Motorcycle Accident
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhen you get hurt in a motorcycle crash, your world changes in an instant. Suddenly, you’re facing physical pain, potential income losses, and a host of worries you never asked for. What you need now is a lawyer who gets it. A compassionate attorney who knows you’re more than just a case number. A voice to stand up to insurance companies who will do everything to avoid paying what you deserve.
Sean Shamsi is that lawyer. His impressive case results include tens of millions of dollars recovered for local clients like you. When you come to him for help, he takes the time to get to know you and understand your unique needs.
Take control of your future. Reach out to The Shamsi Law Firm, APC today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer.
What Are the California Motorcycle Laws?
If you ride a motorcycle in California, here are the relevant laws you should know:
- Motorcycle Registration – It’s illegal to drive any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, in California unless it is registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Motorcycle Licenses – Every person must hold a valid driver’s license to operate a motorcycle on California roadways. For riding a motorcycle, you need an M1 or M2 endorsement.
- Mandatory Helmet Laws – All riders and passengers of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles in California must wear approved safety helmets.
- Lane-Splitting – California law allows lane-splitting, defined as riding a motorcycle between rows of stopped or slow-moving traffic on divided or undivided highways.
- Headlights and Taillights – State law requires motorcycles to have working headlights and tail lamps. Lights must be on during darkness and inclement weather.
- Turn Signals – California motorcycles manufactured and registered on or after January 1, 1973, must operate with turn signals.
- Passenger Footrests – California law requires motorcycles carrying passengers to be equipped with appropriate footrests for the passenger’s use.
- Handlebars – It is illegal to operate a motorcycle in California with handlebars that are more than six inches higher than the top of the operator’s shoulders.
How a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
Motorcycle and car accidents occur on the same roadways, but they are inherently different in several key ways. One of the most glaring differences is the level of protection afforded to the rider or driver. In a car, passengers are enclosed by a steel frame, equipped with airbags, and secured with seat belts. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, have far less protection, often relying solely on a helmet and protective gear, which exposes them to a higher risk of serious injury or fatality.
In addition, motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars. Their smaller size and narrower profile make them more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, debris, and slippery surfaces. Motorcycles are also more likely to be overlooked in blind spots, increasing the chances of collisions with inattentive drivers. Moreover, some car and truck drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles and are more likely to misjudge their speed or distance, possibly leading to accidents.
The physics involved in motorcycle accidents also differ. The absence of a protective frame means many motorcyclists get thrown off their bikes during a collision. This can result in injuries to multiple parts of the body that are generally more severe than those sustained in car accidents. These unique factors affect not just the health outcomes for victims but also the legal aspects of resulting accident claims.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Los Angeles Motorcycle Wreck
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. But once you leave the scene and get past the initial shock, focusing on your recovery and protecting your rights is important. Here are some steps you should take if you’re involved in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident:
- Seek medical attention to have a doctor diagnose, treat, and document your condition.
- Follow all medical advice and treatment recommendations closely.
- Obtain copies of your medical records and bills as important evidence.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident without admitting fault.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for personalized legal advice.
- Gather copies of all accident-related documentation, including police reports.
- Document any repair estimates or appraisals for your damaged motorcycle.
- Keep a detailed journal describing your physical and emotional recovery after the accident.
- Make copies of any correspondence between you and the insurance companies.
- Take photographs of your injuries over time to document your healing progress.
- Gather proof of employment records to show any lost income resulting from the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney.
- Consider any settlement offers closely and consult your attorney before accepting.
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Mr. Sean Shamsi is the principal and founder of The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. He received his Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law in 1998.
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Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:
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What Damages Can I Expect to Recover from a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
When you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, they can calculate the full extent of your accident-related losses and demand fair compensation on your behalf. Depending on the situation, you could claim damages money for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
The lack of a protective enclosure around the motorcyclist means that the rider’s body often directly absorbs the impact of an accident. As a result, motorcycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Distracted Driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted can easily overlook motorcyclists, leading to devastating accidents.
- Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less likely to notice motorcyclists and more likely to engage in risky behavior, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Failure to Monitor Blind Spots – Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Inattentive drivers can crash into riders in their blind spots when changing lanes or turning.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Some drivers fail to signal or check their mirrors before changing lanes, which can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists riding nearby.
- Sudden Stops – If a vehicle stops abruptly, a motorcyclist following behind might not have enough time to react, possibly leading to a rear-end collision.
- Dooring Incidents – Sometimes, drivers or passengers in parked cars open their doors without checking for oncoming traffic, creating hazardous obstacles for motorcyclists.
- Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, wet or icy roads, and lack of proper signage can all contribute to loss-of-control motorcycle accidents.
- Vehicle Defects – Defects in a motorcycle’s or another vehicle’s brake system, lights, or other essential parts can lead to preventable motorcycle accidents.
Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Crash
The lack of a protective enclosure around the motorcyclist means that the rider’s body often absorbs the impact of an accident directly. As a result, motorcycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Road rash
- Broken wrists or hands
- Broken legs or feet
- Facial injuries
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Soft tissue damage
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Abdominal injuries
- Rib fractures
- Puncture wounds
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Concussions
- Pelvic injuries
- Psychological trauma such as PTSD
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of a motorcycle collision to file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this two-year rule, such as if you were unaware of your injuries immediately after the accident or if the responsible party is a government entity. However, these exceptions are rare and difficult to identify.
Missing a filing deadline usually means forfeiting your right to file a claim and seek compensation for your medical expenses, reduced wages, and other losses. This is why working with a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer is essential for your lawsuit.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case
Hiring Sean Shamsi, a reputable Los Angeles accident attorney, can be a game-changer if you’ve been in a motorcycle wreck. With his knowledge and experience, Sean will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. He will do this by:
- Investigating the motorcycle accident to locate at-fault parties and useful evidence for your claim
- Gathering medical records and bills to calculate the full extent of your losses
- Communicating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Securing testimonies from medical professionals about the severity of your injuries
- Filing all necessary case paperwork within the applicable deadlines
- Reviewing and advising you on any agreements or forms you’re asked to sign
- Negotiating a fair settlement offer with insurance adjusters
- Advising you on whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial
- Preparing a strong case and representing you in court if litigation is necessary
Best of all, you pay nothing unless and until Sean recovers the compensation you deserve. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC works on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless Sean gets you a full and fair settlement or verdict for your case.
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:
(818) 764-7640
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
With The Shamsi Law Firm, APC, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. Sean Shamsi is committed to standing by your side every step of the way, fighting relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Reach out today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation session and case review.
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How a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood
Can Help if You Were Hurt in an Accident
Sean Shamsi will take the time to listen to you, provide free advice about your best legal options, and give an honest assessment of whether you have a valid case.
He will thoroughly and independently investigate your accident, work with noted experts to build a strong case, and handle all communications with the insurers on your behalf.
Sean will make your case a priority, give it the care and attention to detail it deserves, and take it to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Meet Sean Shamsi
Count on The Shamsi Law Firm, APC to Fight for Every Penny
For Sean, a personal injury lawsuit should never be “just another case.” It’s an opportunity for a client’s voice to be heard. With a proven track record of results for North Hollywood accident victims, Sean knows how to demand and deliver justice.
No Fee Unless You Win
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:
(818) 764-7640
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