North Hollywood Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Accidents can be life-altering, especially when you’re on a motorcycle. In the aftermath, you might feel overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, loss of income, and lingering physical and emotional trauma. At times like this, it’s essential to remember that you have rights. You deserve compensation for your injuries and their impact on your life. The right attorney can help you get it.

Sean Shamsi has recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims. He prides himself on providing unparalleled, individualized attention to every client, meeting their unique needs, and protecting their rights every step of the way.

Contact The Shamsi Law Firm, APC today to discuss the details of your case with a North Hollywood motorcycle accident lawyer. Your initial consultation session is free, and there’s no obligation.

What Are the California Motorcycle Laws?

California has a robust set of regulations governing motorcycles to ensure the safety of riders and others on the road. Here are the laws you should know and follow as a motorcycle rider in California:

• Registering a Motorcycle – Every motorcycle operated on California public roads must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Getting a Motorcycle License – Californians may not ride motorcycles on public roads unless they hold a valid driver’s license with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
• Helmet Requirements – Anyone operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet meeting the California Highway Patrol’s standards.
• Lane-Splitting Laws – Lane-splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California as long as it is done in a safe and prudent manner.
• Light and Reflector Requirements – Motorcycles must be equipped with a rear red reflector and at least one headlamp, which must be turned on in darkness and certain other conditions.
• Passenger Requirements – No person shall drive a motorcycle while carrying any other person unless the motorcycle is designed to carry passengers.
• Handlebar Restrictions – Handlebars on motorcycles should not be positioned so the hands of the rider are at or above shoulder height when they’re sitting on the seat.
• Headset and Earplug Restrictions – It’s unlawful to wear a headset covering both ears or earplugs in both ears while operating a motorcycle in California. However, there are exceptions for devices designed to protect against harmful noise levels.

How a North Hollywood Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident

Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents in several significant ways. First, motorcyclists lack the protective shells that cars provide their occupants, making riders more vulnerable to injuries. In an accident, motorcyclists can get thrown off their bikes, scrape along the rough surface of the road, or even get crushed in between other vehicles.

Secondly, motorcycles are often less visible to other road users due to their smaller size and profile. This decreased visibility can lead to accidents when drivers of larger vehicles fail to notice motorcyclists, sometimes colliding with them at speed and causing catastrophic damage.

Furthermore, road hazards that might be minor annoyances for car drivers — such as potholes, slick surfaces, or uneven roadways — can be deadly for motorcyclists. A small obstacle, like a pile of wet leaves, can cause a motorcycle to crash, whereas a car might simply drive over it.

Lastly, a pervasive societal bias paints motorcyclists as reckless risk-takers. This perception can influence both the investigation of the accident and the subsequent legal proceedings. It’s essential, then, for motorcyclists to obtain experienced legal representation after traffic crashes.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a North Hollywood Motorcycle Wreck

After a motorcycle wreck, your path to recovery involves more than just physical healing. The legal, financial, and emotional aspects of recovery can be as challenging as the physical ones, but you can set yourself up for success by taking the following steps:

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

While riding a motorcycle does come with inherent risks, many motorcycle accidents result from external factors, often involving other motorists or road conditions, such as:

• Distracted Driving – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road are more likely to overlook and collide with motorcyclists.
• Blind Spots – Motorcycles can easily get lost in larger vehicles’ blind spots. If a driver doesn’t check thoroughly before changing lanes or making a turn, it can result in an accident.
• Left-Turn Accidents – These occur when a motorist turns left too closely in front of a motorcyclist, often because the driver misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or fails to see it altogether.
• Poor Road Conditions – Potholes, debris, wet surfaces, uneven lanes, or lack of proper signage can make roads particularly hazardous for motorcyclists.
• Dooring – In urban settings, a common cause of motorcycle accidents is when a car driver or passenger of a parked vehicle opens their door without checking for oncoming motorcycles.
• Impaired Driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a significant risk to motorcyclists.
• Speeding – Drivers who speed often do not have adequate time to react to motorcyclists in their vicinity, leading to high-speed collisions with disastrous consequences.
• Defective Vehicle Parts – Motorcycles can be involved in collisions when motorcycles or other vehicles on the road malfunction due to defective parts and their operators lose control.

Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to injuries due to the exposed nature of motorcycles compared to enclosed vehicles. Even with protective gear, the lack of structural protection around the motorcyclist can lead to a wide range of injuries, such as:

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in California?

You have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you could lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Some exceptions could lengthen or shorten your filing window, so it’s best to consult a motorcycle accident law firm right away to preserve your right to sue.

A lawyer can take care of each step of the legal process, ensuring that all necessary case documents are prepared accurately and filed on time. They can also gather essential evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. That way, you can rest assured knowing a legal professional is doing everything possible to increase your case value.

What Damages Can I Expect to Recover from a Motorcycle Collision Claim?

If you get hurt in a motorcycle collision due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to seek compensation for a range of accident-related losses, including the following:

Why You Need a North Hollywood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case

Retaining a motorcycle accident law firm can significantly improve your likelihood of obtaining a favorable lawsuit outcome. Sean Shamsi, a reputable North Hollywood motorcycle accident attorney, can help by:

The Shamsi Law Firm, APC handles cases on a contingency basis. That means that you pay nothing upfront and only pay attorney’s fee if Sean obtains an insurance settlement or a jury verdict on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced North Hollywood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let a motorcycle accident define your life. Take control of your future with the help of The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. Reach out to Sean Shamsi, a motorcycle accident lawyer in North Hollywood, today for your free consultation and case review.