Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
- Confidential
- No Obligation
- No Upfront Fees
80+ Google Reviews as of August 2026
Years Experience
Recovered for injured Clients
No Fee Unless We Win
Reviewed by a California Attorney
Reviewed by Vazken “Vinny” Agemian, Founding Attorney, Agemian Law Group · State Bar of California #314607 · Admitted 2017
Motorcycle and rider injury claims · $3.5M rider matters resolved.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Avvo profile · LinkedIn · Full biography
Why Motorcycle Accidents Demand an Experienced Attorney in Los Angeles?
Motorcycle accidents happen every day on Los Angeles roads, and the consequences for injured riders are far more severe than in a standard vehicle collision. Unlike car drivers, motorcycle riders have no structural protection, so even a moderate-speed impact can cause fatal, catastrophic or permanently disabling injuries.
According to the NHTSA, more than 80,000 riders suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents across the United States each year. In California, SWITRS reports an average of 553 motorcyclist fatalities per year and Los Angeles County accounts for approximately one in five of those motorcycle fatalities. In LA County alone, about ten motorcyclists lose their lives every month.
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to see motorcycles, make unsafe lane changes, run red lights, or drive while distracted or impaired. As an injured victim, you have a legal right to seek compensation but insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation on their own.
LA Motorcycle Accident Facts
553
California motorcyclist fatalities per year (SWITRS)
80%
Of all motorcycle crashes result in rider injury
1 in 5
California motorcycle fatalities occur in LA County
Sources: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, May 2025. Reviewed August 2026.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
The decisions you make in the hours following a motorcycle crash can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel fine. Internal organ injuries and TBI may not show symptoms right away.
Report the Accident
California law requires all parties to stop, exchange information, and report the crash to law enforcement.
Document the Scene
Photograph road conditions, vehicle damage, skid marks, signals, and injuries. Collect witness information.
Avoid Insurers
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Call Agemian Law Group
Call (866) 865-8772 for a free consultation. The sooner we act, the better we can preserve evidence.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Understanding how most motorcycle accidents occur is essential to building a successful personal injury claim. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have handled virtually every cause imaginable.
Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most common causes of motorcycle fatalities in California. Drivers turn left in front of oncoming motorcycles, often claiming they simply did not see the rider.
- Left Turn Accident Lawyer
Lane Splitting Accidents
Lane splitting is legal in California under CVC Section 21658.1, but negligent drivers frequently make sudden lane changes without checking for motorcyclists.
- Lane Splitting Lawyer
Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer no rear protection when struck from behind, riders are frequently ejected. These high-impact collisions almost always result in serious injuries.
- Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Distracted Driving
Drivers texting, adjusting GPS, or engaging with passengers often fail to register motorcycles in time to avoid a crash. We investigate phone records and vehicle data to prove fault.
- Learn More
Road Hazards & Poor Conditions
Potholes, oil slicks, and debris pose deadly risks to motorcycle riders. Government claims for road defects must be filed within six months under Government Code Section 911.2.
- Road Hazard Lawyer
Hit and Run Accidents
When a driver flees the accident scene, we track responsible parties through camera networks and license plate databases, and pursue uninsured motorist coverage when necessary.
- Hit & Run Lawyer
Catastrophic Injuries From Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries are consistently among the most severe of all traffic accident injury types. We have handled all of the following for clients across Los Angeles County.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Brain damage from external force common even when helmets are worn. TBI symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, cognitive impairment, and seizures, often requiring months of rehabilitation and lifetime medical monitoring.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Ranging from herniated discs to complete paralysis, these catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, home modifications, and permanent lifestyle adjustments. Our attorneys quantify the full lifetime cost of these injuries.
Internal Organ Injuries
Blunt force frequently causes liver lacerations, kidney damage, ruptured spleens, and internal bleeding that are not immediately apparent after a crash. This is a critical reason to seek medical care immediately even when you feel fine.
Road Rash and Skin Injuries
Third-degree road rash penetrates all skin layers, destroys underlying tissue, and often requires extensive medical treatment including multiple surgeries this level of care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Scarring causes both physical limitations and lasting emotional suffering.
Broken Bones & Orthopedic Injuries
Compound fractures of the femur, tibia, pelvis, and collarbone among the most frequently documented motorcycle crash injuries, encompassing the full range of motorcycle injuries often require surgical hardware, months of physical therapy, and leave permanent limitations.
Wrongful Death
When a motorcycle accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under CCP Section 377.60. Recoverable damages include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. We handle these cases with tenacity and care.
What Compensation Can You Recover From a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Insurance companies will try to settle for as little as possible. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys fight to ensure every aspect of your loss economic and non-economic is fully accounted for and fairly compensated.
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical bills (emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and medical equipment)
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Future income loss if injuries result in permanent disability
- Property damage for motorcycle repair or replacement
- All out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving drunk driving or extreme reckless behavior, to hold the negligent party fully accountable.
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch For
“Insurance companies are for-profit corporations. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Without an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side, you are at a significant disadvantage.”
Tactic 1
Rushing settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries is known especially dangerous for TBI and spinal injuries that worsen over time.
Tactic 2
Exploiting the "reckless biker" stereotype and California's comparative fault rules to exaggerate the rider's responsibility and slash your payout.
Tactic 3
Using recorded statements obtained in the hours after a crash when you are disoriented against you later in court.
Tactic 4
Blaming lane splitting, helmet non-use, or road conditions to reduce or deny your insurance claim entirely.
When the Driver Who Hit You Has No Insurance, or Not Enough
Available insurance decides most rider claims in Los Angeles, more often than the severity of the injury does. Here is what usually pays, and in what order.
- California minimum cover is low. A driver only has to carry $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. One ambulance transport and one orthopaedic surgery routinely exhaust it.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist cover. Your own policy’s UM/UIM cover steps in when the at-fault driver has none or too little. Most riders do not know what limits they carry until we read the policy.
- MedPay. Pays medical bills regardless of fault and does not wait for the claim to resolve. It is optional cover, so check whether you have it.
- Medical liens and subrogation. Health insurers and treating providers can claim back out of your settlement. Negotiating those down is often worth more to a client than the last few thousand on the gross figure.
- Proposition 213 and Civil Code 3333.4. An uninsured rider cannot recover non-economic damages in California, however clear the other driver’s fault. Economic losses stay recoverable.
Bring your own declarations page to the first meeting. It usually tells us more about what a claim is worth than the police report does.
California Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know
Lane Splitting Rights (CVC § 21658.1)
Lane splitting is legal in California, making it one of the only states to formally recognize this practice. The California Highway Patrol recommends motorcyclists split lanes only when traffic moves at 30 mph or less, and not exceed surrounding traffic speed by more than 10 mph. Even when done legally, insurance companies routinely attempt to assign fault to lane-splitting riders a tactic our attorneys consistently defeat.
Helmet Law Requirements
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets at all times. Riding without a helmet does not eliminate your personal injury claim, but under California's pure comparative negligence system it may reduce compensation for head-related injuries. Other injuries, including broken bones, internal injuries and spinal injuries, remain fully compensable regardless.
Pure Comparative Fault in California
California follows a pure comparative fault rule even if you were partially at fault for a motorcycle accident, you can still recover compensation reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. If you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages. Insurance companies aggressively exploit this rule. Our attorneys conduct thorough accident reconstruction to assign fault accurately and protect your recovery.
Statute of Limitations (CCP § 335.1)
California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims in personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents. Claims against government entities for road defects must be filed within six months under Government Code Section 911.2. Missing these deadlines permanently eliminates your right to compensation prompt action is critical.
Our Proven Process for Motorcycle Accident Claims
A systematic, litigation-ready approach to winning your motorcycle accident case.
Immediate Investigation
We secure surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and engage accident reconstruction experts before evidence disappears.
Medical Documentation
We have helped countless injury victims by working with injury victims and specialists to document both current and future care requirements, capturing the full value of injuries suffered.
Litigation Preparation
Every motorcycle crash claim is prepared as if going to trial. This creates leverage in settlement and ensures we are always ready to fight in court.
Maximum Recovery
We counter lowball offers with documented demand packages. When insurers refuse to negotiate fairly, we take the case to trial and win.
Evidence We Gather to Build Your Motorcycle Accident Case
| Evidence Type | What We Collect |
|---|---|
| Scene Documentation | Skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signals |
| Video Evidence | Traffic cameras, dashcams, security footage, witness videos |
| Witness Statements | Recorded interviews, written declarations, expert testimony |
| Medical Records | Emergency notes, surgical reports, therapy records |
| Police Reports | Official reports, citations issued, officer observations |
| Electronic Data | Phone records, GPS data, vehicle event data recorders |
| Expert Analysis | Accident reconstruction, prognosis, economic loss projections |
Why Choose Agemian Law Group as Your Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle-Specific Experience
We understand California motorcycle laws, lane splitting cases, the "reckless biker" stereotype, and how insurer bias affects motorcycle accident claims.
No Upfront Costs
Every motorcycle accident case is handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction.
Available 24/7
Our motorcycle attorney team is available around the clock. Call (866) 865-8772 any time for immediate support and a free consultation.
Multilingual Team
We serve clients in English, Armenian, and Spanish every injured motorcyclist in Los Angeles deserves expert representation regardless of their primary language.
What Our Clients Say
Recent Motorcycle Accident Case Results
Traumatic Brain Injury
Left-turn collision on LA freeway, extensive rehabilitation required
Spinal Cord Injury
Rear-end collision resulting in partial paralysis, lifetime care needs
Motorcycle Accident
Distracted driver, multiple orthopedic fractures and road rash
Lane Splitting Accident
Unsafe lane change by driver, insurer initially denied liability
Recent Motorcycle Accident Results
Each figure below is a gross recovery before attorney fees, costs and medical liens.
| Recovery | How it happened | Resolved | Forum |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.2M | Spinal cord injury, rear-end collision | 2025 | Glendale |
| $875K | Left-turn collision on an LA freeway, extensive rehabilitation | 2025 | Los Angeles |
| $1M | Rider struck by a distracted driver | 2024 | Burbank |
| $700K | Lane-splitting collision, orthopaedic injuries | 2026 | Los Angeles |
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique, and what any matter recovers depends on its own facts, the injuries involved and the insurance available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles
What should I do first after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?
What should I do first after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?
Seek medical care immediately even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries, including internal organ injuries and traumatic brain injuries, are not immediately apparent. Report the accident to law enforcement, document the accident scene with photos, gather witness information, and contact a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company or filing an insurance claim on your own.
What if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?
What if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?
Lane splitting is legal in California when performed safely under CHP guidelines. Insurance companies routinely attempt to automatically assign fault to lane-splitting riders, but this does not hold up legally. Our lane splitting accident attorneys handle these cases regularly and know how to protect your right to fair compensation under California motorcycle laws.
Does not wearing a helmet eliminate my right to file a claim?
Does not wearing a helmet eliminate my right to file a claim?
No. California helmet laws require DOT-approved helmets, but failing to wear one does not eliminate your personal injury claim. It may reduce compensation for head-related injuries under comparative negligence rules, but injuries to other parts of the body broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries remain fully compensable. Extensive medical documentation is especially important in these cases.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our uninsured motorist accident attorneys handle claims where drivers flee the scene, carry no insurance, or have insufficient coverage for the injuries suffered.
How much does hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
How much does hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Our firm works exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses during your case. Call (866) 865-8772 for a free consultation available 24/7.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims in personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents (CCP Section 335.1). If your claim involves a government entity such as a city for poor road maintenance you must file within six months under Government Code Section 911.2. Do not wait; evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate over time.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident?
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident?
Yes. If a loved one died as a result of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, California law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim under CCP Section 377.60. Recoverable damages include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Contact our firm immediately to understand your rights.
What is the average motorcycle accident settlement in Los Angeles?
What is the average motorcycle accident settlement in Los Angeles?
What a motorcycle claim is worth in Los Angeles is set first by the insurance available, not by the injury. California’s minimum bodily injury cover is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, and a single ambulance transport plus one orthopaedic surgery routinely exhausts it — which is why uninsured and underinsured motorist cover, MedPay and the rider’s own policy usually decide the outcome. From our own closed rider files: minor injuries treated without surgery commonly resolve between injuries needing surgery or extended rehabilitation and catastrophic injuries involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage or death above. One further California rule matters here: under Proposition 213 and Civil Code 3333.4, an uninsured rider cannot recover non-economic damages at all, however clear the other driver’s fault.
Serving Motorcycle Accident Victims Throughout Los Angeles County
We represent injured motorcyclists across all communities in Southern California
- Downtown LA
- San Fernando Valley
- East Los Angeles
- South Bay
- Westside
- San Gabriel Valley
- Glendale
- Long Beach
Where We Are, and Where We Ride Out To
Agemian Law Group, 550 N Brand Blvd, Suite 1960, Glendale, CA 91203. Rider claims come to us from across Los Angeles County: Downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, East Los Angeles, the South Bay, the Westside, the San Gabriel Valley, Glendale and Long Beach. We serve clients in English, Armenian and Spanish.
Parking is available in the building, and the office is a short walk from the Brand Boulevard stops. If you cannot travel, we come to you: home and hospital visits are standard for riders still in treatment.