You’re riding your motorcycle along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying the ocean breeze, and suddenly, a car pulls out without looking. In seconds, everything turns upside down. You’re on the ground, your bike is damaged, and you’re hurt.
Unexpected accidents happen every day in Malibu, and when they do, you need someone on your side who knows how to fight for injured riders.
Getting hurt in a motorcycle crash is overwhelming. Before you know it, medical bills start piling up, you’re missing work, and insurance companies keep calling you. But you don’t have to handle this alone. At Malibu Injury Lawyer, our expert attorneys can build a strong case for you so that you get maximum compensation for recovery.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
A motorcycle accident lawyer represents victims of crashes. They talk to insurance companies for you, gather information about your accident, and make sure you get paid fairly.
Here’s what they do:
- They listen carefully to your story and explain your rights in simple terms
- They collect police reports, photos, and witness statements to build a strong case
- They talk to doctors to understand your injuries
- They negotiate with insurance companies
- They file paperwork so you don’t have to
- They take your case to court if needed
At Malibu Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case for you. We want to minimize risk and financial burden on motorcycle accident victims.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Malibu
Malibu has heavy traffic, especially on the Pacific Coast Highway. Many accidents happen because careless drivers don’t see motorcycles or they’re not paying attention.
The most common causes include:
- Cars turning left without checking for motorcycles
- Drivers changing lanes suddenly
- People texting while driving
- Speeding on curved roads
- Drunk or tired drivers
- Poor road conditions or potholes
- Cars following too closely
Motorcyclists get blamed unfairly sometimes. People think riders are reckless, but many crashes happen because car drivers aren’t careful.
Our expert attorneys act fast and collect evidence to prove who was at fault. We work hard to ensure you’re not falsely blamed for the accident.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The steps you take right after a crash matter a lot more than most people realise.
Follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical help immediately. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor because some injuries don’t show up right away.
- Call the police and get a report. Insurance companies often use this documentation to understand what happened.
- If possible, take photos of everything—your bike, the other vehicle, the road, and your injuries.
- Get names and phone numbers from people who saw the accident. Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
- Don’t talk to insurance companies without a lawyer. They might twist your words, which can hurt your case and reduce your compensation.
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Accident cases move fast. Evidence vanishes and memory fades. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of winning your case.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?
Many people are hesitant to reach out to a lawyer, thinking they can’t afford one. But here’s the truth: you pay nothing up front.
Most injury lawyers, including us, work on a contingency basis. This means your attorney only gets paid if they win your case for you. When your lawyer wins your case, they usually take a percentage of the settlement. If they don’t win, you don’t owe them anything.
This setup ensures your lawyer fights hard for the best result. You don’t pay for consultations, phone calls, or case reviews. There are no hidden fees or surprise bills. A good lawyer will explain everything clearly before you agree to anything.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
When someone else causes your motorcycle accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Compensation covers both what you’ve already lost and what you’ll lose in the future.
- You can recover money for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- You can also get paid for wages you missed while recovering. And if you can’t return to your old job because of your injuries, you can receive compensation for future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering matter too. This covers the physical pain and emotional stress the accident caused.
- Property damage, ambulance rides, and even travel costs to medical appointments can be included in your claim.
Contact Malibu Injury Lawyer for a free consultation so we can review your case and give you an estimate on what compensation you can expect.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in California?
For California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is found in the Code of Civil Procedure, section 335.1. This law states that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
Two years might sound like a lot of time, but it goes by quickly. Y ur case needs investigation, which takes time. Medical records must be collected. Witnesses need to be interviewed. The sooner you start, the stronger your case becomes.
If the accident involved a government vehicle or happened because of bad road conditions caused by the city or county, you have only six months to file a claim. It makes acting fast even more important.
Why Choose a Local Malibu Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Hiring a local attorney gives you an advantage. L cal attorneys understand the roads where most accidents happen. They understand Pacific Coast Highway traffic patterns and common danger zones.
Local attorneys are most likely already familiar with doctors and accident investigators. They know which medical experts to call and how to build the strongest case to protect Malibu riders.
They are also familiar with local law. This helps them navigate the legal system smoothly.
Meeting face-to-face with your lawyer is easier when they’re nearby. You get personal attention and clear communication every step of the way.
When you hire someone from a different area, they might not understand the unique struggles motorcyclists in Malibu face.
How to Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Winning your case means proving the other driver caused the accident. Y ur attorney does this by collecting evidence.
Police reports show who got cited and what the officer observed at the scene. Photos and videos capture vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Witness statements provide independent accounts of what happened.
Medical records link your injuries directly to the crash. Expert witnesses like accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the collision to show exactly how it occurred.
Traffic camera footage and cell phone records showing texting can prove fault.
Malibu Injury Lawyer investigates thoroughly to gather every piece of evidence that supports your case.
Your Recovery Starts Now
If you got injured in Malibu due to some other driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
We take care of all the legal paperwork while you focus on healing. At Malibu Injury Lawyer, we’ve helped hundreds of accident victims recover millions in compensation.
Contact us today so we can help you get maximum compensation for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, pain level, and future impact—an attorney can give you an estimate after reviewing your case.
What if I were partially at fault for the accident?
California allows you to recover money even if you share blame, but your percentage of fault reduces your compensation.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
No, first offers are usually much lower than your case’s true value, so have an attorney evaluate it first.
Can I handle my motorcycle accident claim without a lawyer?
You can, but attorneys typically win much higher settlements. In fact, according to a report published by the Insurance Research Council, injury victims with a lawyer received settlements 3.5 times larger than those who settled on their own.
What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
You might still recover money through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
