Beverly Hills is known for its busy roads, from Santa Monica Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, but its fast-paced environment can contribute to serious risks for motorcyclists. Accidents in this area will reflect trends seen with California motorcycle accidents, where even experienced riders are met with hazards from negligent drivers, sudden stops, or crowded areas. These circumstances can make it difficult for them to safely navigate their way in and out of traffic, putting them at high risk of collisions.
In such cases, injured victims are eligible to seek compensation if the incident was caused by someone else. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis, and are readily available to pursue your case without upfront legal costs. With our understanding of local rules and regulations, we can help affected individuals recover compensation for losses sustained after a motorcycle crash.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that our services are free until your case has been settled. To schedule a FREE Case Evaluation, we welcome you to contact us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?ย
Motorcycle accidents are mostly caused by other vehicles, especially when negligent drivers are actively violating their reasonable care on the road. Under California Vehicle Code ยงยง 17150 and Civil Code 1714, every driver has the responsibility of operating their vehicle safely, and those who do not comply with these rules will be held liable if their negligence causes injuries.
One of the leading common causes of a motorcycle accident is distracted driving, which is prohibited under CVC ยงยง 23123 and 23123.5. This makes it illegal to use handheld devices when operating a vehicle. When a driver is seen texting, scrolling, or having their attention diverted to something other than the road, they will fail to see or yield to nearby motorcyclists, ultimately contributing to collisions during lane changes, merges, or left turns. Crashes involving other vehicles may also include the following:
- Right-of-way violations at intersections
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely behind
- Unsafe passing
Although not as common, product defects, like faulty brakes or structural components, can also trigger motorcycle accidents. Under California product liability law, manufacturers can be held responsible for defective or unsafe products. These factors highlight that many motorcycle accidents result from preventable causes, including negligence caused by careless driving, distractions, or manufacturing errors.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Beverly Hills?ย
โMost motorcycle accidents happen on urban roads, where major city streets contain heavy traffic, multiple lanes, and frequent intersections. There is no publicly available dataset that covers exactly where such cases take place within Beverly Hills.
However, statewide trendsย make the risks clear. In 2022, approximately 75% of deadly motorcycle crashes occurred in such areas, with โprincipal arterials,” accounting for the largest share (30%).
Crashes are common at intersections along these roads, mostly when drivers are making left turns or merging. Given Beverly Hillsโ dense traffic, frequent intersections, and constant turning movements, its crash patterns are expected to reflect these trends, with intersections and congested streets representing the highest-risk locations.
Are There More Motorcycle Accidents Than Car?
While there are far more car accidents in absolute numbers, motorcycles continue to be disproportionately represented in severe and fatal collisions.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 6,335 motorcycle riders were killed in the United States, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities.
- Motorcycles make up around 3-4% of registered vehicles, but, their ย fatality rate per mile traveled is fairly high.ย
- About 31.39 fatalities per 100 million vehicle-miles in comparison with 1.13 per 100 million vehicle-miles for passengers in car accidents.
This means that even though cars are involved in the majority of crashes, motorcyclists are much more likely to be killed or sustain serious injuries when a collision occurs. Simply put, car accidents are more common overall, but riding a motorcycle comes with higher risk of a devastating injury or death per mile traveled.
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Crash?ย
Motorcycle accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, with riders being especially vulnerable because of limited protective barriers. Common injuries include:
- Road rash
- Cuts and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
These types of bodily harm can form the basis of a personal injury claim, as affected individuals may seek compensation for losses incurred, like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because motorcycle accidents can result in various simultaneous injuries, the combination of significant harm and costly recovery elevates the complexity and intensity of these cases.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?ย
Motorcycle accidents can happen within an instant, and the consequences following after may involve serious bodily harm due to vulnerability. Knowing how to respond can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and help ensure you are given fair treatment from insurance companies or in any legal proceedings. Injured victims should do the following to ensure their rights are protected:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if bodily harm appears minor.
- Gather as much evidence as you can, taking photos or video footage of the vehicles involved, the injuries you incurred, and the surrounding conditions.
- Exchange information with all parties involved.
- Report the accident to local authorities as soon as you can.
- Request a copy of the police report to use in your personal injury claim.
For further legal assistance, you can reach out to a Beverly Hills motorcycle accident lawyer. They will defend your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation by efficiently negotiating with insurance companies, keeping your best interests in mind.
How Long After a Motorcycle Accident Can You Sue?
For most motorcycle accident claims involving personal injury, California law will give you two years from the date of the incident to sue the liable party (Code of Civil Procedure ยง 335.1). If the claim only involves property damage, the time limit will be three years. Missing either of these deadlines will bar you from recovering compensation.
โHow Is Motorcycle Accident Fault Determined?
Fault in a motorcycle is determined by assessing which party failed to exercise their duty of care. Factors to consider include violations of traffic laws, failure to yield, and speeding. California follows the comparative negligence legal system, meaning liability can be shared between parties, and compensation may be adjusted in accordance to each degree of responsibility.ย
For instance a driver was 80% at fault for failing to yield, whereas a motorcyclist was 20% at fault for slightly going above the posted speed limit. If total damages are $50,000, the motorcyclist would be entitled to $50,000. This system ensures a proportionate amount of compensation has been distributed fairly.
โHow Do You Recover From a Motorcycle Accident Injury?
Recovering from a motorcycle accident typically starts off with immediate medical care, followed by a rehabilitation plan personalized to the severity of the injuries. Some conditions, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent and can worsen if left untreated.
After initial treatment, recovery may include rehabilitation programs made to enhance mobility and strength along with pain management through medications. Emotional and psychological recovery is just as important, as many riders may experience trauma, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious collision.ย
In addition, documenting injuries and medical treatment is essential when pursuing insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. Recovery timelines vary depending on the type and severity of the injuries sustained.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?ย
The amount a person receives from a motorcycle accident settlement will vary based on the extent of harm, the intensity of the crash, and the financial losses incurred. In any motorcycle collision, compensation will consider economic (medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic losses (emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering).
The legal process, insurance coverage limits, and the at fault party will affect what the final amount will be. Since each of these factors can contribute to a unique value, there is no “typical” settlement figure, but there are ranges that demonstrate common outcomes.
For instance, minor damages can lead to $10,000-$25,000 in financial recovery, whereas catastrophic injuries may exceed $1 million. Ultimately, every motorcycle accident case has its own particular issues that distinguish itself amongst others, and consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that all losses are fully considered.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Hiring a Beverly Hills motorcycle accident attorney can help improve your chances of recovering compensation. Such collisions often consist of multiple parties, like other drivers, insurance companies, and in some cases, government entities. These can make it more difficult to determine liability. An attorney can investigate the incident, collect evidence, and establish fault, which is essential for seeking fair compensation.
Legal representation is especially important when calculating damages, such as lost income, medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering. Working alongside a qualified expert will help ensure your rights are protected and you are given the best possible outcome.
Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers
Motorcycle accident victims are entitled to secure compensation for losses endured as a result of someone else’s negligence. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys are readily available to provide guidance and support.ย
Our team is committed to navigate you through each stage of the legal process, handling all aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Whether it involves building a strong claim, negotiating with insurers, or pursuing full financial compensation in court, we are here to advocate on your behalf to get you favorable results.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our top-rated Beverly Hills motorcycle accident attorneys, you may reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
