Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle crash can change your life in an instant. With limited protection, even a single mistake by another driver can lead to catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work.

If you were injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident, Jacoby & Meyers personal injury lawyers provide experienced, litigation-ready representation focused on protecting your claim and pursuing the compensation needed for medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.

Founded in 1972, we bring decades of personal injury experience, as evidenced by client testimonials highlighting clear communication and consistent legal guidance.
Recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, our case results reflect how hard we fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Our Los Angeles accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are only paid when we recover compensation for you.

If you were hurt in a crash, contact our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers today
to request a free consultation and get clear guidance on your legal options.

Why Los Angeles Trusts Jacoby & Meyers

For over 50 years, Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured people across Los Angeles and throughout California in serious personal injury cases. We bring the experience, resources, and disciplined case preparation needed to take on insurers and defendants that often move quickly to minimize what injured riders recover.

50+ Years of Experience: We have a long history of protecting injured Californians and building evidence-based cases.
Statewide Resources: With 14 offices across California and a strong presence in Los Angeles, we are accessible and prepared to handle complex motorcycle accident claims.
Litigation Readiness: Our team prepares motorcycle injury cases with the expectation that they may need to stand up in court, which strengthens negotiation leverage and protects against undervalued offers.

Life-changing motorcycle accidents require a serious legal team. If you were hurt in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident, contact Jacoby & Meyers and let dedicated and client-focused lawyers handle your case.

Can I Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

After a serious motorcycle crash, many people delay calling a lawyer because they expect high legal fees. Medical bills can add up fast, missed work can strain finances, and the idea of additional legal expenses can feel like an added burden.

Cost should not prevent you from understanding your legal options. Jacoby & Meyers makes experienced legal representation accessible to the LA community by offering:

Free Consultation: Our attorneys can evaluate your case at no cost.
No Upfront Attorney Costs: You don’t have to pay our attorney fees up front to start a case with our help.
Contingency fee representation: We collect our fees from the settlement won.
Transparency with Costs: Possible court expenses are discussed with clients, and any additional costs are consulted with them.

Our goal is to reduce both the legal and financial stress that often follows a serious
motorcycle accident. We handle the legal process while keeping the fee structure clear,
transparent, and focused on your recovery from the very beginning.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles

Get Immediate Medical Care: See a doctor as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor. Motorcycle riders face a higher risk of serious injuries, and early evaluation helps protect your health and create medical documentation.
Call the Authority: Call 911 or the Los Angeles Police Department, so the accident is officially documented.
Document the Scene: Collect photos of vehicle damage, hazards, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries.
Preserve Evidence: Keep your helmet, protective gear, damaged clothing, and the motorcycle itself in its post-crash condition when possible.
Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters or accept offers before speaking with a lawyer.
Consult a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Getting legal help early ensures the claim is handled strategically from the start.

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

Motorcycle accident claims are often influenced by bias against riders. Insurance companies may argue that speed, lane positioning, or rider behavior caused the crash, even when the evidence shows otherwise. Early investigation, including preserving helmet damage, vehicle data, traffic camera footage, and witness statements, can play an important role in countering these assumptions and establishing fault under California law.

Common Causes of Accidents in Los Angeles

Motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles often occur because riders are less visible in dense, fast-moving traffic. Heavy congestion on major freeways such as I-405 and I-5, high-volume surface streets, and frequent stop-and-go driving increase the risk of serious collisions, particularly at intersections.

Data also shows why these crashes demand serious attention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2023, motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all U.S. traffic fatalities, totaling 6,335 deaths. In Los Angeles, the Office of Traffic Safety reports 553 motorcyclists were killed in the same year.

Distracted driving: Phone use and in-vehicle distractions can lead drivers to miss a motorcycle in traffic or at an intersection. California OTS reports 148 deaths in 2022 in crashes involving a distracted driver.
Unsafe lane changes: Drivers merging without checking their mirrors or blind spots can cut off motorcyclists, leading to collisions.
Failure to yield: Intersections and left turns are frequent crash sites when drivers do not yield to oncoming motorcycles.
Speeding and aggressive driving: Excess speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. NHTSA 2023 data shows that 36% of all the riders involved in fatal crashes nationwide are speeding.
Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug impairment continue to be a major factor. According to the California OTS, there were 1,355 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2023.
Dangerous road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and roadway debris pose heightened risks for motorcycles, which are more sensitive to surface hazards than passenger vehicles.
“Dooring” incident: In dense urban areas of Los Angeles, parked vehicle occupants opening doors into traffic can cause riders to crash or take evasive action, leading to serious injuries.

Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries because riders have limited protection compared to people in passenger vehicles. Even a moderate-speed collision can lead to long-term harm. Common injuries in motorcycle accident cases include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head trauma ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment, even when a helmet is worn.
Spinal cord and back injuries: Injuries that may cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or paralysis.
Broken bones and fractures: Damage to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, or pelvis, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Road rash and soft tissue injuries: Severe abrasions, lacerations, and muscle or tendon injuries that may lead to infection or permanent scarring.
Internal organ injuries: Blunt-force trauma that can damage organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys.
Neck and shoulder injuries: Including herniated discs, nerve damage, and lasting limitations in range of motion.
Amputations: Catastrophic injuries resulting from crushing forces or strong impact.

Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Liability in a motorcycle accident is not always limited to a single driver. Determining legal responsibility requires a careful investigation into how the crash occurred, the condition of the roadway, and the actions of everyone involved.

Potentially liable parties may include:

Other drivers: Motorists who acted negligently by speeding, driving distracted, failing to yield, or making unsafe lane changes.
Employers: Companies may be held responsible if an employee caused a crash while performing job-related duties, such as a delivery or rideshare driver.
Vehicle manufacturers: Defective motorcycle parts, vehicle components, or safety equipment may contribute to a collision or worsen injuries.
Maintenance or repair providers: Improper repairs or negligent maintenance that affect vehicle performance or safety.
Government entities: City, county, or state agencies responsible for unsafe road design, poor maintenance, missing signage, or hazardous conditions.
Property owners: In some cases, private property owners may be liable if dangerous conditions on their property contributed to the accident.

Identifying all responsible parties is an important step in pursuing fair compensation, particularly in cases involving severe injuries or multiple sources of liability.

What Makes Motorcycle Accident Cases Legally Complex

Motorcycle accident claims often involve legal and factual challenges that go beyond standard car accident cases. Because injuries are frequently severe and fault is commonly disputed, these cases require careful analysis and early preparation:

Bias against motorcyclists: Insurance companies may assume rider fault based on stereotypes, even when evidence shows another driver caused the crash.
Disputed liability and comparative fault: California’s comparative negligence rules allow insurers to argue that a rider’s actions reduce the value of their claim.
Severe injury damages: Catastrophic injuries can involve long-term medical care, future treatment costs, and reduced earning capacity that must be supported with clear documentation.
Rapid loss of evidence: Traffic camera footage, vehicle data, and witness memories can be lost or overwritten if not preserved early.

These factors make experienced legal representation critical in protecting the value of a motorcycle accident claim.

How California Helmet Law Can Affect a Motorcycle Accident Claim

California has a universal motorcycle helmet law, and whether a rider was wearing a helmet at the time of a crash can affect certain aspects of a personal injury claim. Understanding how the law applies helps clarify what issues may arise during an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Under California Vehicle Code 27803, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet that meets approved safety standards. Failure to comply can result in a traffic citation, but it does not automatically bar an injured rider from seeking compensation after an accident.

Here is how helmet use can affect your claim:

Liability for the crash: Helmet use does not determine who caused the accident. If another driver was negligent, they may still be legally responsible for the collision itself.
Comparative fault arguments: Insurers may use California’s comparative negligence rule and argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of head or brain injuries.
Injury-specific impact: Helmet use is generally relevant only to head or facial injuries. It does not affect claims for other injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, internal injuries, or road rash.

Insurance companies frequently raise helmet-related arguments to reduce compensation, even when the cause of the crash was another driver’s negligence. A motorcycle accident lawyer’s careful review of the accident facts, injury mechanics, and medical evidence is necessary to address these issues appropriately.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

A motorcycle accident can create serious financial and personal losses, especially when injuries are severe or long-lasting. A personal injury claim is intended to pursue compensation that reflects how the crash affects your health, income, and day-to-day life.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses caused by the accident, including:

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
Future medical treatment: Ongoing therapy, follow-up procedures, and long-term care needs.
Lost income: Wages or benefits lost while recovering from injuries.
Reduced earning capacity: Compensation for diminished ability to work or earn income in the future.
Property damage: Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and related gear.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your injuries:

Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort resulting from the accident.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma related to the crash.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Permanent disability or disfigurement: Lasting physical limitations or visible scarring.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available when the at-fault party’s conduct involved extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. These damages are not meant to compensate for losses, but to punish particularly dangerous behavior and deter similar conduct.

The value of damages you can recover depends on the medical record, injury severity, and how the accident affects your work and daily life. If you want help understanding what damages may apply in your situation, you can seek legal advice from a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at Jacoby & Meyers.

Personal Injury Awards

California Deadlines for Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident claims in California are subject to strict legal deadlines. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.

In most motorcycle accident cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash involves a government entity, additional rules can apply, including a requirement to submit an administrative claim within six months in many situations.

Acting early not only ensures you won’t miss a deadline but also helps preserve evidence such as traffic camera footage, vehicle data, and witness accounts, which can be lost or overwritten over time. If you want help confirming which deadlines apply, a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at Jacoby & Meyers can review the situation and explain the next steps.

Why Legal Representation Matters After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident claims are often met with resistance from insurance companies that look for ways to reduce or deny responsibility. Riders may be unfairly blamed for a crash, pressured into early settlements that fail to account for the full scope of their injuries and long-term needs.

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer levels the playing field against insurance companies by:

Addressing insurance company tactics designed to shift the blame or undervalue motorcycle injury claims.
Establishing liability through evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis.
Preserving critical evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed.
Documenting the full extent of damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity.
Managing legal procedures and deadlines so claims are properly filed and protected.

With the legal process handled by an experienced attorney, injured riders are better positioned to focus on recovery while their claim is pursued with the preparation and seriousness it requires.

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important decisions you can make for your claim. Motorcycle crashes often involve serious injuries, disputed fault, and aggressive insurance defenses. The right lawyer should not only understand the law but also have the experience and resources to protect your interests effectively.

Do they have resources to prove liability and damages in motorcycle accident cases?

Strong cases are built early. Ask what steps the firm takes to preserve evidence, document the scene, develop medical proof, and, when necessary, work with qualified experts such as accident reconstruction professionals.

Are they prepared for litigation?

Many claims resolve through settlement, but insurers often evaluate risk based on whether the legal team is prepared to file suit and proceed through litigation when needed. A litigation-ready approach can help prevent undervalued offers in serious cases.

Do they have an established track record and a credible standing?

Experience matters most when injuries are severe, and the defense is aggressive. Consider the firm’s history, the types of cases it handles, and whether it has a record of results in serious injury litigation. Professional recognition and client reviews can also provide useful context.

How do communications and fees work?

Ask who will handle day-to-day updates, how often you will receive status reports, and how quickly questions are answered. Fee terms should also be clear. Jacoby & Meyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are paid from any compensation recovered in the case. If there is no recovery, attorney fees are not charged. However, clients may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses, such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, or record retrieval fees, regardless of the outcome.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Serious Motorcycle Accident Cases for Settlement or Trial

Serious motorcycle injury cases require more than basic paperwork and negotiations. At Jacoby & Meyers, we approach motorcycle injury claims with disciplined preparation because insurers evaluate risk based on how well a case is supported and whether the legal team is ready to take it further if necessary.

Early investigation and evidence preservation: We move quickly to secure police reports, witness accounts, scene photos, surveillance or traffic-camera footage, vehicle damage documentation, and any other evidence that may be lost over time.
Coordination with medical providers and expert support: Medical records and treating-provider input help establish diagnosis, treatment needs, work restrictions, and future care. When necessary, we work with qualified experts to evaluate crash dynamics or long-term impairment.
Documentation of past, current, and future damages: We compile medical expenses, future treatment projections, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket losses, along with the non-economic impact the injury has on daily life.
Strategic, evidence-supported demand preparation: Insurance carriers receive a demand package supported by records, clear liability analysis, and proof of damages, designed to withstand scrutiny and accurately reflect claim value.
Trial readiness: If settlement efforts do not reflect the seriousness of the injuries or the evidence, we are prepared to litigate and present the case in court.

This approach keeps the focus on the evidence, the documented impact of the injury, and a strategy designed to protect the value of the case.

What to Bring to Your First Consultation with Us

You do not need extensive preparation to meet with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Just bring all the information available that helps clarify what happened and the impact of the crash.

Helpful information includes:

Medical records: ER paperwork, treatment notes, imaging results, and bills related to your motorcycle injuries.
Photos or videos: Images of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Police or collision reports: A copy of the report or the report number, if available.
Insurance information: Your motorcycle insurance policy and any information you have for the other parties involved.
Proof of Loss of Income: Pay stubs or employer statements showing missed work.

If you do not have all of these materials, you can still move forward. Our team can help obtain records and fill in missing information so your case can be reviewed and your options explained.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers

Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has represented motor vehicle accident victims across California, providing accessible legal representation backed by experience, preparation, and statewide resources.

Clients trust Jacoby & Meyers because of:

Established Authority: Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured Californians for more than 50 years.
Proven Results: We have recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients across California.
Contingency Fee Basis: Attorney fees are paid from the compensation recovered in the case. If the case does not result in a recovery, lawyer fees are not charged.
24/7 Availability: Our team is available day and night to evaluate your situation and explain next steps, because injuries do not happen on a schedule.

Client Stories

CAN JUST BE AN IMAGE OF THE REVIEW

The experiences of people we’ve served provide insight into what it’s like to work with a client-focused legal team during a difficult and uncertain time.

“Very happy and pleased to have contacted Jacoby & Meyers to handle my injury case. Yesica Ramirez is my case manager, thanks to her professionalism and genuine dedication everything has been a breeze and I feel at ease during this unexpected chapter. Thank you for your hard work and assuring me that my case is in great hands!”

Juan Ramirez

“I would definitely give Jacoby and Meyers a five-star review. They are handling everything with my case, and everything has gone relatively smoothly throughout the whole process. A special thanks to Jessica Martinez for her constant updates and making sure I get everything I need.”

Edwin Furlow

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They are not intended to create expectations about outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

Real Case Results That Reflect Meaningful Outcomes

When a person suffers a life-changing injury in a serious motorcycle accident, the outcome can affect medical care, financial stability, and long-term support. In over five decades of practice, Jacoby & Meyers has recovered more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, helping injured people and families pursue compensation tied to serious, high-impact harm.

$19 million – Ride-share passenger v. Auto / Quadriplegic
$17.5 million – Bicycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
$13 million – Wrongful death v. City
$11.9 million – Wrongful Death v. Truck
$11 million – Motorcycle v. Truck / Paraplegic
$9.24 million – Auto v. Pedestrian / Spinal Cord Injury

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Areas We Serve

While our main office is in Los Angeles, Jacoby & Meyers serves the entire region and state.

We represent injured motorcyclists throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. While our practice is based in Los Angeles, our firm’s statewide reach allows us to assist clients across Southern California and beyond.

Orange County
San Jose
San Francisco
San Diego
San Bernardino
Sacramento
Ontario
Oakland
Los Angeles
Fresno
Escondido
Brea
Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims

What if the other driver claims they didn’t see me?

This is one of the most common issues in motorcycle collisions. “I didn’t see the motorcycle” does not excuse unsafe driving. Evidence such as vehicle damage, scene photos, traffic-camera footage, and witness statements can help establish how the crash occurred and whether the driver failed to yield or check blind spots.

What is the strongest evidence in a motorcycle accident claim?

The most persuasive evidence is typically the evidence that is objective and time-stamped. This can include the police report, photos or video of the scene and vehicles, traffic or surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records connecting the injury to the crash, and documentation of damages such as bills and time missed from work.

What should I do if the driver who hit me says the crash was my fault?

Fault is commonly disputed in motorcycle cases, and insurers may try to shift blame onto the rider. Preserve evidence early, including photos, witness contact information, and the report number. Avoid recorded statements until you understand the facts and available coverage. Contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney to investigate and address liability under California’s comparative fault rules.

What if the accident involved a rideshare or delivery driver?

These cases may involve multiple insurance policies, including personal coverage and commercial coverage tied to app status or job duties. Determining which policy applies often requires early investigation and careful review of coverage, driver activity, and the timeline of the crash.

Will my motorcycle accident case go to trial?

Many cases resolve through settlement, but a trial may be necessary if an insurer disputes fault or refuses to offer fair compensation value. A litigation-ready legal team can prepare the case for negotiation while maintaining readiness to pursue litigation when appropriate.

If you have questions about a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you may visit our FAQ page or call us to request a free consultation.

Strong Legal Guidance for Serious Motorcycle Injury

Don’t let a serious motorcycle injury take away your future. Our team is here to help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Call now or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Near Me

We serve the whole of California with 14 satellite offices. You can visit us at our Main Los Angeles Office at Ave of the Stars

Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers

2000 Ave of the Stars 1150 s, Los Angeles,
CA 90067, United States
Call us +1 213-296-0792
Open 24 hours

Fill out a form today for a free case assessment or give us a call to talk to a live legal expert.