Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle crash in the San Fernando Valley can change your life in seconds. Between severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and the shock of the accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the steps you take immediately after the collision can protect your health and your right to compensation.
With decades of combined legal experience representing injured riders, our team at LA Injury Lawyers knows the unique challenges bikers face in LA County courts and with insurance companies.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries because riders lack the protection of a car frame. Common injuries include:
- Fractures – Arms, legs, and collarbones are highly vulnerable.
- Road rash – Painful abrasions that can lead to infection.
- Head and brain injuries – Even with a helmet, concussions and TBIs are possible.
- Spinal injuries – Risk of partial or complete paralysis.
Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline can mask symptoms. Get evaluated at a hospital or urgent care right away. Your medical records will also serve as vital evidence for yourmotorcycle crash lawyer in SFV.
Step 2: Report the Accident
California law requires you to report any accident involving injuries or significant property damage. Call 911 so police and paramedics can respond.
- Police report: The officer’s account can help establish fault.
- DMV report: File Form SR-1 within 10 days if injuries occurred or damages exceed $1,000.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, or if a friend can help, collect:
- Photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), and the crash site
- Contact and insurance info for all drivers involved
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Any visible injuries
The more evidence yourmotorcycle accident attorney has, the stronger your case will be.
Determining Fault in San Fernando Valley Motorcycle Accidents
California follows acomparative negligence system. This means:
- You can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Common causes where the other driver is at fault include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles
- Speeding or distracted driving
- Failure to yield
An experiencedmotorcycle crash lawyer in SFV will investigate to prove the other party’s negligence and minimize any fault assigned to you.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often try to:
- Shift the blame onto the rider
- Offer low settlements quickly.
- Request recorded statements to use against you
Never give a recorded statement without speaking to your attorney first. Once you hire amotorcycle accident attorney, they’ll handle all communications so you can focus on recovery.
Possible Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash
You may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehab, future care
- Lost wages – Paychecks missed during recovery
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
- Loss of enjoyment – If injuries limit your activities
We’ve secured six- and seven-figure settlements for riders who faced life-changing injuries after crashes in the SFV.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in the San Fernando Valley Helps
Here’s how we fight for injured riders:
- Investigate the crash – Gather police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions.
- Work with medical experts – Prove the full extent of your injuries.
- Negotiate aggressively – Push for the maximum possible settlement.
- Take your case to trial – If insurers refuse a fair offer.
Our familiarity with SFV roads, intersections, and accident patterns, especially along the 101, 405, and Ventura Boulevard, gives us an edge in local cases.
Local Risks for Riders in the San Fernando Valley
The SFV has a mix of urban and suburban roads, creating unique hazards:
- Heavy commuter traffic on freeways like the 101 and 405
- High-speed stretches on roads like Topanga Canyon Boulevard
- Blind curves on mountain roads toward Malibu or Angeles National Forest
- Distracted drivers in busy shopping areas like Sherman Oaks and Encino
Knowing these dangers helps yourmotorcycle crash lawyer anticipate how accidents occur and build a stronger claim.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In California, you generally havetwo years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash involved a government vehicle, the deadline may be as short as six months. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to preserve evidence and contact witnesses while memories are fresh.
Mid-Article Call to Action
If you’ve been injured in an SFV motorcycle crash, don’t wait for the insurance company to play hardball. Call ourmotorcycle accident attorneys for afree consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
What to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident
- Admitting fault at the scene
- Posting about the crash on social media – Insurers monitor these posts.s
- Delaying medical treatment – Gaps in care can hurt your case.
The Legal Process After a Motorcycle Crash
- Consultation – Discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options.
2. Investigation – Collect police reports, medical records, and photos.
3. Claim Filing – Demand letter sent to the at-fault party’s insurer.
4. Negotiation – Settlement discussions to avoid trial.
5. Litigation – If needed, your case goes before a jury.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for SFV Riders
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risks:
- Wear DOT-approved helmets and protective gear
- Avoid lane splitting in heavy traffic (even though it’s legal in CA)
- Ride defensively, assume other drivers don’t see you.
- Avoid high-speed canyon riding on an unfamiliar roads
A motorcycle crash can leave you with serious injuries, lost income, and a long recovery ahead. Ourmotorcycle accident attorneys in the San Fernando Valley have the experience, resources, and local knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (818) 418-4000 for afree consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, but your compensation may be reduced if your injuries were worsened by not wearing one. - What if the driver fled the scene?
You can pursue an uninsured motorist claim through your insurance. - Do I need a lawyer for minor injuries?
Yes, some injuries worsen over time, and a lawyer ensures you’re fairly compensated. - How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in a few months; complex ones can take over a year. - What if the accident was partly my fault?
You can still recover damages under California’s comparative negligence law.