MOTORCYCLE

ACCIDENTS

Experienced Southern California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys with a Passion for Motorcycles and Justice

Motorcycles easily become invisible in blind spots due to their compact nature, putting motorcyclists at a higher risk for death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents in 2018. Fatalities for motorcyclists occurred nearly 27 times more frequently than passenger vehicle occupant deaths, accounting for 14 percent of traffic-related deaths, despite accounting for only three percent of all registered vehicles on the road. Riding in Los Angeles County presents an even greater risk. California has the second-highest motorcyclist death rate in traffic accidents across the country.

The injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Unlike auto accidents, where it’s possible to walk away from an accident with just cuts and bruises, the injuries from motorcycle accidents are far more severe. You may have suffered a neck or spinal cord damage, broken bones, a brain injury, burns, or even lost a limb. Our Southern California motorcycle accident lawyers can help you secure the medical treatment you need with no up-front costs, so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together.

You’ve seemingly done everything right. You stopped at the red light. You put on your turn signal. Then suddenly, an automobile driver cuts across multiple lanes of traffic and doesn’t see you. Sadly, this is the story of many of the motorcycle accident victims we represent at OPO. It is often factors outside of the motorcyclist’s control that are responsible for motorcycle crashes, including:

• Driver Negligence—Due to the small size of motorcycles, it’s easy for them to go unseen by drivers, which can cause them to pull out in front of motorcyclists or crash into them while changing lanes. Insurance companies and law enforcement often unfairly blame motorcycle riders when a crash occurs. One of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough accident investigation to determine all the responsible parties, collecting evidence through accident reports and interviews with witnesses, and helping you prepare statements for your insurance company.
• Equipment Malfunctions—Sometimes, the cause of a motorcycle crash is the motorcycle itself. Brake failure, engine malfunction, and defective tires are just a few of the defects that can lead to severe motorcycle accidents. With motorcycle enthusiasts on our team, OPO is familiar with the intricate parts of a motorcycle and the laws surrounding their use.
• Inclement weather and unsafe roads—Bad weather can pose a host of potential threats to a rider’s safety. Road defects such as potholes, poorly marked intersections, inadequate signage, and debris become harder to spot in the presence of heavy rain and strong winds. Cities, counties, and state government officials are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of roads. Their failure to provide suitable road conditions may entitle you to compensation.

While your physical injuries are more apparent, the emotional trauma you may be experiencing after your motorcycle accident can be just as taxing on your health. The emotional turmoil, such as feelings of sadness, helplessness, or anxiety, can be further compounded by the long and complicated motorcycle accident claims process. Endless amounts of paperwork, the hassle of dealing with insurance companies, and gathering the necessary evidence to support your case are just a few of the things you have to contend with, which is difficult when you’re unaware of your rights and in extreme physical pain.

At OPO, we understand this is a traumatic time in your life, one which requires more than a legal advisor. You also need a trusted friend who will hold your hand and walk you through this process step by step.

When you work with one of our Southern California motorcycle accident attorneys, you can expect:

• Responsiveness—During this process, your mind may be flooded with questions. Feelings of uncertainty are only natural during this time. Our personal injury firm will work hard to make sure none of your questions go unanswered and will keep you updated as your case progresses.
• Your case to be our number one priority—Regardless of how big or small your claim is, your case will remain a priority. Our firm philosophy is that people matter. For us, more than the awards and the accolades, though we have plenty of those too, the most important thing in our business is client satisfaction. Whether it’s a medical treatment you need or to repair the damage done to your motorcycle, we will work hard to recover the compensation you deserve.
• Care and attentiveness—We recognize that as you move along the path to recovery that you may need to hear a friendly voice on the other end of the phone at times. We will not only help you secure the medical treatment you need but also follow up to make sure your medical needs are adequately handled. And just because your case settles doesn’t mean your relationship with us has to end. Many of our clients have gone on to become lifelong friends.