Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Riders get blamed first and paid last. We push back against rider bias and deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing.
Free · Confidential · No Obligation(213) 474-7463- Left-turn, lane-change & lane-splitting crashes
- We handle the insurance company for you
- Free case review in English or Spanish
✓ You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.*
A Name Los Angeles Knows
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: What You Need to Know
Southern California is one of the best places in the country to ride, and one of the most dangerous. Riders in Los Angeles share the road with some of the heaviest traffic in the nation, from gridlock on the 405 and 101 to fast, winding routes like Angeles Crest Highway, Mulholland, and Pacific Coast Highway. A rider has no steel frame, no airbag, and no seat belt. Even a low-speed crash can cause broken bones, road rash, or a traumatic brain injury.
After a motorcycle crash, insurance companies often assume the rider was speeding or reckless, even when a driver turned left in front of them or changed lanes without looking. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has represented injured Southern Californians since 1996. We gather the evidence, push back against rider bias, and handle the insurance company while you recover. Call now for a free case review.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles Need a Different Approach
Insurance adjusters and even some jurors come to motorcycle cases with a bias: the assumption that riders are reckless. It shows up in low offers, blame-shifting, and arguments that the rider was speeding or lane splitting unsafely. A strong motorcycle accident claim starts by getting ahead of that bias with evidence.
That evidence includes the damage pattern on the bike and the other vehicle, the rider's gear and helmet, scene measurements, traffic and doorbell camera footage, and witnesses who saw the driver turn or merge. In many LA motorcycle crashes, the driver's own words, "I didn't see him," end up being key.
Motorcycle injuries also tend to be more serious and to need longer treatment than car accident injuries. Road rash can need skin grafts, and fractures and head injuries can keep a rider off work for months. A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer documents the full picture, including future care, before any settlement is discussed.
Motorcycle Crashes We Handle in Los Angeles
Whatever happened, a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney on our team can review it for free. We handle cases like these:
Left-turn crashes
A driver turns left across the rider's path at an intersection, one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle crashes.
Unsafe lane changes
A driver merges into a motorcycle without checking mirrors or blind spots.
Lane-splitting collisions
Lane splitting is legal in California, but drivers sometimes swerve or open a gap that the rider can't avoid.
Rear-end crashes
A distracted driver slams into a rider stopped at a light or slowing in traffic.
Dooring
A parked driver opens a door into the path of an oncoming rider.
Road hazards
Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, or debris can cause a crash, sometimes involving a public agency.
Hit-and-run crashes
The driver flees. Uninsured motorist coverage may still apply.
Canyon & highway crashes
Crashes on Angeles Crest, Mulholland, PCH, and other popular routes.
Hurt in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?
The insurance company is already building its case. Start building yours with a free call.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
We help people with every kind of injury, from soft-tissue injuries to life-changing ones. Some of the most common:
Road rash
Abrasions that can lead to infection, scarring, and skin grafts.
Traumatic brain injuries
Even with a helmet, concussions and TBI are common.
Broken legs, arms & pelvis
Riders often take the impact with their lower body.
Spinal injuries
From being thrown from the bike or striking the road.
Biker's arm
Nerve damage from instinctively bracing a fall.
Facial & dental injuries
Especially with open-face helmets.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
The steps you take in the first few days can protect your health and your claim.
Get to safety and call 911
Move out of traffic if you can. Call 911 to report injuries and get officers to the scene. Depending on location, responding agencies include: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD); California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways; Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
Get medical care right away
Go to the ER or urgent care even if you feel okay. Area hospitals include LAC+USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Adrenaline can hide injuries for hours or days.
Document everything
Take photos of every vehicle, plate, the scene, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the other driver's license, insurance, and plate, plus witness names and phone numbers.
Don't give a recorded statement
Don't admit fault, and don't give the other side's insurance company a recorded statement before you talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Keep your helmet and gear
Don't throw away or repair your helmet, jacket, or bike. Damage to your gear can show how the crash happened and how hard you were hit.
Call a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer
Call (213) 474-7463 for a free motorcycle accident case review. We'll handle the insurance company and help protect your deadlines.
After a Motorcycle Accident, Insurers Move Fast. So Do We.
After a motorcycle accident, the insurance company on the other side is a business. Its adjuster's job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Common tactics include:
Getting you to downplay your injuries
Adjusters ask how you're feeling in the first days after the crash, before the full extent of an injury is known, and use your answer later.
Recorded statements
A friendly-sounding call can be recorded and used to shift blame onto you. You are not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
Quick, low settlement offers
An early check can look tempting, but once you sign a release, you usually can't reopen the claim if your injuries turn out to be worse.
Delays & blame-shifting
Slow responses, requests for endless records, and arguments that you were partly at fault are all designed to wear you down.
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party can share responsibility for a motorcycle accident. We look at every source of insurance, which may include:
- The driver who caused the crash
- The driver's employer, if they were working
- A government agency responsible for a dangerous road condition
- The manufacturer of a defective motorcycle part or helmet
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if the driver has little or no insurance
Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case
Much of it disappears within days. The sooner you call, the more we can preserve.
- Photos of the scene, the bike, your gear, and your injuries
- Helmet and gear damage (don't throw them away)
- Traffic, dash, and doorbell camera footage
- Witness names and statements
- The police or CHP collision report
- Medical records documenting every injury
California Motorcycle Accident Laws You Should Know
Rules that shape motorcycle accident claims in Los Angeles and across California.
Lane splitting is legal
California Vehicle Code §21658.1 recognizes lane splitting. Splitting lanes alone does not mean you were at fault.
Helmet law
California requires all riders and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant helmet (Vehicle Code §27803). Not wearing one does not automatically bar your claim, but it can affect it.
Comparative fault
Even if you were partly at fault, California's pure comparative fault rule lets you recover damages, reduced by your share of fault.
Two-year deadline
Most motorcycle injury claims must be filed within two years. Claims involving a government agency, such as a dangerous road, require a written claim within six months.
Compensation After a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident
Every motorcycle accident case is different. Depending on your injuries and the facts, a claim may include:
Medical bills
Ambulance, emergency room, hospital stays, surgery, imaging, and doctor visits.
Future medical care
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, and future procedures.
Lost wages
Income you lost while you were hurt, in treatment, or unable to work.
Reduced earning ability
Lost future income if your injuries limit the work you can do.
Pain & suffering
Physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life.
Emotional distress
Anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of driving after a crash.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle, bike, or belongings, plus rental costs while your vehicle is out of service.
Out-of-pocket costs
Prescriptions, medical equipment, travel to appointments, and household help.
We can't promise any result, and no one honestly can. After a free review of your facts, we'll explain what your claim may include.
How Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
Here's what happens when you hire our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers, from your first call to the end of your case.
Call us 24/7
Call (213) 474-7463. A member of our intake team answers, listens to what happened in your motorcycle accident, and gathers the basic facts in English or Spanish.
Free case review
We review your motorcycle accident, explain your rights and deadlines, and answer your questions. There's no cost and no obligation.
We take over
We investigate the motorcycle accident, deal with the insurance companies, gather the police report, photos, and medical records, and help you get the care you need.
We pursue your claim
We build your motorcycle accident claim and negotiate with the insurers. If a fair resolution isn't offered, we're prepared to take your case to court in Los Angeles.
Why Choose Call Jacob as Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles is a big decision. Here's what you get when you call Jacob.
Since 1996
Nearly three decades helping people injured in motorcycle accidents across Southern California.
556 five-star reviews
Real reviews from clients on Google and Yelp.
Available 24/7
Motorcycle Accidents don't happen on a schedule. Our intake team answers day and night.
Hablamos Español
A Spanish-speaking team that can walk you through every step in your language.
No Upfront Fees
You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We know Los Angeles
Local roads, police agencies, hospitals, and courts. We know how motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are investigated and handled.
What Our Clients Say
Reviews from real clients on Google and Yelp.
“After my auto accident, the law offices of Jacob [Emrani] made a stressful situation so much easier. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case.”Ari D.Google review
“I decided to call Jacob Emrani not knowing what to expect because I've never been in a car accident before. His staff was friendly, help me through the process…”Carlos Y.Google review
“After my car accident I turned to Jacob Emrani for my legal representation. I received the medical attention I needed right away.”Dale S.Google review
“Whenever I had questions they were right on it with a quick response! Thank you all! I will be referring you to family and friends…”Ashley B.Google review
“It was Sally who answered the phone and who walked me through starting the process… She was so kind and helpful. So far, I am glad I called the office of Jacob Emrani.”Cathy K.Google review
556 Five-Star Client Reviews on Google & Yelp
Hurt in a motorcycle accident? Don't wait.
Evidence disappears and deadlines keep running. Call a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer now for a free, confidential case review.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Serving All of Los Angeles
We help people hurt in motorcycle accidents on the freeways, boulevards, and neighborhood streets throughout Los Angeles.
Neighborhoods & nearby cities
- Downtown LA
- Hollywood
- Silver Lake
- Echo Park
- Koreatown
- Venice
- Santa Monica
- Malibu
- La Cañada Flintridge
- Topanga
- Encino
- Sherman Oaks
- Glendale
- Pasadena
Freeways & highways
- Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2)
- Mulholland Hwy & Mulholland Dr
- Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1)
- I-405
- US-101
- I-10
- I-5
Busy corridors
- Wilshire Blvd
- Sunset Blvd
- Figueroa St
- Western Ave
- Vermont Ave
- Olympic Blvd
- Crenshaw Blvd
- La Brea Ave
Who takes the report
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) on freeways
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in unincorporated areas and contract cities
Area hospitals
- LAC+USC Medical Center
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
- California Hospital Medical Center
Local court
- Los Angeles County Superior Court, where most civil injury cases are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
Straight answers to the questions people ask us most after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles. Don't see yours? Call (213) 474-7463.
Can I recover if I was lane splitting when the crash happened?
Yes, you may. Lane splitting is legal in California. The question is whether you were riding in a reasonably safe and prudent way and whether the other driver was careless. Even if you share some fault, California's comparative fault rule may still allow you to recover.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
You may still have a claim. The insurance company may argue that some of your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet, which can reduce compensation for those injuries. It does not erase the other driver's responsibility for causing the crash.
The driver says they never saw me. Does that help them?
No. "I didn't see the motorcycle" is often an admission that the driver wasn't looking carefully. Drivers have a duty to watch for motorcycles, just as they do for other vehicles.
Will my motorcycle insurance cover my injuries?
It may, depending on your coverage. Medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your motorcycle policy can help, especially if the at-fault driver has low limits. Your main claim is usually against the driver who caused the crash.
Does riding with a passenger change my case?
A passenger injured in a crash may have their own claim against the at-fault driver, and in some cases against the rider's policy. Each person's claim is evaluated separately.
The police report says I was speeding. Is my case over?
No. A police report is an officer's opinion based on limited information, and it isn't the final word on fault. Physical evidence, camera footage, and accident reconstruction can tell a different story.
How is a motorcycle accident case valued?
Every case is different. Value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, the impact on your life, available insurance, and fault. We explain what your claim may include after reviewing your facts.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles?
The first consultation is free. We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee, which means you don't pay attorney fees upfront; our fee comes from a recovery in your case. Your written fee agreement explains the percentage and how case costs are handled before you sign anything.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Property damage claims generally have three years. If a government vehicle, public transit, or a dangerous public road was involved, a written claim is usually due within six months. Some exceptions apply, so call us to confirm the deadline for your motorcycle accident case.
What if I was partly at fault for the motorcycle accident?
You may still recover. California uses pure comparative fault, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated. Don't admit fault to anyone; let the evidence decide.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a motorcycle accident?
You should report the crash to your own insurer as your policy requires, but you are not required to give the other side's insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer before you do.
I haven't seen a doctor since the motorcycle accident. Is that a problem?
Get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions and soft-tissue injuries, don't show symptoms right away. A gap between the crash and your first treatment is something insurers often use to question your injuries. We can help you find care.
Will my motorcycle accident case go to court?
Most motorcycle accident claims resolve through negotiation without a trial. If the insurance company won't make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may be the right move, and we're prepared to take your case to court.
Does your Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer team speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos español. Our Spanish-speaking team can handle your call and your motorcycle accident case in Spanish from start to finish.
Talk to a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
One call is all it takes to get answers about your motorcycle accident claim. Our intake team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish.
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