Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
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Los Angeles Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here To Assist You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, contact Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Los Angeles, California, is one of the most unique cities in the United States. Colloquially known as L.A., this world city is home to approximately 3.8 million people. As the largest city in California and the second-largest in the entire country, Los Angeles is known around the world for its numerous attractions. Not only is L.A. the epicenter of the U.S. entertainment industry, but it also features stunning beaches and a diverse population.
Motorcyclists from all over the state love riding through the beautiful landscapes in and around Los Angeles. However, the freeway system in Los Angeles can be dangerous for both long-term residents and visitors. Motorcyclists can suffer serious bodily injury or death during motorcycle accidents. A single inattentive driver can injure a motorcyclist in a matter of seconds. Sometimes, motorcyclists are unable to avoid accidents that are caused by the negligent actions of other motorists.
Suffering personal injuries during a motorcycle accident can cause financial strain, psychological distress, and depression. Motorcyclists are often perceived as being reckless and dangerous, but they deserve the same courtesy and respect as all other motorists sharing roadways in and around Los Angeles County.
Our Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law can help you pursue compensation for injuries sustained from a hit-and-run collision.
largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021; client suffered spinal and wrist injuries
– ARASH KHORSANDI
Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents In Los Angeles
A hit-and-run accident can affect accident victims in different ways. During a hit-and-run accident, a motorist abandons the injured victim at the accident scene before law enforcement or paramedics can arrive to render aid. Under California law, drivers who are parties to accidents have to stay at the accident scene and reach out to the authorities if someone suffers personal injuries.
In the vast majority of motorcycle accident cases, the motorcyclist is the party who suffers serious bodily injury. It is possible for a motorcyclist to experience even more severe symptoms if the other party abandons them at the accident scene. Sometimes motorcyclists lose consciousness and die after being left behind by the hit-and-run driver.
It can be frightening to know that your life was put in even more danger due to someone abandoning you at the accident scene. In this case, Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers can help you explore your possible legal options.
Criminal Law & Hit-and-Run Accidents
The California Vehicle Code sets forth the legal consequences a party can face for injuring a motorcyclist and then leaving the accident scene. Felony hit-and-run offenses are codified in California Vehicle Code Section 20001:
- (a) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than themself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.
- (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a person who violates subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
- (2) If the accident described in subdivision (a) results in death or permanent, serious injury, a person who violates subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine. However, the court, in the interests of justice and for reasons stated in the record, may reduce or eliminate the minimum imprisonment required by this paragraph.
- (3) In imposing the minimum fine required by this subdivision, the court shall take into consideration the defendant’s ability to pay the fine and, in the interests of justice and for reasons stated in the record, may reduce the amount of that minimum fine to less than the amount otherwise required by this subdivision.
- (c) A person who flees the scene of the crime after committing a violation of Section 191.5 of, or paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of the Penal Code, upon conviction of any of those sections, in addition and consecutive to the punishment prescribed, shall be punished by an additional term of imprisonment of five years in the state prison. This additional term shall not be imposed unless the allegation is charged in the accusatory pleading and admitted by the defendant or found to be true by the trier of fact. The court shall not strike a finding that brings a person within the provisions of this subdivision or an allegation made pursuant to this subdivision.
- (d) As used in this section, “permanent, serious injury” means the loss or permanent impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 747, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2008.).
Misdemeanor hit-and-run accidents are codified in California Vehicle Code Section 20002:
- (a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. Moving the vehicle in accordance with this subdivision does not affect the question of fault. The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:
- (1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present their driver’s license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, they shall also, upon request, present their driver’s license information, if available, or other valid identification to the other involved parties.
- (2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall, without unnecessary delay, notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
- (b) Any person who parks a vehicle which, prior to the vehicle again being driven, becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in an accident resulting in damage to any property, attended or unattended, shall comply with the requirements of this section relating to notification and reporting and shall, upon conviction thereof, be liable to the penalties of this section for failure to comply with the requirements.
- (c) Any person failing to comply with all the requirements of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 825, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2002.).
The Statute Of Limitations For Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents In California
You cannot spend an excessive amount of time putting off bringing a civil lawsuit against a hit-and-run driver. The statute of limitations is a time bar that permits you to assert your legal claims only by a specific deadline. Our Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers understand how to work within this deadline while preparing all necessary documents, evidence, and witnesses.
In California, injured victims generally have two years from the date of injury to bring a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. If you do not satisfy the statute of limitations time period, then you forfeit your right to hold the other party liable for your injuries. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this legal time limit in certain circumstances. It’s advisable not to wait longer than two years from the date of the incident to bring your legal claims.
Under the guidance of Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers, if you act promptly and gather medical records, documents, and other forms of evidence, you may have a well-supported case when you file a civil lawsuit against the defendant.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: Statistics
California is a large state, both in terms of its geography and its population. The United States Department of Transportation reports that out of thirty counties across the country that had over fifty deadly hit-and-run accidents, ten of those counties were located in California. These statistics were recorded from 2014 to 2018. The following counties were named in the study:
- San Joaquin County — 53 fatalities
- Fresno County — 56 fatalities
- Kern County — 57 fatalities
- Santa Clara County — 66 fatalities
- Orange County — 77 fatalities
- Sacramento County — 85 fatalities
- Riverside County — 98 fatalities
- San Diego County — 119 fatalities
- San Bernardino County — 129 fatalities
- Los Angeles County — 473 fatalities
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also conducts studies regarding traffic safety in the United States. In one study, hit-and-run accidents in the U.S. have risen over the past several years. The country has seen a sixty percent increase in deadly hit-and-run accidents during the past ten years. Over six hundred thousand hit-and-run accidents take place in the United States each year. The implications of this study suggest that all motorists must be vigilant while they are traveling on roads and highways in the United States.
Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents: Bodily Injuries
Motorcyclists are vulnerable during accidents and are more likely to suffer serious bodily injury or death during an accident. The sudden force of a collision can throw them off their motorcycle and onto the pavement. A motorcyclist may have no time to brace for the impact of a collision. The following are some common types of injuries suffered during motorcycle accidents:
Motorcycle accidents often cause motorcyclists and their passengers to suffer internal organ damage and internal hemorrhaging. Sudden trauma from large objects and from sharp objects can cause these types of injuries. All injuries to an injured victim’s internal organs necessitate medical treatment.
Motorcyclists often suffer bone fractures when they strike the concrete or pavement during an accident. Some motorcyclists drop the motorcycle during an accident, and their legs strike the pavement with enough force to cause a fracture.
Also, motorcyclists commonly suffer arm fractures and wrist fractures when they try to brace for impact with the palms of their hands. Pelvis fractures, shoulder injuries, and neck fractures are also common during motorcycle accidents.
A spinal cord injury can be devastating due to a victim losing their ability to walk. A motorcycle accident victim can suffer a temporary or permanent disability due to spinal cord injuries.
Motorcycle accident victims may face depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder after surviving a motorcycle accident. The sense of fear that overwhelms some accident victims can cause them to lose the ability to enjoy hobbies and activities. Also, some accident victims experience relationship problems after an accident due to their traumatic experiences.
Motorcyclists who wear protective headgear can still experience traumatic brain injuries. Contusions, concussions, and other types of head injuries can affect an accident victim’s cognition. Also, some motorcycle accident victims may suffer memory loss and depression due to a traumatic brain injury.
Motorcyclists often suffer severe burns when their bodies slide across concrete and pavement. Many different factors can affect the severity of the road rash experienced by a motorcycle accident victim. Some individuals may experience first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns.
Unfortunately, many motorcycle accident victims experience catastrophic injuries that cause temporary or permanent disability. These accident victims must drastically change the way they live their lives. Some accident victims lose their ability to walk, and others may lose their ability to enjoy the hobbies and activities that make their lives enjoyable and satisfying.
Psychological distress, depression, and anxiety can affect accident victims for years. A Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate for your rights and work to help you seek compensation for your injuries.
How Lawyers For Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accidents In Los Angeles Pursue Financial Compensation
It may be difficult to ascertain the value of any motorcycle accident case. You may have experienced severe bodily injuries such as amputations, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. Your property damage and medical treatment will be relevant to the total damages amount you pursue in your motorcycle accident case.
Every motorcycle accident case is unique, but you can obtain a general understanding of the types of damages that are claimed in motorcycle accident cases. The following are the common types of damages in motorcycle accident cases:
It is rare for courts to award punitive damages in hit-and-run motorcycle accident cases, typically because the responsible party remains unknown. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for egregious conduct. Also, punitive damages are designed to deter the defendant from committing the same conduct in the future.
Many injured victims can seek compensation for lost earnings and lost future earnings. These damages include the time an injured victim had to stay home from work due to their injuries. An injured victim may have had to take a lower salary due to the physical or mental limitations caused by their injuries. Some accident victims may have reduced earning capacity due to their injuries. An individual may have earned a higher salary over a long period of time, but will not earn a lower salary due to their injuries.
It is also necessary to seek financial compensation for physical therapy, hospitalizations, medications, and other medical bills. The amount of medical treatment an injured victim will receive in the future can also be included in the damages. It is important to understand that reasonable medical bills are recoverable. If an injured victim pays for several experimental surgeries and procedures, then these may not be recoverable depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
Many motorcycle accident victims lose their motorcycles after suffering injuries during a motorcycle accident. If it is possible to repair a motorcycle, then these repair costs can be sought as damages in a motorcycle accident case. Also, injured victims can claim lost or destroyed personal property as damages. Motorcycle accidents that cause a victim to suffer catastrophic injuries may result in more losses than motorcycle accidents that cause only minor injuries.
It is important to consider every aspect of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident case because seemingly insignificant facts can have an influence on the outcome of a case. Therefore, an insurance company may be more willing to settle if you present yourself as prepared and diligent while gathering your evidence.
Why Motorists Leave Injured Victims At The Scene Of The Accident
Many drivers who flee the scene of a motorcycle accident may be attempting to avoid arrest or civil liability. Also, some drivers abandon an injured motorcyclist at an accident scene out of anxiety about being responsible for the motorcyclist’s death. If a driver is intoxicated, they may leave the accident scene to avoid being charged with a criminal offense such as manslaughter. Other drivers may not have automobile liability insurance.
The circumstances surrounding hit-and-run accident cases can be complex and overwhelming. You may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your injuries if you were struck by a hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles.
Recommended Steps To Take After A Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Accident In Los Angeles
Taking the right steps after being involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident can make a difference in the outcome of any future motorcycle accident case. Injured victims should protect themselves and their legal rights after suffering injuries during a motorcycle accident.
Collecting evidence, identifying the potentially responsible party, and filing your legal claims before the statute of limitations expires will help you build a well-supported motorcycle accident case. Also, consider retaining expert witnesses who can assess your injuries, your medical treatment, and the medical care you may need in the future due to your injuries.
The following are some recommended steps to take after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident:
- Gather Evidence — Collect as much evidence as possible regarding the motorcycle accident and your injuries. This evidence may include medical records, traffic collision reports, and photographs.
- Listen to Your Physician — Insurance companies will determine if you are stuck with a treatment regimen recommended by your physician. It is possible that your inability to follow a treatment plan can be used to challenge your motorcycle accident case.
- Report the Motorcycle Accident — Reach out to the insurance company that insured the party who caused the motorcycle accident. It is advisable to file a report shortly after the motorcycle accident.
- Seek Medical Treatment — Go to the doctor or to the hospital as soon as you are permitted to leave the scene of the motorcycle accident. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the more quickly you’ll get proper treatment. Even if you believe you do not have any serious injuries, it is possible that symptoms may not become noticeable until weeks or months after the date of the accident.
- Photograph the Accident Scene — Photograph the accident scene, and take any pictures that you think may be relevant to your motorcycle accident case. Also, note any environmental conditions that may have contributed to the cause of the motorcycle accident.
- Gather Contact Information — Collect the other party’s contact information and insurance information. Never admit liability, and do not speak about the cause of the accident.
- Contact 911 — It is necessary to report hit-and-run motorcycle accidents in California. Request an ambulance if you suffer bodily injuries.
- Take Your Motorcycle Off the Road — If it is possible, move your motorcycle off the roadway to reduce the likelihood of causing injuries to other motorists.
- Stay in a Protected Area — Stay close to the accident scene as long as you are not in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. Also, you need to examine other people to determine if they suffered injuries during the motorcycle accident.
Insurance companies may offer a settlement that does not fully reflect the extent of your injuries and losses. It is important to carefully review the offer and consider consulting with a legal professional before making a decision.
Understanding the facts and circumstances of your case will give you a clearer idea of what constitutes a reasonable settlement offer in your case. Your Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process.
Why Victims May Need Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys In Los Angeles
It can be frustrating to seek out the person who abandoned you at the scene of a motorcycle accident. You may have to spend months recovering in the hospital. Also, you may risk losing your job because you cannot perform the job you had before you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Financial insecurity and unpaid medical bills can make you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and depressed. You may be able to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, and you have to understand every aspect of your motorcycle accident case.
Experienced Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers can handle the complicated aspects of your motorcycle accident case while you are recovering from your injuries. A motorcycle accident lawyer can work with law enforcement officers and other officials who can investigate the hit-and-run motorcycle accident.
Other parties may have been involved in the motorcycle accident. It is important to determine who may have information regarding the details of the motorcycle accident case. You do not want to be blamed for causing the motorcycle accident, and a motorcycle accident attorney can advocate for you if such an issue arises.
Seeking financial compensation for your injuries takes time and effort. It is essential to be patient and understand that each step in your case is a crucial part of the overall legal process.
Experienced hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers can provide you with the information you need to help you protect yourself as your case progresses. Try to stay calm, focused, and dedicated as the case goes forward. Trying to handle every aspect of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident case can make you feel as if it is impossible to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries. Remember to focus on what you can do to support your hit-and-run motorcycle accident case.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Contact Arash Law’s Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Arash Law assists injured victims in seeking financial compensation for their injuries. We have years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. Our legal team is here to support you and help communicate with insurance companies regarding your claim.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free initial consultation. Our Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident attorneys serve the surrounding areas such as East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Maywood, Walnut Park, Commerce, Bell, Glendale, South Pasadena, Monterey Park, South Gate, Cudahy, West Hollywood, Alhambra, Montebello, and Bell Gardens.
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