Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Talk to Us Before the Insurance Company Does.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a crash, the insurance company isn’t on your side—but we are. Our motorcycle accident lawyers know what it takes to fight for you. One call can make all the difference
- Direct Access to Your Attorney
- Bilingual Support: English & Spanish
- Trial-Tested Lawyers at Your Side
- Excellence in Every Interaction
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone Numbers:
(213) 985-1120
(888) 539-1422
Serious Motorcycle Accident? Get a Los Angeles Lawyer Who Delivers Results
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys fight relentlessly to secure justice and maximum compensation for injured riders.
With over 50 years of combined experience, we’ve helped countless motorcycle accident victims get the financial recovery they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Contact our Los Angeles law office today for a 100% free case review with a trusted California motorcycle accident lawyer.
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At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we take on insurance giants and win.
Our top-rated motorcycle accident lawyers in LA have secured millions for injury victims, ensuring they get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Motorcyclists Face Greater Risks on LA’s Dangerous Roads
Even with the best safety gear—including helmets and protective clothing—motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 80,000 riders are injured in motorcycle accidents across the U.S. each year.
With just over 100,000 motorcycle crashes reported annually, that means motorcyclists suffer injuries in approximately 80% of all crashes.
In California, the numbers are just as alarming.
The California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reports an average of 553 motorcyclist fatalities each year, and Los Angeles accounts for 1 in 5 of these deaths.
In LA County alone, about ten motorcyclists lose their lives in crashes every month, while dozens more suffer severe, life-changing injuries.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your next steps.
To protect both your health and your right to compensation, follow these four steps after a motorcycle accident in Southern California:
STEP 1
Stop Your Bike and Report the Crash
California law requires motorcycle riders to stop their bike, exchange information, and remain at the scene. You should report the motorcycle accident to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Police reports are invaluable when making a claim.
STEP 2
See a Doctor Right Away for Any Injury
All motorcycle accident injuries should be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a qualified doctor. Notably, you will need valid medical records to support any legal claim.
STEP 3
Secure and Preserve All Relevant Evidence
Evidence matters. To the best of your ability try to secure all evidence related to your crash—from pictures of the accident damage to contact information for any eyewitnesses.
STEP 4
Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on the side of injured motorcyclists. Before providing a recorded statement, be sure to consult with a top-tier Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney.
CALL FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
Who’s at Fault? Understanding Motorcycle Accident Liability in California
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident requires a thorough and timely investigation.
Understanding how liability works is important because it directly impacts your ability to recover compensation.
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that even if a motorcyclist is partially at fault for a crash, they can still recover damages—but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 15% at fault for your motorcycle accident, you would be responsible for 15% of your losses.
However, you would still be entitled to recover 85% of your total damages.
Negligence determines fault in motorcycle accident claims.
According to the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions, negligence is the failure to take reasonable care.
Since motorcyclists are more vulnerable in accidents, liability disputes can be high-stakes—making it essential to have a strong legal strategy.
Negligence
Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. It happens when someone acts carelessly—or fails to act—causing an accident or injury that a responsible person would have prevented.
Liability
Liability means being legally responsible for something—typically an accident or injury. If your actions (or failure to act) cause harm to someone else, you may be required to pay damages or face legal consequences.
Establishing Negligence in a Motorcyle Accident Case
Determining negligence is the foundation in a motorcycle accident claim—it’s what establishes who is legally responsible and ensures injured riders can recover compensation for their losses.
To hold another party accountable, you must prove these four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care – Every driver on the road has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow California traffic laws, including sharing the road responsibly with motorcyclists.
- Breach of Duty – When a driver acts carelessly—whether by speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to yield—they violate that duty and put motorcyclists at risk.
- Causation – You must show that the driver’s reckless or negligent actions directly caused the crash and your resulting injuries.
- Damages – Finally, you need to prove that you suffered actual losses due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, or damage to your motorcycle.
Because motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, even a minor mistake by another driver can lead to life-altering injuries.
Proving negligence requires strong evidence—insurance companies will look for ways to shift blame, so having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side is critical.
Severe Motorcycle Injuries Deserve Maximum Compensation—We Fight to Get It
A motorcycle crash in Los Angeles can lead to devastating, catastrophic, and even life-threatening trauma.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, securing maximum financial compensation is critical for your recovery and future well-being.
Unfortunately, insurance companies—even your own provider—are not on your side.
They often try to reduce or deny payouts, leaving injured motorcyclists struggling with mounting expenses.
Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers are here to fight back in your behalf.
We hold negligent drivers and big insurance companies accountable so you can recover the full compensation you deserve, including:
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Ongoing medical bills and treatment costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death compensation for families who lost a loved one
Factors That Influence Your Claim’s Worth
- The severity of your injuries
- Your ability to return to work
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Emotional & psychological suffering
- Your level of fault in the accident
- The need for long-term medical care or physical therapy
You can seek compensation for physical, nonphysical, and even punitive damages.
Medical Bills
Your claim should cover the cost of emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, medical equipment, medical treatment, and physical or rehabilitative therapy.
Loss of Wages
We make sure to claim lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. If they result in a permanent disability affecting your income, you can also claim future income loss.
Punitive Damages
Bike crashes can affect both, victims and families. Non-monetary claims cover emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
The Motorcycle Accident Claim Process
If you’ve never filed a motorcycle accident claim before, here’s what you need to know about the process.
Free Consultation & Case Evaluation
We discuss your accident and evaluate your claim. During this call, we'll assess your case strength based and we'll explain your legal options.
Investigation & Gathering Evidence
When you sign with us, our team will collect all necessary evidence to build your case. We'll review accident scene photos and video footage. We may consult with experts like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to strengthen your claim.
Filing the Claim
We'll notify the at-fault party's insurance company and submit all documents on your behalf. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and any other evidence. Our team will deal directly with insurance adjusters and negotiate initial settlement offers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation.
Negotiate for Maximum Compensation
We'll calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our seasoned negotiators will fight for your rightful compensation and reject unfair offers.
Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, we may recommend taking your case to court. This is where having experienced trial lawyers on your side makes all the difference. Unlike some firms that hand off cases to outside litigation teams, our attorneys handle your case from start to finish. We know you, we understand your needs, and we’re fully invested in your recovery. This continuity strengthens your case and increases your chances of securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Trust Our Los Angeles Motorcycle Crash Attorneys
Unfortunately, riders sometimes face unfair stereotypes from law enforcement officers and/or insurance adjusters.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our team knows how to get justice for motorcyclists.
We put victims and families first. Our case results demonstrate our expertise.
Our attorneys understand how crucial it is for injured victims to get every dollar of available compensation. No matter your situation, we will take a proactive, personalized approach.
Motorcycle Accident Case Results in Los Angeles
Our results speak for themselves. Here are just a few examples of the compensation we’ve recovered for our clients:
$4.3 million settlement
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death
$2.5 million settlement
Motorcycle Accident
2.45 million settlement
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death
(initial offer: 15K)
Time is limited to file your claim. Don’t wait—speak to a lawyer now! We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Do I Need a Motorcycle License to Ride in California?
Yes. To lawfully operate a motorcycle in California, you must obtain a motorcycle license (Class M1 or M2) from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Notably, getting the license requires passing both a written test and a skills test or completing a California Motorcyclist Safety Program training course. The license is designed to ensure bikers are reasonably safe.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in California?
Yes. They are mandatory—regardless of your age or level of experience. In California, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets.
You should always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. The data is clear: Helmets are proven to prevent brain injuries and save lives. Protect yourself.
What is Motorcycle Lane-Splitting?
Motorcycle lane-splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, typically in traffic jams. While this practice is not allowed in many U.S. states, it is lawful in California. However, there are strict rules and regulations in place for motorcycle lane-splitters. Lane-splitting is generally prohibited if traffic is going faster than 40 miles per hour.
What Legal Duties Do Motorists Have to Motorcycle Riders in California?
In California, motorists have a legal duty to share the road responsibly with motorcyclists. This includes maintaining a safe distance, checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, using turn signals, and respecting a motorcyclist’s right of way. Violations of these duties can constitute negligence—which is the basis of liability in a motorcycle accident claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Los Angeles?
Under California’s Statute of Limitations, injured motorcyclists generally have two years from the date of their collision to file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. But, this limit is reduced to just 6 months if the accident involves a government entity.
There are only very limited exceptions that apply. Notably, if a claim is not brought on time, the case can be dismissed without a hearing. Do not miss your chance for justice: Get help from a Los Angeles motorcycle crash lawyer.
Do Insurance Companies Stereotype Injured Bike Riders?
Unfortunately, unfavorable stereotypes can sometimes be an issue for motorcyclists. Indeed, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to stereotype motorcyclists as being riskier or more reckless than other drivers.
The stereotype can impact how insurance claims are handled. Insurers may potentially offer lower settlements or challenge liability more aggressively. A Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney can protect your rights.
What are the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents?
The most common types of injuries suffered bike riders after a motorcycle collision include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Sprains, lacerations, dislocations of the lower extremities
- Road rash
How Do I Determine the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Case?
The value of a personal injury claim in California is always determined on a case-by-case basis—and motorcycle accidents are certainly no exception to that rule. The value of your case will depend on your ability to prove fault and the severity of your injuries. However, no matter your situation, an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the proper value of your claim.
You Can Afford to Hire a Top Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
While our attorneys are skilled trial lawyers, hiring a top-tier motorcycle accident attorney is more accessible than you might think.
We handle motorcycle accident injury claims in Los Angeles on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront and no hourly fees. We only get paid when we win compensation for you.
Even better, your initial consultation is completely free, comprehensive, and comes with no obligation.
Our contingency fees range between 33% and 40%, in line with most firms in LA—so you get elite legal representation without financial risk.
Serious Injuries Need Serious Lawyers—Our LA Trial Attorneys Can Help
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights.
Our firm is committed to fighting for the rights of people who need help the most—victims and their families. If you have any questions about a motorcycle crash, we can help.
Call (888) 539-9617 or fill out the form below to arrange your free consultation.
From our Los Angeles law office, we handle motorcycle accident injury claims all across Southern California.
Trust our 50 years of combined experience and 99% success rate.
Articles and Resources
- How Motorcycle Legislation Can Impact Your Claim in California
- Can You Claim Damages If Not Wearing a Helmet?
- Even Minor Motorcycle Injuries Need Medical Attention
- Can Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Injuries?
- Motorcycle Accident: How to Get Reimbursed for Lost Income
- Do I Need An Attorney To Settle My Motorcycle Accident Case?
