If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, you need the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The Dominguez firm has been helping motorcycle accident victims with their motorcycle accident cases for more than 30 years. Our law firm has recovered more than $750 million for accident victims.
Call 800-818-1818 today to speak with a legal professional about your motorcycle accident claim.
Any traffic accident can cause personal injury, but motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury or even death to motorcyclists. Motorcycles offer much less overall protection than other vehicles. They are also less conspicuous, making the rider particularly vulnerable on the road. I just need onedistractedor a reckless driver causing serious injury to a motorcyclist.
The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Dominguez Firm have over 30 years of experience handling numerous motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles and Southern California. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys will work hard to obtain the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Compensation to help you with medical care, lost income, rehabilitation, mental health counseling and, in more severe cases, long-term care.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, read on to learn more about your rights and options. Yes, call The Dominguez Firm800-818-1818Free consultation. We are ready to answer your call 24/7. We are here to help.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, here is a list of things to do while you are still at the scene of the accident. IMPORTANT NOTE: Your safety should be your first priority, so only follow these recommendations if you do not want to put yourself or others at risk.
- Stay off the road as much as possible, especially if the accident happened on a highway, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 immediately to report a motorcycle accident.
- Get your injuries checked and seek medical attention right away, even if you think you have minor or no injuries.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with everyone involved.
- Give your description of the events to the officers on the scene.
- If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, road signs and damage to your motorcycle and other related vehicles. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
- Call a motorcycle accident attorney at The Dominguez Firm today.
Do not admit mistakes or apologize to anyone. An apology can be considered an admission of guilt. You are also still in shock after the accident and can't tell who was right and who was wrong. You should also know that an insurance company is not your friend. They are only interested in saving their employer money. Any apology or admission of guilt will be used to make you a low offer or simply reject your application. Instead, you shouldContact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at The Dominguez FirmLet them take care of things for you. While you focus on your recovery, we will work on your individual case.
It is also important not to refuse medical attention. After a motorcycle accident, you probably won't feel any pain or other symptoms because adrenaline is pumping through your body. It is also possible that you have serious internal injuries and do not know it. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately, not only for your claims, but more importantly, for your health.
What are the main causes of motorcycle accidents?
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, but sometimes drivers themselves act in reckless and dangerous ways. Below is a partial list of some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Riders can avoid being a statistic by avoiding the first two reasons on this list:
- driving under the influence of drugs or medicationAlcohol
- Acceleration
- reduced visibility
- unsafe road conditions
- distracted or aggressive driver
- divided lanes
As of 2020, California is the only state that allows lane splitting. Just like it sounds, lane splitting allows drivers in California to legally pass between cars, allowing for a faster but more dangerous journey. Drivers are legally required to share the road, but that doesn't stop dangerous lane changes or distracted drivers from hitting, seriously injuring or even killing passengers.
The average age of motorcyclists has increased significantly in recent years. the older rider isthree times more likelyCompared to their younger colleagues, they were seriously injured in the accident. This is partly due to their slower reaction times and impaired vision. Another factor in the higher than normal accident rate among older riders is their preference for heavier motorcycles, which are more likely to tip over if the rider loses balance.
On the other hand, more and more men under 30 ride high-performance motorcycles or supercars. These small motorcycles are lighter and faster than standard motorcycles, making them more difficult to control. This is especially true in bad weather or dangerous road conditions. The overall death rate for supercar drivers isfour times largerthan ordinary motorcyclists. Speed is the number one cause of supersport motorcycle accidents.
What are the most common types of injuries in motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles?
As mentioned above, passengers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident. Cyclists can effectively reduce this risk by wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet reduces a cyclist's risk of being killed in an accident, study shows37 %Unfortunately, even helmets cannot always protect cyclists from serious or even catastrophic injuries. The most common types of motorcycle accident injuries in Los Angeles include:
- amputation
- bone fracture
- burns, including road rash
- paralysis
- spinal cord injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- spank
In 2018 there was4,985 motorcycle deathsAlthough down 5 percent from 2017, motorcyclists are still overrepresented on the list of traffic fatalities by vehicle. Of course, any downward trend in the death toll is good news, and hopefully it will continue.
I don't have health insurance. Can you still help me get medical care if I can't pay?
And.If you don't have health insurance, we can still help you get top-notch care.At the end of your case, we will deduct your medical expenses from your settlement or judgment. The most important thing is that you get the treatment you need in a timely manner. Our company can also help you get low-cost insurance, like Medi-Care or Medi-Cal.
I am undocumented, can I file a motorcycle accident claim?
Yes. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in California, your immigration status cannot be used against you. If a defense attorney tries to dig up this information, our award-winning personal injury attorneys will quickly counter and stop the questioning.
I was injured while driving as a passenger, can I make a claim?
Absolut.Accidental motorcyclists have the same rightsas a passenger in a car accident. They can also file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injury. And since they were not driving, there is no doubt as to who was to blame for the accident.
I think I may be partially responsible for my accident, can I file a lawsuit?
Yes, because California is one of the most neglectful states. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. The court determines your percentage of fault and subtracts it from your final settlement or judgment.
I don't wear a helmet. Can I make a claim?
able to. Remember that not wearing a helmet means that you share some responsibility for your injuries. Helmets are the law in California. Defense attorneys will use it to minimize your claim if you were not wearing one at the time of your motorcycle accident.
However, if a reckless or negligent driver caused your injury, you should immediately seek a free consultation with the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Dominguez Firm. Whether you wear a helmet or not, you still have the right to file a claim if someone else caused your accident and injury.
How do you prove who is responsible for a motorcycle accident?
Our motorcycle accident attorneys combine aggressive investigation and fact-finding with extensive legal knowledge to form a winning formula that begins the moment you hire us to handle your case. We have an in-house investigation team ready to investigate every detail of your accident. They will target all culprits. This includes other drivers, employers, government entities and other sources of your injury to ensure that your first opportunity for recovery is taken full advantage of. We also work with some of the best Los Angeles motorcycle accident experts. They will analyze your accident and form an opinion about its cause and your injuries.
Our attorneys know that motorcycle injury accidents are unique for two reasons. First, there is an inherent bias in our society that cyclists are risky and dangerous. Second, because motorcycle accident injuries are often catastrophic, most accident reports are based on the driver's account of the accident. We are well aware of this and have honed specific techniques for responding to negative police reports while building your case with empathy and compassion. That way, other people will understand what happened and what you went through.
Our highly motivated personal injury attorneys have achieved a 96% success rate and are trained to handle any and all challenges to get you the justice you deserve.
What compensation can I get?
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The legal term for this compensation is called "damages". Your loss will be divided into two categories, economic loss and non-economic loss.
To prove damages, your motorcycle accident attorney at The Dominguez Firm will attest to each of the specific points below as a result of your accident. They will also clearly show your future costs.
Economic loss (past and future):
- Medical fees
- lost wages
- loss of purchasing power
- Property damage and loss of use of vehicles
- Expenses, including health insurance expenses
- retraining and/or continuing education
- In more serious accidents, the costs of long-term care and/or housing changes
- Any other costs or lost opportunities you incur as a result of your injury
Non-economic losses (past and future):
- pain and suffering
- emotional stress
- loss of joy in life
- Wrongful death (loss of support, loss of companionship, loss of love, etc.)
- Loss of consortium (victim's spouse)
- other non-economic losses you have suffered as a result of the motorcycle accident
I lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, can I file a claim?
If you are a close relative of someone who died in a motorcycle accident, you can. You can file a wrongful death claim against those responsible for your loved one's death. While we know that no amount of money can compensate for your losses, holding those accountable who caused a family member to become a victim of a motorcycle accident can help you not only emotionally, but also financially. This is especially true if the deceased was the main breadwinner for your family.
Why You Should Choose The Dominguez Firm Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
it ismotorcycle accident attorneyThe Dominguez Firm has successfully assisted clients in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California for over 30 years. During that time we have recovered750 million dollars* To our customers. We also have the resources, experience and successful track record to conduct face-to-face interactions with major insurance companies and their defense attorneys. Not all law firms or personal injury attorneys can say the same.
Our lawyers and more than 120 legal professionals also live by our motto: Compassion, service and results. We put you, our customer, first. If you are worried about the cost of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney at The Dominguez Firm, you shouldn't be. This is because we work on a contingency basis. This means you don't have to pay any upfront or hidden costs. We receive a percentage of your settlement or final judgment. The amount will be specified in your customer representative agreement with us. We guarantee that, if necessaryNo recycling, free!rings nowfree consultationexists800-818-1818. Let us help you!
Useful articles on motorcycle accidents:
- Technology to help prove your motorcycle accident claim
- Safety tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists
- Motorcycle lanes and laws
- Motorcycle accidents and severe weather
- Motorcycle accidents due to defects
- California's Best Motorcycle Trails
- The 5 Best Motorcycle Safety Devices
- DUI driver motorcycle accident
- Facts + Statistics: Motorcycle accidents
- New data shows a 5.6% drop in motorcyclist deaths in 2017
FAQs
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements? ›
To understand what is a good settlement amount for a motorcycle accident you must first think about what the averages are for this kind of situation. The current average settlement for a motorcycle accident is approximately $80,000.
Who is responsible for most motorcycle accidents? ›Around 75% of motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. The rest of the motorcycle accidents are caused by collisions with fixed objects. More experienced motorcycle drivers are less likely to get into an accident. It is generally newer motorcyclists who are more likely to get into a traffic accident.
What are the odds of getting in a motorcycle accident? ›According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 236 motorcycle crashes result in injuries every day in the United States. In general, the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident are 1 in 100. Although these odds are high, there are ways to prevent getting into a crash.
Can someone survive a motorcycle accident? ›The national fatality rate was just under 5 percent, meaning that the odds of surviving a motorcycle crash are just over 95 percent. There are over 8 million registered motorcycles in the United States. Only one in every 1,600 motorcyclists will die in a crash.
How much are most personal injury settlements? ›An average personal injury settlement amount is anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000. Be careful when using an average personal injury settlement calculator to give you an idea of what you may stand to collect. These numbers really depend on your individual case and are hard to predict without a professional.
What percentage of motorcycle crashes result in head injury? ›There are over 4,500 motorcycle crash fatalities per year in the U.S., on average. Roughly 37% of those deaths involve head injuries.
What is the most common motorcycle injury? ›The most common form of motorcycle injury is road rash, which can be minor to extremely severe. Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when riders are thrown from the bike and then skid on the pavement.
Are most motorcycle accidents the bikers fault? ›Many drivers assume that motorcycle riders are reckless or careless on the road. But the facts say something different. Truthfully, most motorcycle accidents happen because of another driver's actions. A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash.
Where do 70% of motorcycle accidents occur? ›Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway.
What is the average life expectancy of a motorcycle rider? ›The Average Age for Motorcycle Fatalities Is Over 40
The most common age to die in a motorcycle accident is 42.
What time of day do most motorcycle accidents happen? ›
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following statistics on motorcycle accidents: 52 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur on weekend nights, with the highest proportion occurring between 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What state has most motorcycle accidents? ›Mississippi is the most dangerous state for motorcycle riders. But Texas, Arkansas, Florida and Louisiana all have nearly four times the fatality rates of northern states like New Hampshire, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
What speed do most fatal motorcycle accidents occur? ›The Speed at Which Most Motorcycles Crash
The average speed of impact for motorcycle accidents is 21.5 mph. Shockingly, only one out of every 1,000 motorcycle accidents occur at speeds of around 85 mph.
Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the neck. The damage can affect a person's ability to control head and neck movement and may be temporary or permanent. Serious neck injuries can damage the spinal cord and cause partial or total paralysis.
What is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents? ›As mentioned previously, head injuries are the most common cause of fatal injuries in a motorcycle wreck. However, there are several other common causes of fatal accidents. The most common fatal injuries include: Head injuries.
At what point do most cases settle? ›Some cases settle within days of a lawsuit being filed, or are even settled before the court paperwork is filed by a plaintiff to take civil action. In other situations, a settlement may be reached just before a jury reaches a verdict or even after a jury has made a decision and an appeal is pending.
How is pain and suffering calculated? ›The insurance company, or a jury, will determine how many days you are expected to be in ongoing pain or discomfort. They then apply your daily rate of pay to the equation and multiply the days of pain by your rate of pay per day. It can be difficult to decide which method to use to calculate pain and suffering.
How long does compensation take to pay out? ›From the day your compensation amount is settled, it could take up to 28 days for you to receive your payout. But in many cases, this will be much faster. You may be able to get your compensation within just a few days after a settlement is agreed when dealing with certain insurers.
How serious is a brain bleed from a motorcycle accident? ›4. Traumatic Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. This type of motorcycle accident brain injury occurs when blood leaks into the void in the skull typically filled with cerebral fluid. This can cause severe life-threatening conditions and may result in permanent brain damage or death.
Where do most fatal motorcycle accidents occur? ›According to the NHTSA, nearly half of all motorcycle accidents occur at traffic intersections. Intersections require everyone to pay close attention to determine the right-of-way.
Are motorcycle accidents rare? ›
Each year there are around 89,000 motorcycle accidents on roads across America.
What are the 4 types of motorcycle crashes? ›Injuries sustained in motorcycle collisions can be organized into distinct patterns to improve recognition and treatment. Lowside, highside, topside, and collision are the four main categories of motorcycle crash types.
How long does it take to heal from a motorcycle accident? ›Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may take a few months or years. Some victims never recover completely. Some of the most severe injuries from motorcycle accidents include: Head and neck injuries.
What type of injury is most fatal bike accidents? ›Concussion/Head Injuries: Statistics vary, but between 25% to 50% of all injured bicyclists suffer concussions or other head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for more than 60% of bicycle accident fatalities.
What are the two most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents? ›Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Alcohol Use
These three causes of motorcycle accidents are forms of reckless driving. Liability, of course, will come down to who was driving recklessly (the motorcyclist or the motorist). Proving negligence can be straightforward once you have proven that reckless driving occurred.
The Basics of Lane-Splitting
When motorcyclists use lane-splitting, they reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Lane-splitting also decreases the chances of motorcyclists being rear-ended in a crash.
Motorcyclists are 6x more likely to suffer fatal injuries than car passengers. There were over 8.3 million registered motorcycles in the country. Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are 27 x more likely to be killed in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants. They account for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
Do 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death? ›The effects of a crash involving a motorcycle can often be devastating. While 20 percent of passenger vehicle crashes result in injury or death, an astounding 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
What percentage of deaths are from motorcycles? ›A total of 6,084 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2021. That is the highest number recorded and a 21 percent increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021 and were nearly triple the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997.
How high is too high for motorcycle mileage? ›What Is Considered High Mileage For A Motorbike? 20,000 to 30,000 miles is a bit excessive for compact sports bikes. Motorcycle mileage of 50,000 miles and higher is considered excessive for larger bikes. That being said, a properly maintained bike can endure well over 100,000 miles.
What is high mileage for a motorcycle? ›
Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.
How often do people survive motorcycle accidents? ›However, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that the odds of surviving a motorcycle accident nationwide range from 90-95 percent.
Where is the safest place to ride a motorcycle? ›Statistically, the highway is the safest place to ride a motorcycle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 48% of all fatal motorcycle accidents occurred on major roads.
What states have the most motorcycles? ›The States With the Most Motorcycles
Montana residents are much more likely to drive a registered bike than California residents. Below are the top 10 states with the most motorcycle registrations per 100,000 people: Montana: 6,312.25. New Hampshire: 6,130.76.
The majority of riders will assure you that riding a motorcycle is no more dangerous than driving any other type of motor vehicle. While it is undeniable that the distinctive design of a motorcycle increases the chance of significant injuries compared to a car, your experience as a biker will add to your road safety.
What is the safest state to ride a motorcycle? ›In the United States, the safest states to ride a motorcycle are Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. Motorcycle riders should be aware of the weather conditions in which they choose to ride.
What age has the most motorcycle deaths? ›Riders Aged 50+
There are several reasons why older age groups are more susceptible to motorcycle fatalities than younger riders. Young riders have quicker reflexes and can avoid direct impacts and collisions, while people above 50 cannot prevent such impacts.
Motorcycle Accident Stats
In nearly 70 percent of motorcycle accidents that include another vehicle, the driver of the larger vehicle violated the motorcyclist's right of way, with an accident resulting.
Motorcycles are less stable than cars.
This lack of stability is especially dangerous if the motorcyclist has to brake suddenly or swerve. In addition, some motorcycle accidents are caused by front-wheel “wobble” that can occur at high speeds.
You can never assume other drivers, riders and even pedestrians have seen you. Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash.
Are motorcycle crashes painful? ›
Suffering an injury in a motorcycle accident is not only painful, but it can impact your mobility for the rest of your life. Some motorcycle riders must cope with lifelong consequences in both their personal and professional lives as a result of injuries to their feet.
Can you get PTSD from a motorcycle accident? ›Yes, you can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by any traumatic event that you experience or even witness. Everyone reacts to trauma differently.
What kills most motorcycle riders? ›Head-On Collisions
In the majority of these cases, the car strikes the motorcycle from the front. And, it's no surprise that when head-on collisions occur, they're often fatal for the motorcyclist.
By far the most common cause of motorcycle accident fatalities is traumatic brain injuries. Fatally injured motorcyclists wore helmets in 58% of accidents, and 52% of the crashes involved two vehicles.
Which is the most common type of fatal motorcycle crash? ›Head-on crashes between a car and motorcycle are, in most cases, fatal for motorcycle riders. Records have shown that these collisions account for about 58 percent of fatalities from motorcycle crashes.
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident in Texas? ›What is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Austin, TX? According to many statistical models, the average motorcycle accident settlement is about $200,000.
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident in Florida? ›Is There an Average Florida Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amount? According to the motorcycle accident settlement examples listed on this page, the typical Florida motorcycle accident settlement is anywhere from $799,000 to $11,000,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case.
What is the settlement for a motorcycle accident in Ohio? ›Other Factors in a Motorcycle Settlement
Ohio law also limits what you can receive for non-economic losses, such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish. You can receive $250,000, or three times your economic losses (not exceeding $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence), whichever is more.
Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery may take a few months or years. Some victims never recover completely. Some of the most severe injuries from motorcycle accidents include: Head and neck injuries.
What is the maximum injury compensation in Texas? ›Limits on Damages in Texas
The maximum you will be able to recover in exemplary damages is the greater of three sums: $200,000, two times the amount of economic damages plus $750,000, or two times the amount of economic damages plus the amount of non-economic damages you were awarded.
What is the punishment for accident involving injury in Texas? ›
An accident involving injury can result in a prison sentence up to five years or up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not more than $5,000.
How many motorcycles are rear ended? ›Seven percent of fatal motorcycle crashes are caused by being rear-ended.
What is the average settlement for car accident pain and suffering in Florida? ›According to the car accident settlement examples listed on this page, the average Florida car accident settlement is anywhere from $300,000 to $6,100,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for car accidents in Florida.
How much do lawyers take from settlement in Ohio? ›A contingency fee is as percentage of the settlement, often noted as 1/3 of the amount of the settlement received. So, if you were in a car accident and sustained injuries and used The Charles E. Boyk Law Office to represent you, and we helped you to receive a $15,000 settlement, we would require $5,000 in payment.
What is the average pain and suffering settlement in Ohio? ›A company called Jury Verdict Research recently reported that the average personal injury award in Ohio is just over $300,000.
How much can you get from a car accident in Ohio? ›In some personal injury matters, non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the number of your economic damages, whichever amount is higher. Overall, they cannot exceed $350,000 for one plaintiff or $500,000 if there are multiple plaintiffs.
What type of motorcycle injury occurs most often? ›The most common form of motorcycle injury is road rash, which can be minor to extremely severe. Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when riders are thrown from the bike and then skid on the pavement.