Riding a motorcycle along Glendale’s open roads brings a sense of freedom, but in an instant, that freedom can be shattered by an accident. Suddenly, you may find yourself overwhelmed with concerns; now you’re facing a flood of concerns: medical bills piling up, uncertainty about how to replace your damaged bike, and the possibility of being out of work while you recover.
The financial strain begins to weigh heavily on your mind, and you’re left wondering how you’ll navigate this complicated and overwhelming situation. This is where an experienced Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer from Legal Fighters steps in. We understand the trauma and uncertainty that follows a motorcycle accident, and we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation so you can focus on healing.
Our dedicated legal team has the experience, resources, and commitment to pursue justice for you. With a proven track record of securing over $2.5 billion in settlements, we’ve helped clients recover the financial compensation needed to rebuild their lives. Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries, financial losses, or the loss of a loved one, we’re here to advocate on your behalf.
California leads the nation in motorcycle registrations, and with that comes a significant risk of accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities.
The California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), produced by the California Department of Transportation, reported that between 2008 and 2017, 4,496 people lost their lives, and 21,593 people were seriously injured in motorcycle collisions on California roadways.
Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of traffic fatalities statewide and 15% of fatal accidents in Los Angeles County, which includes Glendale. From 2008 to 2017, motorcyclist fatalities and serious injuries increased by 34 percent in the state.
In 2016, motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S. reached 5,286, marking a 5.1% rise from the 5,029 deaths recorded in 2015. Of those fatalities, 94% (4,950) were riders, while 6% (336) were passengers. That year, motorcyclists represented 14% of all traffic deaths and 17% of all driver and passenger fatalities in the country. In California in 2017, motorcyclists made up 16% of all traffic-related deaths.
Motorcycle crashes are frequent in Glendale, located within the densely populated Los Angeles metropolitan area. Glendale’s busy roads and proximity to major highways make it a prime location for motorcycle accidents. Certain intersections and highways in and around Glendale are more prone to accidents, including:
Being aware of these locations can help motorcyclists exercise additional caution, but even the most careful rider can fall victim to the negligence of other drivers.
Motorcycle accidents are notorious for causing severe injuries due to the lack of protection offered to riders as compared to the enclosure of an automobile. Some of the most common injuries include:
In the worst cases, motorcycle accidents can result in wrongful death. Families dealing with the loss of a loved one are left not only with emotional grief but also the financial strain of losing a provider.
Legal Fighters takes pride in its exceptional team of personal injury attorneys, who have secured significant victories for clients across the country. We stand out from other law firms through our strategic co-counsel relationships with top professionals, ensuring you have a deep pool of skilled legal representation. Our collaborative approach with highly skilled attorneys and experts allows us to build a robust case on your behalf, pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to.
We are passionate about helping injured motorcyclists in Glendale and across California. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Legal Fighters today for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for your rights so you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery.
At Legal Fighters, we understand the complexity of motorcycle accident cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the legal strategies needed to secure fair compensation for our clients. Here’s how we can assist you:
As mentioned above, dealing with insurance companies can be especially challenging. Unlike car accidents, where claims are more straightforward, insurance adjusters often handle motorcycle accident claims differently, largely due to unfair biases against motorcyclists.
Insurance adjusters may sometimes assume that motorcyclists are more likely to engage in risky behavior on the road. These stereotypes can unfairly affect how your claim is evaluated. Insurance companies may assume that because motorcycles are involved in more severe accidents, the rider must have been engaging in risky behavior, even when another party clearly caused the accident.
This bias can result in:
At Legal Fighters, we understand motorcyclists’ challenges when dealing with biased insurance adjusters. Our legal team has extensive experience with motorcycle accident claims and knows how to counter these insurance company tactics. Here’s how we help:
The compensation available after a motorcycle accident varies depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries. However, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
At Legal Fighters, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our track record speaks for itself with over $2.5 billion recovered for our clients.
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident or lose a loved one in a fatal crash, it’s important to understand California’s specific legal deadlines for filing a claim. California law sets specific time limits, known as the statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits. Failure to file within these time frames can result in forfeiting your right to compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.
In California, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident (or any type of accident), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to claims seeking compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the injury. After this two-year period, you will no longer be eligible to file a lawsuit or seek compensation through the court system unless an exception applies.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit in California is generally two years from the date of the person’s death. This means that the surviving family members must file their claim within two years, or they will lose their right to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Just like in personal injury cases, exceptions can sometimes extend the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. For example, if the death was not immediately connected to the accident or negligence, the clock may start from the time the cause of death was discovered. Your personal injury attorney can guide you through this process to make sure your claim is filed on time.
The statute of limitations is critical because if you miss the deadline, you may lose the right to recover compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one. Acting quickly also helps preserve crucial evidence, such as witness statements, accident scene details, and medical records, which can deteriorate over time.
Additionally, motorcycle accident cases can take time to resolve, especially if insurance companies are unwilling to offer a fair settlement. Filing your claim early ensures your legal team has enough time to prepare a strong case, engage with the experts, and negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial if needed.
California enforces specific laws aimed at protecting motorcyclists and promoting road safety. These laws apply to riders and motorists who share the road. At Legal Fighters, we work to hold negligent drivers accountable in our fight to secure motorcycle accident victims the compensation they deserve.
A unique and often misunderstood California motorcycle law is lane splitting, which allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic. California is the only state in the U.S. where lane splitting is explicitly legal, but it must be done safely and within certain guidelines.
Lane splitting, also called lane filtering, is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. This can be particularly useful in heavy traffic or at stoplights, as it allows motorcyclists to avoid being stuck behind slow-moving or stopped vehicles.
Drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles must be aware that motorcyclists are legally allowed to lane split and must take precautions to avoid sudden lane changes or other movements that could endanger a rider. Motorists should check their mirrors and blind spots carefully, especially in heavy traffic or when approaching intersections.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) advises that motorcyclists should split lanes at a speed no more than 10 mph faster than the traffic around them and that they should not split lanes if traffic is moving at 30 mph or faster.
California has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)- approved helmet at all times while riding. This law is strictly enforced and protects motorcyclists from head injuries in the event of an accident.
If you are involved in an accident and were wearing a helmet, you are fully compliant with California law. This can help strengthen your case when seeking compensation for injuries, as failure to wear a helmet can sometimes be used as a defense tactic by the other party’s insurance company.
In addition to specific laws governing motorcyclists, California law requires all motorists to “share the road” safely with motorcyclists. Drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles must take extra precautions when driving near motorcyclists, as motorcycles are smaller and can be more difficult to see.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, Legal Fighters is here to help you understand your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.
California has established specific laws aimed at protecting motorcyclists, but those laws only work when everyone on the road follows them. Unfortunately, many accidents still occur due to drivers failing to recognize or respect motorcyclists’ rights.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket legal fees upfront. There are no attorney fees until we secure compensation for you. Reach out to Legal Fighters today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call our office at (888) 586-4957 or connect with us online.
