Santa Monica Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

There are many reasons why people choose motorcycles as their means of transportation. Many enjoy them because of the fun of the sport, others for their economic value. No matter why someone chooses a motorcycle, the fact remains the same: motorcycle accidents are some of the worst kinds to occur on the roads of Santa Monica. Much like bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents involve very serious injuries due to the fact that the rider has little to no protection from the harshness of the road.

Motorcycles are small and often difficult to notice, especially if one is not paying the attention that they ought to when driving a vehicle on the road. Drivers are to respect and yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists in certain situations, and failure to do can lead to devastating accidents.

Our firm is dedicated to helping persons seriously injured in motorcycle accidents obtain the compensation they deserve. The husband and wife legal team at McGee, Lerer & Associates has over 40 years combined experience and has an impressive record of success in personal injury cases. After having successful careers in larger firms, we chose to open our own office where we could provide individualized, high-quality service to our clients. Our practice has thrived based on referrals from prior clients and referrals other attorneys who are familiar with our success and reputation in the community. We urge you to contact a Santa Monica personal injury lawyer for zealous representation on your motorcycle claim.

Common Injuries From  Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, often more severe than those sustained in car accidents due to the rider's exposure. 

Here are some of the most frequent injuries caused by motorcycle accidents:

• Head and Brain Injuries:
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Skull fractures
• Spinal Cord Injuries:
  • Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia)
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal fractures
• Fractures and Broken Bones:
  • Broken arms or legs
  • Fractured ribs
  • Collarbone breaks
• Road Rash:
  • Severe skin abrasions
  • Infections from untreated wounds
  • Nerve damage
• Internal Injuries:
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage (such as liver or spleen injuries)
  • Punctured lungs
• Lower Extremity Injuries:
  • Knee injuries
  • Ankle fractures
  • Foot injuries
• Upper Extremity Injuries:
  • Wrist fractures
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Elbow injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries:
  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament tears
  • Tendon damage

When constructing a compelling case, Santa Monica motorcycle accident attorneys must first understand the nature and extent of these injuries. Comprehensive medical evidence and expert testimony may be required to illustrate the full extent of a client's injuries' impact on their lives. As always, seeking early and appropriate medical attention is critical following a motorbike accident.

Who Can Be Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

Determining responsibility for a motorcycle accident in California involves several factors. At the core is the concept of negligence, which refers to a party's failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident. Common examples include distracted driving, failing to yield, or speeding. The road conditions can also play a crucial role; poor maintenance, such as potholes or unclear signage, might implicate local authorities or contractors.

Vehicle defects are another critical aspect to examine. Should a design or manufacturing error lead to an accident, the manufacturer might be deemed responsible. Insurance companies will undertake their investigations to establish fault, often impacting the payout of claims. 

Understanding these elements can help establish liability. Consulting with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney near you is crucial to ensure all pertinent details are considered and to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal processes effectively, securing fair compensation for your losses.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Seek For Injuries Sustained In A Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle wreck in Santa Monica, CA, you might be eligible for several types of compensation. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the intricate process of securing fair compensation for your injuries.

Here are some types of compensation you may pursue:

• Medical Expenses:
  • Immediate medical costs: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
  • Ongoing medical treatment: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages:
  • Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
  • Future lost earnings if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering:
  • Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional suffering endured as a result of the accident.
  • Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Property Damage:
  • Costs associated with repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
  • Compensation for any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium:
  • This is compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family members.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement:
  • Additional compensation for long-term or permanent impairments or visible scars resulting from the accident.

What Is The Time Limit To File A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in CA?

California law generally provides a two-year window from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a claim. It's important to act quickly to secure your rights and gather the required documentation in a timely manner. Reach out to an attorney for expert guidance on your next steps.

Is It Necessary To Have A Lawyer If I was Partly At Fault?

Under California law, an injured party may receive compensation even if they bear some of the blame for the motorcycle accident. This is known as comparative negligence. Your compensation could be lowered under this legal structure based on the portion of fault that is attributed to you. For example, your compensation is lowered by 30% if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident.
Engaging a motorcycle accident lawyer in Santa Monica can be advantageous, even if you share some fault. A skilled attorney can work to accurately determine and reduce your responsibility, thereby increasing your potential compensation. They will collect necessary evidence, handle negotiations with insurers, and champion your rights, guiding you through the intricate aspects of your case.
Legal assistance is crucial for effectively arguing your case and understanding the impact of comparative negligence on your claim. Without proper representation, you may settle for an inadequate amount. An experienced lawyer can offer the guidance needed to secure rightful compensation, thoroughly reviewing and considering every detail of your case.

Top Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Santa Monica

When we take on a case, we make a thorough investigation of the accident to establish negligence on the part of the automobilist. We call in accident reconstruction experts as needed to build our case. We also have the resources to hire medical experts to substantiate the claims for damages. We will demand that the negligent party's insurance company compensate you for medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of use of your motorcycle and pain and suffering. Where the client cannot obtain medical care, we arrange for medical care with physicians who will wait for payment until the case settles.

Dealing with Claims Adjusters

You may have been contacted by an insurance adjuster who asked to take your recorded statement, and who seems interested in helping you. Make no doubt about it: the negligent driver's insurance adjuster is not your friend. They have no intention of seeing you fairly compensated. In fact, the adjuster's sole goal is to pay you as little as possible. The adjuster hopes to get a discount on what they owe you by getting you to accept a low ball settlement offer before you hire an attorney. Our advice: Do not talk to the other driver's insurance adjuster; only bad will come of it.

When you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you want the best lawyer representing you. You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, one who knows the value of your case, and who will not allow the insurance company to get a discount on what they must pay you.

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, our husband and wife team of accident attorneys will keep you advised of the status of your case every step of the way. We believe one of the things that sets our firm apart is the access our clients have to the attorneys at our firm. We believe that in providing personalized service, and by getting to know our clients better, we gain a better appreciation for the losses they have suffered. We then can communicate those losses to the opposing side in order to prove our case and get our clients every dollar to which they are entitled.