Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle riders can be badly injured in a crash because they do not have a frame, airbags, or seat belts around them. Even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries. 

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker represents injured motorcyclists in Los Angeles and throughout California. Our firm can review what happened, respond to insurance arguments, and pursue compensation based on the facts of the case. 

• Our legal team has $2.2 billion+ reported in verdicts and settlements obtained for clients 
• 50 years of fighting for 100,000+ accident victims in LA, proven by real client reviews
• Extensive experience in a wide variety of car accidents
• 24/7 availability with a free initial consultation
• Contingency fee arrangements may be available. Attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome of the case. All fee terms and any applicable costs are explained in the written representation agreement before representation begins.

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future matter.

Why choose the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker for a Los Angeles motorcycle accident?

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has decades of experience representing injured people in California, including motorcycle riders hurt in serious crashes.

Motorcycle claims often involve assumptions about how riders behave. Insurance companies may focus on speed, lane splitting, or visibility before fully evaluating the driver’s actions. Reviewing the physical evidence, traffic conditions, and witness accounts is often critical to determining what actually happened.

Our legal team can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash
• Reviewing CHP, LAPD, insurance, medical, and repair records
• Responding to unfair blame against the rider
• Identifying all drivers, insurers, or other parties that may be responsible
• Documenting medical bills, lost income, pain, and other losses
• Preparing the claim for litigation when necessary

A motorcycle crash claim should not be decided by assumptions about riders. It should be reviewed based on what actually happened.

Request a free consultation with The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker.

What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?

After a motorcycle accident, get medical help, report the crash, take photos if you can, and keep all records connected to the crash. Motorcycle injuries can become more serious after the scene clears.

Steps after a motorcycle crash may include:

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt. A police or CHP report may help document the crash.
• Get medical attention. Head, neck, back, leg, and internal injuries may not be obvious right away.
• Move to safety if possible. Do not stay in traffic or near a damaged motorcycle.
• Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, license, plate number, and insurance information.
• Take photos. Photograph the motorcycle, other vehicles, road, traffic signs, injuries, helmet, and riding gear.
• Identify witnesses. A witness may help explain what the driver did before the crash.
• Request the right report. CHP may handle freeway crashes. LAPD may handle city-street crashes.
• Keep all records. Save medical bills, repair estimates, tow records, insurance letters, and missed-work records.
• Be careful with early insurance calls. Do not guess about your injuries before you understand your medical condition.

California drivers may also need to file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage above the reporting threshold. This is separate from a CHP, LAPD, or insurance report. 

What types of motorcycle accident cases does Larry H. Parker handle in Los Angeles?

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker handles Los Angeles motorcycle accident claims involving many types of crashes. 

• Left-Turn Accidents: These crashes may happen when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Lane-Splitting Accidents: These crashes may involve a motorcycle moving between lanes of stopped or slow traffic.
• Freeway Accidents: These may happen on I-405, I-10, US-101, I-5, SR-110, or other major Los Angeles routes.
• Unsafe Lane Change Accidents: These may happen when a driver changes lanes without checking for a motorcycle.
• Rear-End Accidents: A motorcycle rider may be badly hurt even when the impact looks minor.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: These claims may involve police reports, witness information, video footage, and uninsured motorist coverage.
• Dooring Accidents: A rider may be hurt when someone opens a vehicle door into the motorcycle’s path.
• Road Hazard Accidents: Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, or unsafe road work may be dangerous for riders.
• Fatal Motorcycle Accidents: When a crash causes death, surviving family members may have legal options under California wrongful death law.

The right claim depends on how the crash happened and who may be responsible.

What causes motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles?

Motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of serious injury or death on California roads. In 2023 alone, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported 583 motorcyclist fatalities statewide, highlighting how vulnerable riders are compared to occupants of other vehicles. In Los Angeles, motorcycle accidents frequently occur on heavily traveled corridors such as I-405, I-10, US-101, SR-110, and busy intersections where left-turn and unsafe lane-change collisions frequently occur.

Many of these crashes are preventable and often stem from driver behavior or unsafe road conditions, including:

• Drivers turning left in front of motorcycles
• Unsafe lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Opening car doors into traffic
• Failing to check blind spots
• Driving under the influence
• Poor road conditions
• Loose gravel, potholes, or debris
• Sudden stops in traffic
• Hit-and-run drivers

A common Los Angeles scenario is a driver turning left across traffic while a motorcycle is going straight. The driver may say the rider was hard to see. The claim may focus on whether the driver had enough time and space to see the rider before turning.

What injuries can a Los Angeles motorcycle accident cause?

Motorcyclists have little physical protection, and impact from a crash can leave riders with catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Burns
• Internal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Leg, knee, and ankle injuries
• Shoulder and arm injuries
• Nerve damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Amputations
• Emotional distress connected to physical injury
• Fatal injuries

Who may be liable for a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?

Liability depends on who caused or contributed to the crash. A driver, vehicle owner, employer, rideshare driver, delivery company, manufacturer, or public entity may be responsible, depending on the facts.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Negligent drivers who fail to yield, turn unsafely, change lanes without looking, or follow too closely
• Vehicle owners when ownership or permission creates legal responsibility
• Employers when a driver causes a crash while working
• Rideshare or delivery companies when app-based driving is involved
• Manufacturers or repair providers when a defective part or bad repair contributes to the crash
• Public entities when a dangerous road condition may be involved, subject to special procedures and deadlines

What must be proven in a motorcycle accident claim?

A motorcycle accident claim generally requires showing:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party had a duty to use reasonable care.
• Breach of Duty: That party failed to use reasonable care.
• Causation: The failure caused or contributed to the crash.
• Damages: The rider suffered losses supported by evidence.

For example, if another driver (responsible party) turned left in front of a motorcycle, either because he failed to yield or failed to look carefully before turning (breach of duty), and the motorcycle crashed into the car, the motorcycle rider can show evidence to prove that the car in front of him was at fault to claim damages.

Can you file a claim if you were partly responsible for a motorcycle accident?

Yes. California follows comparative fault principles. This means an injured rider may still be able to bring a claim even if they are partly responsible, but any recovery may be reduced based on the rider’s share of fault.

Motorcycle claims often involve fault arguments. An insurer may say the rider was lane splitting, riding too fast, or hard to see.

That does not automatically end the claim. The facts still matter.

Photos, witness statements, crash reports, vehicle damage, and expert review may help explain what actually caused the crash.

What damages may be available after a Los Angeles motorcycle accident?

A motorcycle accident claim may include the financial losses caused by the crash, as well as the human impact of pain, disability, and changes to daily life. The damages available depend on the facts and the evidence. 

The first type of damages, economic damages, are those you can claim for the loss of money from the injury. They include:

• Emergency medical care
• Hospital bills
• Surgery, medication, and rehabilitation
• Future medical treatment supported by evidence
• Physical therapy and specialist care
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Transportation and out-of-pocket expenses
• Home modification or mobility needs in serious injury cases
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death claims

The second type of damages, non-economic damages, are those you can claim for non-monetary losses that impact you. These include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress associated with the injury
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of consortium, when available under California law

There is a third type of damages that may be available under California Civil Code § 3294, called punitive damages. 

You can ask for punitive damages in a claim if your evidence shows that the other person acted with reckless misconduct. For example, if you were hit by a car with a drunk driver, you might be able to seek punitive damages if you can prove that the driver was under the influence.

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, a lawsuit for injury or death caused by another person’s wrongful act or neglect generally must be filed within two years. Other deadlines may apply depending on the type of claim and the parties involved.

Different rules may apply when:

• The crash caused death
• The injured person is a minor
• The claim involves only property damage
• A public vehicle is involved
• A dangerous road condition contributed to the crash
• Another statute or procedural rule applies

Los Angeles motorcycle accident claims involving a public vehicle, government driver, unsafe road design, or government-controlled road condition may require a government claim within a shorter period before a lawsuit can proceed.

An injured rider should not assume every case allows two full years before action is needed..

Attorney Insight: Does lane splitting automatically make the rider at fault?

No. Lane splitting does not automatically make a motorcycle rider responsible for a crash in California.

California Vehicle Code § 21658.1 defines lane splitting as riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles traveling in the same direction. That does not mean every lane-splitting crash is the rider’s fault.

For example, say a rider is moving between slow traffic on the 101 when a driver suddenly changes lanes without checking. The insurance company may blame the rider because lane splitting was involved. But the real question is whether each person acted reasonably.

A rider’s speed, the traffic conditions, the driver’s lane change, and the timing of the crash may all matter.

Why do you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles? 

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect the claim while the rider focuses on medical care. This can include reviewing the crash report, responding to unfair blame, identifying responsible parties, handling insurance communications, and preparing the claim for negotiation or litigation.

Opponent Playbook: How insurers may respond

After a motorcycle accident, an insurer may:

• Ask for a recorded statement
• Blame the rider for lane splitting
• Claim the rider was speeding
• Say the rider was hard to see
• Argue that the injuries were preexisting
• Dispute medical treatment
• Question lost income
• Offer an early settlement
• Delay while waiting for records
• Claim another driver or road condition caused the crash

A lawyer can respond by reviewing the crash report, checking the insurer’s version of events, gathering records, documenting medical treatment and losses, and preparing the case for litigation when necessary.

Insurance companies have teams reviewing claims. Injured riders should have a legal team prepared to review theirs.

What does the Los Angeles motorcycle accident claim process look like?

A motorcycle accident claim usually begins with identifying where the crash happened, who was involved, what insurance may apply, and what injuries were reported. Some claims resolve through negotiation. Others require filing a lawsuit. 

1. Free Consultation and Case Review

The legal team reviews the crash, injuries, motorcycle damage, known insurance details, and any urgent deadline issues.

2. Report and Record Collection

Records may include CHP or LAPD reports, photos, witness information, medical records, repair records, insurance letters, helmet and gear information, and video footage when available.

3. Liability and Insurance Review

The claim is reviewed to determine who may be responsible and what insurance coverage may apply.

4. Medical and Financial Documentation

Medical bills, missed work, future care, motorcycle damage, pain, and other losses are documented through records.

5. Insurance Claim and Negotiation

A claim may be presented to the appropriate insurer or insurers. Negotiations may involve fault, treatment, motorcycle damage, lost income, future care, pain, and other documented losses.

6. Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary

If the claim cannot be resolved through negotiation, filing a lawsuit may be necessary before the applicable deadline expires. Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawsuits may proceed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, depending on venue and the facts of the case.

Why are Los Angeles motorcycle accident claims often more complicated than they first appear? 

A motorcycle crash may sound simple at first. A driver turned. A car changed lanes. A rider went down. But the claim may become more complicated once fault is disputed.

Motorcycle cases often turn on what the driver saw, what the rider could do, and how traffic was moving before the crash.

If lane splitting is involved, the insurer may focus on the rider. If a driver turned left, the insurer may say the rider was speeding. If the road was damaged, the question may become who controlled that road.

That is why these claims need careful review.

How do you choose the right motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles?

Choose a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer based on experience with serious injury claims, knowledge of motorcycle crash issues, clear communication, fee transparency, and the ability to prepare a case without promising a result.

Does the firm handle your type of motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle accident claims can involve different roads, injuries, and fault disputes.

Our team handles Los Angeles motorcycle accident claims involving:

• Lane-splitting accidents
• Left-turn collisions
• Freeway crashes
• Rear-end crashes
• Unsafe lane changes
• Dooring accidents
• Hit-and-runs
• Road hazard claims
• Uninsured and underinsured drivers
• Fatal motorcycle accidents

Does the firm understand Los Angeles motorcycle crash issues?

Los Angeles motorcycle accident claims may involve freeway traffic, lane splitting, left-turn crashes, hit-and-runs, damaged roads, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, and insurance companies that blame riders too quickly.

A lawyer familiar with these issues can help review what actually caused the crash..

Does the firm have visible experience representing injured clients?

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker reports:

• 50 years serving California
• 100,000+ clients served
• More than $2.2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar result.

Does the firm explain fees clearly?

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker offers free consultations. Contingency fee arrangements may be available, meaning attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome of the case. The written agreement explains all applicable terms and costs before representation begins.

Is the firm prepared to deal with insurance companies and litigation?

A motorcycle accident claim may require insurance negotiation, record review, expert analysis, court filing, and litigation preparation. A legal team should be prepared to pursue the claim through the appropriate process when liability, injuries, or damages remain disputed. 

What have former clients said about The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker?

Our site publishes reviews from former clients who describe their individual experiences with the firm and the claims process.

“Excellent experience due to our auto accident. The staff are very professional and courteous. They make sure that your experience wit their office would be as pleasant as possible. Thank you!” – Leon A., Google Review

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Case Results That Reflect Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Experience

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker reports obtaining more than $2.2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients across its injury practice. Here are some of our results:

Personal injury

• Roe v. Doe: $2,400,000 – Exposure to Toluene diisocyanate
• Roe v. Doe: $1,500,000 – Automobile Accident
• Roe v. Doe: $1,375,000 – Automobile Accident
• Roe v. Doe: $1,500,000 – Water Skiing Accident
• Roe v. Doe: $2,435,865 – Offshore Drilling Accident

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; results are based on the specific facts of past cases.

Areas Served in Los Angeles

Our team represents individuals injured in motorcycle accidents throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities, including:

Central Los Angeles & Core Business Hubs

• Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
• Century City
• Mid-Wilshire / Miracle Mile
• Koreatown

Westside & The “Silicon Beach” Corridor

• Beverly Hills
• Santa Monica
• Culver City
• Playa Vista
• Westwood
• Malibu

San Fernando Valley (The Valley) & North County

• Burbank
• Studio City / Sherman Oaks
• Woodland Hills / Warner Center
• Santa Clarita

South Bay & Harbor Area

• Torrance
• El Segundo / LAX Corridor
• Long Beach
• Inglewood
• San Pedro

San Gabriel Valley (SGV) & Northeast

• Pasadena
• Glendale
• Alhambra / Monterey Park
• East Los Angeles (Unincorporated Area Focus)

The firm also represents injured clients in other California communities, including Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Ontario, and West Covina.

What resources may be relevant after a Los Angeles motorcycle accident?

Depending on where the crash happened, a claim may involve records from law enforcement, the DMV, insurers, medical providers, repair shops, public agencies, or courts.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Reporting Resources

• California Highway Patrol: Reports for many freeway crashes and state-highway collisions
• Los Angeles Police Department: Reports involving traffic collisions, assaults, or certain incidents requiring law enforcement response
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: SR-1 reporting for qualifying California traffic accidents
• California DMV Motorcycle Handbook: Motorcycle safety, rules, and rider information
• California Vehicle Code § 21658.1: California law defining lane splitting
• Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles: Court information if a lawsuit becomes necessary
• California Legislative Information: Official California statutes addressing negligence, filing deadlines, dog bite liability, and damages

Local Medical Resources

Emergency or follow-up medical care may involve facilities in and around Los Angeles, including:

• Los Angeles General Medical Center – 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center – 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center – 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Local Courthouses

Motorcycle accident lawsuits in Los Angeles County may involve the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Depending on filing location, case type, and court procedures, relevant courthouses may include:

• Stanley Mosk Courthouse – 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Spring Street Courthouse – 312 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Santa Monica Courthouse – 1725 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Van Nuys Courthouse East – 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401

Los Angeles Office Information

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker — Los Angeles Office
355 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 2450 – PMB #800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Open 24/7

Disclaimer: The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker does not endorse any public agency, court, medical provider, repair provider, care facility, or other entity referenced on this page. Resources are provided for informational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Personal Injury Claims

What if the driver says they did not see my motorcycle?

That is common in motorcycle accident claims, but it does not answer the whole question. Drivers still have a duty to look before turning, merging, or changing lanes. The claim may focus on what the driver should have seen before the crash.

Do I need a CHP or LAPD report after a motorcycle crash?

The report depends on where the crash happened. CHP often handles freeway and state-highway crashes. LAPD may handle crashes on Los Angeles city streets. The correct agency depends on who responded to the scene.

Can I file a claim if I was lane splitting?

Yes, depending on the facts. Lane splitting does not automatically prevent a claim. The issue is whether the rider, driver, or another party acted carelessly and caused the crash.

What if I was not wearing a helmet?

California law generally requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear safety helmets. Not wearing a helmet may become an issue in the claim, especially if the injuries involve the head or face. It does not automatically answer who caused the crash.

What if bad road conditions caused my motorcycle crash?

A road hazard claim may involve a public entity or another party responsible for the road condition. These claims may have shorter government-claim deadlines, so they should be reviewed early.

How much does it cost to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer?

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker offers free consultations for individuals seeking information about a possible motorcycle accident claim. Contingency fee arrangements may be available, meaning attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome of the matter. The written agreement explains applicable terms and costs.

For more answers to your questions, visit our FAQ page.

Talk to a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A serious motorcycle accident can create medical, financial, and insurance problems quickly. Treatment may be ongoing, work may be missed, the motorcycle may be damaged, and an insurer may begin blaming the rider early.

For 50 years, The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has represented injured clients throughout California. Our legal team handles Los Angeles personal injury claims involving accidents, unsafe property, dog bites, defective products, catastrophic injuries, elder abuse, and wrongful death.

What Our Team Can Do

• Investigate the crash
• Obtain available reports and records
• Preserve relevant evidence
• Communicate with insurance companies
• Document medical expenses, lost income, pain, impairment, and other losses
• Identify potentially responsible parties
• Evaluate applicable deadlines
• Prepare the claim for litigation when necessary

Request a Free Consultation

Complete the online case evaluation form.

• 50 Years Serving California
• 100,000+ Clients Served
• $2.2 Billion+ Reported in Verdicts and Settlements
• Available 7 Days a Week
• Free Consultation
• Contingency Fee Arrangements May Be Available

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar result.

Fee Disclosure: Contingency fee arrangements may be available. Attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome of the matter. All fee terms and any applicable costs are explained in the written representation agreement before representation begins.

Attorney Review and Office Information

You do not have to handle the insurance company or responsible party alone. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has represented injured clients throughout California for 50 years and can review the facts of your claim, explain the legal options that may be available, and advocate on your behalf.

Free Case Evaluation • Contingency Fee Arrangements May Be Available • Available 24/7

Fill out our online form to get started.

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker — Los Angeles Office
355 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 2450 – PMB #800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone: 800-333-0000

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Other Cases We Take On

• Car accident
• Truck accident
• Uber accident
• Pedestrian accident
• Bicycle accident
• Wrongful death
• Burn injury
• Catastrophic injury
• Dog bites
• Elder abuse
• Product liability
• Slip and fall injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Sports injury
• Traumatic brain injury