Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you retain the assistance of a trusted legal professional from Mansell Mansell Ayala + Villaneda. At our firm, we are proud to provide outstanding legal representation and trusted assistance to clients throughout California who have been involved in motorcycle collisions.

In some instances, liability can fall on a negligent party and having dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers on your side can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.

When you work with our California Motorcycle Accident attorneys, we will thoroughly review your case and determine the best course of action to take that can help ensure that your rights are fully protected.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Even though manufacturers have made great strides with regard to safety (better tires, handling etc.), motorcycle accidents can be especially dangerous given how exposed their riders are. This means that it is particularly important to take proper precautions before riding. One of the most impactful things you can do in this regard is to understand the most common ways that motorcycle accidents occur. Armed with this knowledge, you take steps to avoid these outcomes.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of motorcycles accidents.

• Unexpected turn by a motorist. This is one of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents — and one of the most difficult to avoid because a motorist can turn in front of you with almost no notice. In such cases, a motorcyclist often runs directly into the side of the vehicle (at which point the rider could be flipped in the air over the car) or tries to swerve out of the way, which can lead the rider to lose control, hit the pavement and possibly be struck by another vehicle. The best way to avoid this outcome is to stay extremely focused on the vehicle in front of you, especially during areas where a turn is possible.
• Unexpected lane switching by a motorist. Much like an unexpected turn, a lane switch can have devastating effects. In some cases, a motorist may not see a motorcycle in the parallel lane and will subsequently collide with them. Or they may misjudge distance and create a collision. Here’s one trick that can help: If you can see the driver’s face in the side view mirror, that means they can see you as well.
• “Dooring” This scenario occurs when a parked car suddenly swings open its door. If a motorcyclist cannot see this and avoid it in time, they are likely to collide and either knock the door completely off its hinges (likely causing a serious crash) or flip themselves over their motorcycle. These accidents are often unavoidable even if spotted in time (as changing lanes may be impossible because of other vehicles in those lanes), but slowing down as much as possible can reduce the violence of the impact.
• Sudden stops and rear-end collisions. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to car and truck drivers who apply their brakes quickly and unexpectedly, or who fail to brake in a timely fashion. Both of these outcomes can be deadly, given how exposed motorcyclists are.
• Inexperience. It takes a while to get the hang of a motorcycle, and takes even longer to ride one safely. Unfortunately, some motorcyclists underestimate their level of expertise — and the considerable horsepower that comes with riding a motorcycle.
• Speeding. Another common cause of accidents is excess speed. This can be particularly dangerous for less experienced riders, who may attempt to navigate turns at a rate of speed that is too high, causing them to lose their balance and collide with the street, other vehicles or fixed objects.
• Riding under the influence. As with any other vehicle, it is imperative motorcyclists avoid hitting the road while intoxicated, as such scenarios are a leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents.

Checklist for Your Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, it’s completely normal to feel stressed or confused.

Not only do people have to worry about injuries or work and family complications related to the accident, but they also must deal with a flurry of questions about processes with which they may be completely unfamiliar. The weight and responsibility of having to address all these issues may be so great that it feels like you’re being victimized twice.

Fortunately, handling all post-accident issues becomes much easier if you stay organized. Creating a checklist is one of the best things anyone can do after a motorcycle accident to help stay on track. This checklist can then be shared with a California motorcycle accident lawyer to help ensure that you have all of your questions fully answered.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key questions that should be on your checklist.

Post Motorcycle Accident Checklist

• Can I still get medical treatment without insurance? Who pays, and how does this process work?
• What kind of damages or compensation can be awarded for injuries or losses I have suffered?
• How do I document or keep track of my injuries or financial losses?
• Should I contact my insurance company about my injuries or losses?
• Should I speak to the opposing party’s insurance company after a motorcycle accident?
• How long does it take to settle a case?
• Can I get a fair settlement from an insurer?
• How do I evaluate a California motorcycle accident law firm?
• How much experience does my California motorcycle accident attorney have?
• How long have they practiced law and do they have a good reputation?
• How will they communicate with me?
• What happens after I speak to a California motorcycle accident lawyer? How do we communicate and stay up to date?
• How do I arrange medical exams?
• How do I know when court dates are set?
• How do I evaluate a settlement offer?
• When should I settle or go to court?
• How strong is my case?

Taking the Next Step

These are just some of the questions that you can have answered through a consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney.

Having a legal advocate in your corner can help ensure that you are not taken advantage of, and that you follow the right steps and procedures to help ensure that your legal case or bargaining position is as strong as possible.

Motorcycle Accidents FAQs

What about my bike?

You should photograph your bike before it is destroyed or replaced. The damaged parts or the whole bike can be retained as evidence for your case.

What can a California motorcycle accident attorney do that I can’t do myself?

Accident victims who are supported by a knowledgeable attorney often recover substantially more than those who do not have legal representation. An experienced attorney will be able to gather information and use it as evidence for your case. Our firm can build a solid case on your behalf to help you obtain full and fair compensation.

What should I do immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident?

If you cannot immediately meet with our firm, you should say as little as possible to any party. Do not admit fault or sign anything without first speaking to an attorney. Document the scene of the accident and take photos of damages and injuries. Do not leave the scene of the accident. You should also seek medical help at once. Call now: (323) 800-8800

After an accident, we encourage you to:

• Move to the side of the road or somewhere safe if possible.
• Never apologize – doing so can appear to be an admission of fault.
• Take note of everything, including the time of day, the location of the
  accident, insurance information, injuries, vehicle damage, and witnesses.
• Document as much as possible and take photographs with your phone if possible.
• Obtain witness statements and a copy of the police report.
• Do not refuse medical services.

Schedule Your Free Evaluation – (323) 800-8800

At Mansell Mansell Ayala + Villaneda, we are aware that this time in your life can be difficult. Retaining the legal assistance of our firm, however, can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When you work with our team, we will help ensure that you are able receive the compensation that you need to help you heal and move forward from the accident.

We advise all of our clients to first call Mansell Mansell Ayala + Villaneda prior to speaking with insurance companies about their motorcycle accident. If you are ready to get started, contact our office today and schedule a free case evaluation with our team.