You are already at a disadvantage the moment the police arrive at the scene. When a car hits a motorcycle, the immediate assumption—by witnesses, police officers, and especially insurance adjusters—is that the rider was speeding or being reckless. We know the truth is often the exact opposite.
Most motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles aren’t caused by riders showing off; they are caused by drivers who are distracted, impatient, or simply fail to check their blind spots. You don’t have a protective cage, airbags, or a bumper to absorb the impact. You take the full force of the collision.
At Haffner Law, we understand rider culture and the physics of a crash. You need a motorcycle accident lawyer Los Angeles residents trust to dismantle the “reckless biker” narrative and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Defeating “Biker Bias”: Why You Need a Los Angeles Motorcycle Specialist
Insurance companies love motorcycle cases because they bank on jury bias. They know that many people view riders as risk-takers who “asked for it.” Their strategy is to shift the blame onto you to devalue your claim. They will scrutinize your riding history, your gear, and even your speed, regardless of the other driver’s negligence.
This is why a general personal injury lawyer often isn’t enough. You need a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney who knows how to counter these specific tactics. We know that “I didn’t see him” is an admission of negligence, not a valid excuse. We fight to ensure you are treated as a victim of a crash, not the villain of the story.
Los Angeles Lane Splitting
One of the most common ways insurers try to deny claims in Los Angeles is by blaming the rider for lane splitting. They count on the public misconception that filtering through traffic is illegal.
In California, lane splitting is legal (California Vehicle Code § 21658.1). As long as you were splitting lanes safely and at a prudent speed for the traffic conditions, you have every right to share the road. We know the difference between reckless riding and safe filtering, and we will protect your rights if the defense tries to use this legal maneuver against you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Los Angeles
Riding in LA is unlike riding anywhere else. Between the gridlock on the 405, the winding curves of Mulholland Drive, and the heavy surface street traffic, the risks are everywhere. We investigate the specific dynamics of your motorcycle accident Los Angeles case to pinpoint exactly what went wrong.
- The Left-Turn Trap: This is the single most common cause of rider injuries. A driver at an intersection turns left directly in front of a rider who has the right of way.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers checking their texts instead of their mirrors often merge directly into riders.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, or uneven pavement that a car would roll over can be lethal for a bike.
- Doorings: In dense areas like Santa Monica or Downtown, parked drivers often swing doors open into traffic without looking, causing a rider to impact the door or swerve into traffic.
Evidence We Use to Prove Driver Negligence
Because bias is against us, we have to build a wall of evidence that the defense cannot break. We move quickly to preserve proof before it disappears.
- The Rider’s Gear: We treat your scuffed helmet and shredded leathers as evidence. They show the point of impact and the severity of the slide.
- Video Footage: Many riders use GoPros, and businesses often have surveillance cameras pointing at intersections. This footage is critical to proving you were riding responsibly.
- Skid & Yaw Marks: We analyze the road to show that you reacted defensively and attempted to avoid the crash.
- Witness Statements: We lock down independent witnesses immediately, before their memories fade or insurance adjusters can manipulate their statements.
Catastrophic Injuries: The High Stakes of Rider Cases
A “fender bender” for a car is a life-altering event for a rider. The injuries we see are rarely minor, and they require a legal team that understands the long-term medical implications.
- Road Rash (Traumatic Dermatitis): It is not just a scrape. Severe road rash often requires debridement, skin grafts, and months of painful recovery.
- Degloving Injuries: Extensive tissue damage where skin is ripped from the underlying tissue.
- Lower Extremity Fractures: Tibia and fibula breaks are common when the bike falls on the rider’s leg.
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Often called “Biker’s Arm,” this is nerve damage in the shoulder caused by landing on the arm or shoulder.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with a high-quality helmet, the brain can still suffer concussions or bleeds from the force of impact.
Compensation: Recovering What You Lost
Your settlement needs to cover more than just your initial emergency room visit. We demand full value for everything this accident has cost you.
- Medical Costs: This includes past surgeries, physical therapy, and future needs like plastic surgery for scarring.
- Gear Replacement: Helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots are expensive investments. We demand full replacement value for your damaged property.
- Bike Repair or Replacement: We fight for the fair market value of your bike, including aftermarket parts and customizations, not just the low “Blue Book” value insurers offer.
- Loss of Earnings: We calculate the wages you lost while recovering and any impact on your future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: The loss of your ability to ride, the physical pain of recovery, and the emotional trauma of the crash have a monetary value.
Los Angeles Helmet Laws & Comparative Negligence
California has a universal helmet law (CVC § 27803) requiring all riders and passengers to wear a helmet. However, if you were not wearing a helmet during your accident, you still have a case.
The defense will argue that you are responsible for your own injuries, but California follows a “Pure Comparative Negligence” rule. This means even if you were partially at fault (for not wearing a helmet), you can still recover damages. For example, if you suffered a broken leg, the lack of a helmet is irrelevant to that injury. We ensure the defense cannot use a helmet violation to deny valid claims for other bodily injuries.
Get Back on the Road with a Motorcycle Accident Los Angeles Attorney
Don’t let an insurance company bully you into a lowball settlement while you are trying to heal. They have teams of lawyers protecting their profits; you need Haffner Law protecting your future.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we advance all costs of the litigation, and you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Call Haffner Law today for a case evaluation. Ride safe, and if you go down, we are here to pick you up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
Yes. Motorcycle claims are inherently more difficult than car accident claims due to the severity of injuries and the bias against riders. Insurance adjusters will try to pin fault on you to save money. A lawyer shields you from these tactics and ensures you don’t accept an offer that fails to cover your long-term medical bills.
How much are most motorcycle accident settlements?
There is no “average” settlement because every crash is unique. A case involving road rash and a broken bone will have a different value than one involving a TBI or spinal injury. The value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, the amount of insurance coverage available, and the severity of your pain and suffering.
How to make a motorcycle accident claim?
Your first step is to report the accident to your own insurance company, but do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance until you have spoken to an attorney. Contact Haffner Law, and we will handle the filing of the claim, the collection of evidence, and all communication with the insurance carriers.
What to do after a minor motorcycle accident?
Even in a “minor” accident, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
- Get to safety and check yourself for injuries.
- Call the police to get an official report.
- Exchange info with the driver and get contact info for witnesses.
- Take photos of your bike, the car, the road conditions, and your injuries.
- See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Consult an attorney before closing any claim with insurance
