Torrance Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Torrance, CA

Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road when it comes to accidents. Driving a motorcycle makes being hit by a car, bus, or truck extremely dangerous due to the lack of protection for the driver. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in the greater Los Angeles area, don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve. Hire an experienced Torrance motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Motorcycle Accidents in California

Californians are particularly susceptible to accidents involving motorcycles. The agreeable year-long weather and wide-open roads make California a prime destination for many of the country’s bikers. However, negligent drivers may cause accidents that can result in lifelong injuries and even death for motorcyclists.

In 2023, California had the third-highest number of motorcycle-related deaths in the country. In the case of an accident, motorcyclists do not have the protection that a car provides. A car’s metal body and airbags will absorb the majority of the shock from the collision, but motorcyclists receive direct bodily impact from the other vehicle. For this reason, motorcycle accidents are about 22 times more likely to result in fatality than standard car crashes.

Shaffer Law – Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Shaffer Law, we understand the physical and emotional damage a personal injury can cause. Severe injuries can rack up considerable medical bills and force you to take time off work, subsequently losing potential income. If you suffered a motorcycle accident at the hands of a negligent driver, consider the compassionate legal counsel provided at Shaffer Law for your case.

Our founding attorney, Douglas D. Shaffer, has over 30 years of experience representing clients in many types of injury cases, from vehicular accidents to food poisoning. He is dedicated to his clients’ satisfaction, recovering over $100 million in settlements across his career.

When Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Hiring an attorney for a claim involving a motorcycle accident is not explicitly required. Even so, legal counsel can make a large difference when filing a personal injury claim. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, and the injuries suffered from motorcycle accidents oftentimes require critical medical attention. In 2023, it was found that despite making up only around 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists account for over 15% of the United States’ traffic-related deaths.

An injury or wrongful death caused by a motorcycle accident is a devastating event that needs to be handled with delicacy. Without representation, you may be required to represent yourself, as attorneys are not appointed by the state in these cases. Due to the complexity and deeply personal nature of personal injury claims, it can be understandably difficult to self-represent.

What if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

If the driver responsible for the motorcycle accident is uninsured or does not have enough insurance coverage, they might not be able to compensate you fully for your losses. In these circumstances, you can file your claim under Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is a form of coverage often available under your own policy.

Regulations for Motorcyclists

To avoid the risk of being placed at fault for an accident, motorcyclists should follow all of California’s rules on proper road conduct. This involves guidelines such as:

FAQs

How Much Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California?

A motorcycle accident settlement in California is determined by many factors. The severity of the injuries, the degree of negligent actions, and emotional distress are all evaluated by the court when deciding appropriate compensation. The at-fault driver may also have a cap on the amount of damages possible to receive. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you evaluate how much you should be seeking, given your unique case.

Will My Insurance Increase After a Motorcycle Accident?

Your insurance may increase due to a motorcycle accident if you are found to be the at-fault driver. When the other driver is found to be at fault, it is rare to experience an increase in your insurance rates. In some cases, where a driver has filed many claims in a short period of time or is a generally accident-prone driver, an insurance provider may choose to charge them more accordingly.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?

In California, a motorcycle accident case is classified as a personal injury case, and the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in California is two years from the day of the accident. It is important to know exactly when the statute of limitations on your personal injury claim expires. Once it does, there will be no future opportunity to pursue legal action. A personal injury attorney should be able to help you navigate all the deadlines involved in your case.

Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

If you were not wearing a helmet during your motorcycle accident, you may still be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Just because you were not wearing a helmet does not make you completely at fault or unable to receive compensation. However, a judge may not fully reimburse you for medical bills due to the absence of a helmet.

Contact the Office of Shaffer Law if You Were Injured in a Motorcycle Wreck

A personal injury in Torrance can be life-altering without the added pressure of financial burdens. Insurance companies can be predatory toward motorcyclists, denying coverage and shifting the blame to you. Contact the team at Shaffer Law today to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer and evaluate your case with skilled, local legal counsel.