Victim of a motorcycle accident?

If a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles injured you, you might already feel the unfair bias working against you. That’s because a lingering stereotype paints motorcyclists as reckless, which may affect how much blame is initially pinned on you after the accident.

California law protects your right to seek payment for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, no matter what you were driving. The facts of the accident are what matter, not outdated perceptions. Our practice is built on defending the rights of injured riders, and we know how to cut through the prejudice.

We also understand that managing legal paperwork and insurance adjusters is the last thing you want to do while recovering. If you have questions, we’re here to help. 

Call Sweet James Accident Attorneys for a free, no-obligation case review at (800) 900-0000.

Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Riders

1. Bias against riders is real and can affect your claim. Insurance companies sometimes use the stereotype of the reckless biker to argue you were at fault, which can reduce the amount of money they have to pay.
2. Compensation covers more than just medical bills. You can pursue payment for lost income, damage to your bike and gear, and the physical pain and emotional distress the crash has inflicted on your life.
3. Strict deadlines apply to your case. You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, but if a government employee or agency is involved, that deadline shrinks to just six months to file an initial claim.

Why Work With Sweet James Accident Attorneys?

Founding attorney James Bergener is a lifelong motorcyclist and MotoGP enthusiast. This gives our firm a unique, firsthand understanding of motorcycle dynamics and the specific dangers riders face on Los Angeles roads.

This deep familiarity sharpens our legal strategies and allows us to build stronger cases. We have a 98% success rate and have recovered over $2 billion for injured people across California. Our method is simple: prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. This signals to insurance companies that we will not advise you to accept an offer for less than the full value of your claim.

We’re a Part of Your Community

Our Los Angeles office is located at 16133 Ventura Blvd Suite 700, in the heart of the Financial District near Downtown LA.

Our Commitment to You

When you work with us, you get direct attention and clear communication. We explain everything in plain language, so you always know where your case stands. Our commitment is straightforward: you pay us nothing unless we win your case. It’s our promise.

How Is the Full Value of a Motorcycle Accident Claim Calculated?

The purpose of a personal injury claim is to restore you financially to the position you were in before the crash. This requires a detailed accounting of every loss the accident caused. We pursue the maximum compensation available by building a case that documents every damage you have suffered.

Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs

This is a legal term for all the accident-related costs that have a specific dollar amount attached to them.

• Medical Expenses: Every bill from the emergency room, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and any future medical care your doctors anticipate you will need.
• Lost Income: Wages you have already lost from being unable to work, plus the income you are likely to lose in the future if your injuries affect your career.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and any other personal property damaged in the collision.

Non-Economic Damages: The Human Cost

These are losses that don’t come with a receipt but are just as real. They acknowledge the ways the accident has rewritten your life.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress your injuries have caused.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you once loved, from riding to simply playing with your children.

What Are Punitive Damages?

In rare instances where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or malice, California law allows for punitive damages. 

How California’s Comparative Fault Rule Affects Your Compensation

California uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Simply put, this means your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 10% at fault, your final award is reduced by 10%. Insurance companies know this rule well and conduct thorough investigations, looking for any evidence to argue you were at fault. Our role is to keep them accountable and ensure no amount of blame is unjustly put on you.

Where and Why Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen in LA?

While every accident is unique, we see crashes happening repeatedly under similar circumstances.

Common Crash Scenarios in Los Angeles County:

• Unsafe Lane Changes: Inattentive drivers changing lanes without checking their blind spots are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents on LA’s freeways like the 405, 101, and 10.
• Left-Turns at Intersections: A driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle is a classic and devastating type of collision. Busy intersections in Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley are frequent hotspots.
• “Doorings”: In areas with heavy street parking, like Santa Monica or West Hollywood, a driver swinging their car door open into a motorcyclist’s path can cause serious injuries.
• Lane Splitting Misjudgments: While lane splitting is legal in California, it demands caution. Crashes may happen when drivers are not expecting a rider or when they change lanes abruptly in traffic.
• Canyon Road Hazards: Roads like Mulholland Drive or Angeles Crest Highway are popular with riders but also present dangers, from sharp curves to drivers who drift across the center line.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) consistently shows that Los Angeles County has the highest number of motorcycle-involved collisions in the state. In one recent year, there were 2,803 such accidents in Los Angeles County, resulting in 133 deaths and injuring over 3,000 people. 

What Should You Expect When the Other Driver’s Insurer Calls?

The at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you very soon after the crash. It helps to remember their role. They are a business, which means they must balance paying claims with making a profit.

This creates a direct conflict of interest. An adjuster may ask for a recorded statement before you have had a chance to speak with an attorney. The purpose of this call is to gather information they can use to build their case, which includes looking for anything that suggests you were partly at fault.

You do not have to provide a recorded statement.

• Don’t: Give a statement where your words might be twisted or taken out of context.
• Do: Politely decline and state that your attorney will be in touch. This protects you from unintentionally saying something that could damage your claim. The insurer might also make a quick, low settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries is even known. It’s always best to discuss any offer with your personal injury lawyer first.

Steps You Can Take From Home to Support Your Claim

While we handle the legal work, there are a few things you can do that can help your case.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Attend all medical appointments and follow through with every prescribed treatment. This creates a clear record of your injuries and shows you are taking your recovery seriously.
2. Keep a Simple Journal: Document how your injuries affect your daily life. Note your pain levels, activities you can no longer do, and the emotional toll of the accident. This can become powerful information for demonstrating your pain and suffering.
3. Stay off Social Media: Do not post photos, videos, or comments about the accident or your recovery. Insurance companies will review your social media, and they can use anything you post—even a simple photo of you smiling—to argue your injuries are less severe than you claim.
4. Hold Onto All Receipts: Keep every bill related to the accident. This includes medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and even receipts for co-pays or transportation to your doctor’s appointments.
   

   Your Focus Is Recovery. Let Us Handle the Rest.

   Don’t let an unfair bias or an uncooperative insurance company dictate your future. Your energy should be dedicated to one thing: healing.

   You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to know who to call.

   If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, take the first step. Contact Sweet James Accident Attorneys for a free, confidential discussion about your case. 

   Call us today at (800) 900-0000.