Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

From Hermosa Ave to Vista Del Mar, Manhattan Beach is a beautiful place to ride your motorcycle. Unfortunately, motorists aren’t always respectful of motorcycles and often don’t take the precautions necessary to safely share the road. When an accident occurs, it’s better to call a Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident lawyer than to risk a subpar or outright denied accident claim without one.

McLachlan Law, APC, has experience in representing motorcyclists like you who have been injured in a crash. With over 25 years of litigation experience and more than $100 million in settlement collections for clients, you can’t afford not to hire us. Our law firm is a force to be reckoned with, and our reputation precedes us in the courtroom. We fight for our clients, and we can fight for you. Our clients note that our patience and perseverance are some of our most endearing traits.

The Truth About Motorcycle Accidents

Manhattan Beach is a fairly safe place for motorcyclists, with fewer than five motorcyclists injured or killed each year. However, one injured or killed motorcyclist is one too many. With a broader scope, the numbers go up significantly. In fact, 15% of all accident-related fatalities in Los Angeles were motorcyclists, and 14% of statewide fatalities were motorcyclists as well.

What’s more shocking is that motorcycle accidents make up more than 15% of all accident fatalities nationwide as well, despite the fact that they only account for 3% of all registered vehicles on the roads. This is why riders must be attentive and careful when operating a motorcycle, as passenger vehicles may not be watching for them.

The California DMV publishes the California Motorcycle Handbook, which details all the laws and restrictions California motorcycle license holders must adhere to when operating a motorcycle on California roadways. These laws aren’t just useful for passing the driving test; putting them into practice every time you ride is essential to ensuring the safety of all motorcyclists and everyone else on the road.

The California Highway Patrol publishes safety tips for motorcycles and other vehicles, such as scooters and e-bikes. It also hosts live online motorcycle safety webinars to promote motorcycle safety awareness. However, the statistics suggest that these efforts, while commendable, are not enough to keep the roadways as safe as they should be for motorcycle riders.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many people don’t realize that these accidents are not always caused by motorcycle riders themselves. While a fair share of motorcycle accidents are caused by impaired driving, sleep deprivation, speeding, and inexperienced motorcycle operators, far too many are the result of passenger vehicle drivers’ negligence.

• Left Turns: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when passenger vehicle drivers fail to actively notice a motorcycle when making a left-hand turn, and T-bone accidents are often the result.
  
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is another frequent cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers are preoccupied with other things, it impacts their response time and ability to notice motorcycles on the road.
  
• Unawareness of Motorcycles: In general, passenger vehicle drivers tend to ignore motorcycles riding nearby. Drastic lane changing, overshadowing, sudden braking, and opening of car doors amid traffic are all common causes of motorcycle accidents. What’s more, they are all avoidable.

How a Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim on your own, without professional legal representation, could be devastating to your personal injury case. An experienced Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident lawyer has the resources to investigate the accident, evaluate the damages, advocate on your behalf, and negotiate with the insurance company to likely get a much better settlement than you would receive when representing yourself.

Without an motorcycle accident attorney at Manhattan Beach, your claim may even be denied altogether, or the final settlement amount may not even be enough to cover your losses.

FAQs About Manhattan Beach, CA Motorcycle Accident Laws

Q: How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California?

A: It is difficult to say how much a motorcycle accident settlement is worth in California. Every case is unique, with varying circumstances. The cost of an investigation, professional witnesses, property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and even the cost of living where the accident claim is filed can all affect the final settlement amount.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

A: You should always get a lawyer after a motorcycle accident if you or someone else was injured. An attorney can help you recover your losses, protect your rights, and be your advocate if someone files suit against you. When in doubt, it’s recommended to hire an attorney whenever you’re dealing with legal matters.

Q: Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

A: No, it is not in the interest of the insurance company for claimants to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to convince you that you don’t need a lawyer and then provide their lowest offer, expecting you not to know any better and accept it. An attorney, however, knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to get the highest offer possible.

Q: Does California Use Comparative Negligence?

A: California’s pure comparative negligence law allows for shared fault in accident claims. It permits anyone at fault, up to 99%, to collect damages in an accident. Only motorists who are 100% at fault are prohibited from collecting damages. Most states have adopted modified comparative negligence, which only allows damages to be awarded to drivers cited with 49% or less fault.

When It’s Time to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Even if you were partially at fault in your motorcycle accident, you may still be entitled to a settlement for the damages you incurred. Discussing your case with an experienced Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you learn more about what you may be entitled to.

McLachlan Law, APC, offers compassionate and responsive legal counsel that you can trust. We are ready to assist you with your legal needs. Our team can help you file your civil claim and remain by your side throughout the entire legal process. Contact our office and schedule a consultation so we can learn more about your case.