law requires all motorcycle riders to wear well-fitting, state-approved helmets. Failure to wear a helmet may cause insurers to question whether a rider exacerbated their injuries after an accident.
- Lane-Splitting & Lane-Sharing — Riding between lanes of traffic is legal in Long Beach when done safely. However, insurers often dispute whether lane splitting was reasonable given traffic speed, visibility, and road conditions at the time of the crash.
- Insurance Requirements — All motorcyclists must carry minimum liability coverage set at:
- $15,000 for property damage.
- $30,000 for a single death or injury.
- $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person.
With only minimum coverage in place, insurance may be too low to cover the full losses suffered by victims of a serious Long Beach motorcycle crash, which may lead to underinsured motorist issues.
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How To Prove Liability In A Long Beach Motorcycle Accident
California negligence principles apply to Long Beach motorcycle injury claims. These require victims to establish liability by proving these four elements:
- Duty of Care — Drivers, motorcyclists, and entities responsible for roadway conditions must operate or maintain roads in a reasonably safe manner. They must also comply with the traffic laws applicable in Long Beach.
- Breach of Duty — A breach occurs when a party fails to meet this standard of care. Examples include running a red light, making an unsafe lane change, or failing to yield to a motorcycle.
- Causation — The evidence must show a direct link between the breach of duty and the injuries sustained.
- Damages — The accident caused actual losses. These can include physical injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost income, or other measurable harm.
Parties Who May Be Legally Responsible In A Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents in Long Beach can be caused by parties other than negligent drivers. If more than one of them causes your crash, California law assigns fault based on each part’s role. Potentially liable parties include:
- A driver who speeds, drives distracted, or fails to yield.
- Another motorcyclist who rides unsafely or ignores traffic rules.
- A rideshare driver who causes a crash while working.
- A truck driver or employer, who may contribute to an accident due to unsafe driving or inconsistent vehicle maintenance.
- A manufacturer of defective motorcycle or vehicle parts.
- A city or state agency responsible for unsafe road conditions.
In some cases, the injured motorcyclist may share responsibility. California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows accident victims to pursue compensation, even if they’re up to 99% responsible. However, a court will reduce any potential award by the percentage of fault it assigns to them.
How Insurance Applies In Motorcycle Accident Claims
Most motorcycle accident claims in Long Beach go through insurance. Injured victims do not directly seek payment from the at-fault driver. The following may apply:
- At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance — This policy is typically the first source of coverage. It usually covers medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage — This coverage may apply if the at-fault party is not insured or has insufficient insurance to cover your injuries.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) — MedPay can help address urgent medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, disputes often arise during this stage. The opposing party may argue that the rider shares responsibility. They might question helmet use, speed, or whether lane-splitting was done safely. This situation may lead to payment delays or denials.
Severity Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders face a high risk of serious injury in a crash. Injuries are often more severe when an accident involves larger vehicles, such as cars, rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft, or trucks.
These collisions expose riders to direct impact and force without the protection of an enclosed vehicle. That could increase their risk of sustaining fatal injuries. In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in California, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Long Beach, 182 motorcyclists were killed or injured.
Long Beach motorcycle accident claims may involve:
- Traumatic brain injuries from direct impact, even when wearing a helmet.
- Spinal cord injuries from being thrown from a motorcycle.
- Neck and back injuries caused by sudden impact or landing.
- Bone fractures from collisions or contact with the roadway.
- Internal organ injuries from blunt force trauma.
- Severe road rash requiring skin grafts or surgery.
- Amputations caused by crushing or high-speed impact.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement after motorcycle surgery or treatment.
Motorcycle accidents can also cause mental and emotional harm. Injured riders may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Children or minor victims may suffer lasting trauma that affects their physical development, schooling, and emotional well-being.
What Typically Happens After A Motorcycle Accident Claim Begins
A motorcycle accident case in Long Beach typically follows this general claims process:
- You or responding officers report the crash. The Long Beach Police Department or CHP prepares an accident report.
- You begin medical treatment, and doctors document your injuries over time.
- Insurance companies open claims and assign adjusters to investigate the incident.
- Insurers review evidence and may dispute liability or fault percentages when applicable.
- The parties discuss a settlement. If disputes remain unresolved, you can file a lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Liability in Long Beach motorcycle accident cases often depends on identifying the cause of the crash. This is crucial in determining fault and available compensation.
Motorcycle accidents in Long Beach commonly result from the following causes:
- Distracted Driving — Drivers who text, use GPS, or fail to watch for motorcycles may miss riders in traffic or at intersections.
- Unsafe Lane Changes — Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal can strike motorcycles while merging or turning.
- Speeding — Excess speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of motorcycle injuries in collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence — Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These factors can lead to preventable crashes.
- Failing to Yield — Drivers may turn left or enter an intersection without yielding to oncoming motorcycles.
- Road Hazards — Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or poor road maintenance can cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles.
- Dooring Accidents — A vehicle door opened into traffic can strike a passing motorcyclist.
Damages Available In Motorcycle Accident Cases
Under California law, injured riders in Long Beach can seek damages directly tied to the injuries they sustained in a motorcycle accident. These may include:
- Medical Costs — Expenses related to emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and mental health care.
- Lost Wages — Income you missed while recovering if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Loss of Earning Capacity — Compensation for instances where your injuries reduce your ability to earn the same income or perform the same job.
- Pain and Suffering — Physical pain, emotional distress, and other ways your injuries affect daily life.
- Punitive Damages — Awarded by courts in limited cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional harm.
- Wrongful Death — Damages sought by eligible family members after a fatal motorcycle accident.
Your Time Limit For Filing A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Motorcycle accident claims in Long Beach are subject to California’s statute of limitations. This law sets a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit after a crash.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. If you do not file within this period, the court can dismiss your case. You may lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Certain situations can alter this deadline. Claims against a government entity must be filed within six months. Meanwhile, the statute of limitations for minors only starts when they turn 18. Since these deadlines affect your legal rights, it is vital to understand how they apply to your specific situation.
What Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Long Beach Can Do For You
After a motorcycle collision, managing medical care, paperwork, and insurance issues simultaneously can be challenging. Motorcycle accident attorneys serving Long Beach handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Some tasks they can assist with include:
- Reviewing how the crash occurred and determining who may be legally responsible.
- Gathering police reports, photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Collecting medical records and documenting your injuries.
- Identifying available insurance coverage and policy limits.
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Evaluating settlement offers and preparing the case for court if necessary.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Common Questions People Ask About Motorcycle Accidents
Victims may seek free accident lawyer advice after a motorcycle crash in Long Beach to better understand their rights, the claims process, and their next steps. The answers below address some of the most common questions about motorcycle crashes.
How Much Does A Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?
In Long Beach, several factors can influence the cost of legal services. For instance, a lawyer may charge more for claims that require more case preparation or involve liability disputes. However, most Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
Through this agreement, you will not be charged legal fees at the beginning of the case. Lawyers are paid only if they win or settle your case. If you don’t obtain compensation, you do not owe attorney fees.
What Documents Should I Prepare For The Meeting With My Attorney?
Bring documents that show how the accident happened and how it affected you. Helpful items include:
- Police or accident reports.
- Photos or videos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Traffic camera footage.
- Medical records and bills.
- Proof of lost wages.
- Witness contact details.
- Motorcycle repair estimates.
However, you can simply prepare any documents you have. A Long Beach accident attorney will review whatever’s available to assess the validity of your claim. Further evidence-gathering can be done later on if you have a case.
Will A Motorcycle Accident Case Go To Court?
Most Long Beach motorcycle accident cases are settled by negotiating with insurance companies. If the at-fault party’s insurance doesn’t offer a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit with the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover From A Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
There is no fixed settlement amount for a Long Beach motorcycle accident case. Several factors, including the extent of your injuries and the amount of property damage, can influence your compensation.
Consult A Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After a motorcycle crash, it can be hard to know how to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal deadlines at the same time. These challenges may leave you asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to handle my case?”
The Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at Arash Law can discuss your legal options. They can guide you through the legal process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Arash Law’s personal injury lawyers also serve Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, Lakewood, Inglewood, Carson, Compton, Bellflower, Artesia, Wilmington, Gardena, and Seal Beach, as well as the rest of California.
