Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Powerful Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for the Average Joe
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run motorcycle incident, contact the best Los Angeles hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers today. Having an attorney from Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can make all the difference in your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free consultation.
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.
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 cause accident victims to feel humiliated and angry. 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 him or her at the accident scene. Sometimes motorcyclists lose consciousness and die after being left behind by the hit-and-run driver.
Criminal Law and Hit-and-Run Accidents
- “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 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:
- “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.) (Source).”
The Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents in California
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 will be in a strong position when you file a civil lawsuit against the defendant.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: Startling Facts
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 of the most 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. Most 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.
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.
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.
How Lawyers for Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles Deal with Financial Compensation
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 some of the most common types of damages in motorcycle accident cases:
Why Motorists Leave Injured Victims at the Scene of the Accident
The circumstances surrounding hit-and-run accident cases can be complex and overwhelming. You could seek financial compensation for your injuries if you were struck by a hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles.
The Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
Collecting evidence, identifying the responsible party and filing your legal claims before the statute of limitations expires will help you build a strong motorcycle accident case. Also, you need to 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.
- Gather evidence – You should 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 harm your motorcycle accident case.
- Report the motorcycle accident – You should reach out to the insurance company that insured the party who caused the motorcycle accident. You should file a report as soon as possible after the motorcycle accident.
- Seek medical treatment – You need to 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 stronger your motorcycle accident case will be. 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. You should always request an ambulance if you suffer bodily injuries.
- Take your motorcycle off of the road – If it is possible, you should move your motorcycle off of the roadway to reduce the likelihood of causing injuries to other motorists.
- Stay in a protected area – You should 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.
Why You Need to Retain Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles
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 skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help protect you during this stressful time in your life.
Seeking financial compensation for your injuries takes time and effort. But it is important to be patient and realize every small step in your case will help you achieve positive results.
Knowledgeable hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers can provide you with all the detailed information you need to help you protect yourself as your case progresses. You want 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. Do not be discouraged, and remember to focus on what you can do to improve and strengthen 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 Top Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., helps injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases. We have recovered over $500 million for clients throughout California. We focus on your case, and we are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and assert the rights of our clients.
Contact Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free 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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