Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
When a motorcycle accident happens, life can flip upside down in seconds. Injuries are usually severe, and the bills don’t waste any time piling up. While you’re still trying to catch your breath and decide what to do next, the other driver’s insurance company is already moving into action on their end.
Matthew Blair has spent years standing up for motorcycle accident victims all over Los Angeles. He understands the tactics insurance companies use in these cases, and he knows exactly what it takes to push back.
What You May Be Going Through
You might be stuck at home, unable to work because of your injuries, while the medical bills keep stacking up. Meanwhile, the insurance adjuster keeps calling, offering you a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering what you’ve actually lost. It’s draining to manage all this when you’re still trying to recover.
The other driver’s insurance company has one priority: to settle your claim for as little as they can. They move quickly, throw out lowball offers, and look for anything that could help them pay you less. Having a lawyer in your corner from the very beginning can completely shift how things play out.
What Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
It’s a legal step that lets an injured rider seek compensation from whoever caused the crash. Here in California, if another driver’s negligence led to your accident, you have the right to demand payment for your injuries, your financial losses, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Winning these cases means proving who was at fault, which is why evidence and timing are so important. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case usually is.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents aren’t the rider’s fault. More often, it’s another driver who wasn’t paying attention, made a reckless choice, or got behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have.
Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most common ways motorcycle accidents happen in California is when a driver turns left or right into the path of an oncoming rider. The results can be devastating. Drivers often say they just didn’t see the motorcycle, but that excuse doesn’t hold up. Every driver is responsible for checking before making a turn, and failing to do that leads to some of the worst injuries riders face.
Lane Change Crashes
If a driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot, a motorcyclist can be forced off the road before there’s even a chance to react. These crashes are all too common on packed freeways like the 405 and the 101, where traffic is heavy, and cars are moving fast. The injuries from these collisions are often serious.
Distracted and Impaired Drivers
Drivers who are texting, under the influence of alcohol, or using drugs have no business being on the road. When this kind of careless behavior leads to a motorcycle accident, it can make for a strong claim for compensation, and sometimes, even punitive damages.
What You May Be Entitled To
California law gives motorcycle accident victims the right to seek compensation for a wide range of losses. That can include your medical bills from the emergency care you needed right after the crash to any ongoing treatment your injuries might require. If you’ve missed work because of your injuries, you can claim lost income, and if the accident has changed your ability to earn a living long-term, you may be able to recover for that loss as well.
You’re also entitled to seek damages for pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional stress a serious injury can bring into your life. In situations where the other driver’s actions were especially outrageous, there may even be grounds for punitive damages.
Matthew Blair takes on motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless he wins compensation for you.
How the Process Works
It’s easier to face the process when you know what’s coming. Here’s how Matthew Blair approaches motorcycle accident cases:
- Initial consultation and case review
- Evidence collection, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Building your claim and calculating the full extent of your losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company or taking your case to trial if that’s what it takes
Frequently asked questions
Got questions? You’re not alone. Here are some answers to the questions people ask most often.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Matthew Blair takes motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay any upfront costs, and there are no attorneys’ fees unless he wins compensation for you.
However, there may be some costs along the way that you may be responsible for. We’ll discuss these costs beforehand during your consultation so that there are no surprises. Your first consultation is free, with absolutely no obligation.
How long will my case take?
It really depends on how complicated your accident was and how serious your injuries are. Some cases wrap up in just a few months, while others need more time, especially if your recovery is taking longer or if it’s unclear who’s at fault. From your very first conversation, Matthew Blair will give you a straightforward idea of what to expect.
What if I weren’t wearing a helmet?
California law says you have to wear a helmet, and not having one can come up during your case. Still, it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. California uses a comparative fault system, so while your compensation might be reduced if you share some responsibility, you can still file a claim.
What if the other driver fled the scene or doesn’t have insurance?
You might still have a way forward. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own policy can help when the other driver takes off or doesn’t have enough coverage. Matthew Blair will look at every possible source of recovery to make sure nothing gets missed.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, don’t put off getting legal advice. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence and track down witnesses, while the other side is already getting a jump on their case.
Matthew Blair offers free consultations and is available around the clock. He’ll review your case, answer all your questions, and explain your legal options clearly.