Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Long Beach, CA

For many residents of Long Beach, riding motorcycles is a way of life. California’s beautiful weather and open roads are a motorcyclist’s dream. However, riding isn’t without its risks. From reckless drivers who can’t share the road safely to poorly maintained highways, there’s no shortage of hazards for motorcycle riders. If you’ve been in a crash on your bike, a Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses.

What Makes Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous than Car Accidents?

Because motorcyclists lack critical safety features like airbags and seatbelts, these accidents are typically more dangerous than car accidents or crashes involving passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists don’t have a steel frame surrounding them to absorb the shock of impact, and they can be easily thrown from their vehicles in an accident. This level of exposure significantly increases the risk of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death.

In 2023, an estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in the U.S., highlighting the prevalence of these crashes. Due to the increased risk of injury, these accidents have significant long-term effects for victims, often leading to financial challenges.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by driver negligence, often compounded by the reduced visibility of riders. One common cause of these crashes is left-turn collisions, where a car moving through an intersection turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

In fact, 43% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2021 involved a left-turning vehicle. Distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding are also frequent causes of these crashes, reducing motorists’ time to avoid an accident.

External factors can play a huge role in these crashes, too. Debris in the road, poor weather conditions, and poorly maintained roads can all lead to motorcycle accidents. An experienced Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney can help you investigate the cause of your accident to determine who was liable for the crash.

Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders often face serious, even life-threatening injuries, because they lack safety features that passengers in cars have. One of the most common injuries motorcyclists experience is traumatic brain injury. Even when wearing a helmet, these are only 37% effective for preventing TBIs. Spinal cord injuries are also common following these crashes. Less severe injuries like road rash, broken bones, internal injuries, and cuts and bruises are frequently seen as well.

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents often require long-term care and result in significant medical expenses. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you calculate the full extent of your losses and stand by your side as you pursue compensation.

Why Choose Shaffer Law

At Shaffer Law, we have over three decades of experience helping Californians pursue compensation after someone else’s negligence has injured them. With over $100 million in damages recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to create an effective legal strategy. We know California’s laws on personal injuries, and we put that knowledge to work to help you succeed in your motorcycle accident case.

From settlement negotiations with insurance companies to arguments before a judge in a Los Angeles County Superior Court courtroom, we don’t back down. You can lean on our team to give you the dedicated legal support you need.

FAQs

How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California?

How much a motorcycle accident settlement offer can be depends on your damages and how the accident has affected your life. California does not have a cap on how much money an injury victim can recover following an accident, which means you can be fully compensated for your losses. You can pursue compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a Crash?

You don’t legally need to hire a motorcycle accident attorney. However, it’s wise to consult one. An attorney can help you understand the state’s motorcycle accident laws, explain your legal options, and begin building a compelling case for compensation.

Your lawyer can protect your rights every step of the way. They do this by preventing insurance companies from offering lowball settlements or trying to place more liability on you in an effort to reduce their payout.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement from a Motorcycle Accident?

How long it takes to get a settlement from a motorcycle accident varies from case to case. First, your attorney might advise you to wait until you reach maximum medical recovery before listening to settlement offers. This helps you understand the full cost of your injury and what future expenses you could expect.

What’s more, these cases take time to investigate, and negotiations are rarely quick. Overall, it’s impossible to say how long it’ll take to receive a settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

After a motorcycle accident, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 sets the statute of limitations for filing a claim at two years. Missing this deadline could mean that you’ll be barred from pursuing compensation, so it’s important to act quickly.

There are exceptions to this statute. If the defendant flees the state, the victim is a minor, or the liable party tries to hide their identity, the statute of limitations may be tolled.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from Shaffer Law

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer from Shaffer Law to help you investigate your case and hold the liable party accountable for your damages.

Contact the team at Shaffer Law today to discuss your case. We’ll explain the legal process going forward, help you understand the value of your case, and work with you to create a plan that helps you attain your goals. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we help you recover compensation.