If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you care about was just involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles maybe even as recently as yesterday. First off, take a breath. These situations are tough, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference.
Los Angeles roads are no stranger to motorcycle crashes. Between the packed freeways, distracted drivers, and unpredictable traffic, accidents happen more often than anyone would like. The good news? There’s a clear path to protect your health, your rights, and your future.
We’re going to walk you through exactly what steps to take right now. And if you’re feeling unsure, remember that you don’t have to figure this out alone. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, a trusted motorcycle accident law firm in Los Angeles, is here to help guide you through every step of the process.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles
1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first priority is to get to a safe spot. If you're able, step away from moving traffic to avoid further injury. Even if things seem under control, call 911 right away. Emergency medical teams and police need to be there to assess injuries, handle traffic, and start the accident reports you’ll need later. Whether it's the LAPD or CHP, they'll document the accident scene properly, which helps protect your side of the story.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries from motorcycle accidents, like concussions or internal injuries, aren't obvious at first. A simple headache could turn out to be more serious. Plus, visiting a doctor creates clear medical records that tie your injuries to the accident, which is crucial when it comes to filing your personal injury claim later.
3. Document the Scene Thoroughly
If it’s safe, take clear photos and videos of everything your motorcycle, the other vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, skid marks, and even the weather. Details like street signs and traffic signals matter. If there are people who saw what happened, ask for their witness statements and contact info. Having these details can make a big difference when your legal team builds your case.
4. File a Police Report
Don’t skip this step, even for a minor motorcycle crash. Accident reports from the LAPD or CHP will serve as official proof of the incident. Make sure you ask for a copy or at least the report number. Later, when you're speaking with insurance companies or your motorcycle accident attorney, you'll need this to back up your account of what happened.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as you can. Share the basic facts about the accident, but be cautious not to admit fault, even casually. Insurance agents and insurance adjusters might try to shape your words to minimize their payout. Stick to what’s necessary and keep a copy of everything you submit. These details will come in handy if there’s any issue with your insurance claim later.
6. Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Before you deal too much with insurance companies, it’s wise to talk to an experienced attorney who knows motorcycle accident claims inside and out. A law firm like the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work toward fair compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
It's natural to want to apologize or explain, but avoid making any statements that suggest blame. Even saying something like "I didn’t see the other driver" could be twisted later. Let the investigation and accident reports speak for themselves.
Don’t brush off injuries thinking they’re no big deal. Even minor pain could turn into something serious, and waiting too long for medical treatment can weaken your case. Insurance adjusters often argue that delays in care mean the injury wasn’t caused by the accident.
It might feel like your insurance provider has your back, but remember, they’re looking out for their bottom line. Insurance policies are complicated, and adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. Having experienced motorcycle accident attorneys on your side levels the playing field and helps make sure your claim isn’t undervalued.
Understanding the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
Interactions with Law Enforcement
When speaking with the police at the accident scene, stick to the facts. Answer their questions truthfully, but avoid speculating or assigning blame. If you're unsure about something, it’s okay to say you don’t know. Later, your legal team can help clarify your statement during the legal process.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful, but their goal is to close your claim quickly, often for less than you deserve. If they call soon after the accident, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer first. An experienced attorney can handle these conversations and push back if the settlement offer is too low.
Preserving Evidence for Your Claim
Keep every piece of documentation you collect: medical records, repair estimates, accident reports, and receipts related to your recovery. Start a journal about your physical therapy progress, emotional trauma, and daily pain levels. Digital copies are smart, too, in case anything gets lost along the way.
Steps to Take Days or Weeks After the Accident
Your recovery doesn’t stop at the accident scene. Follow up with your medical professional, attend physical therapy if recommended, and keep notes about missed work and ongoing expenses. These records help show how the accident impacted your life, making your personal injury claim stronger when it’s time to pursue fair settlement.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Los Angeles
Distracted or Reckless Driving - One of the biggest risks out on LA streets comes from other drivers who aren't paying attention. Maybe they're looking at their phones, changing the radio, or rushing through traffic. When drivers fail to yield or drive aggressively, they leave motorcyclists with almost no time to react.
Dangerous Road Conditions - Los Angeles streets aren’t always in the best shape. Potholes, loose gravel, or leftover debris from construction can suddenly appear, especially after rain or heavy traffic days. For motorcyclists, these hazards aren’t just annoying they’re dangerous. What might be a small bump for a car can cause serious accidents for someone on two wheels. If you’ve had a motorcycle accident because of poor road conditions, your motorcycle accident lawyer will look into whether the city or another party shares responsibility.
Vehicle Blind Spots and Driver Negligence - Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss in a vehicle's blind spot, but that’s no excuse for drivers to overlook you. Too often, drivers change lanes without checking, cutting right into the path of a rider. Defensive riding helps, but there’s only so much you can do if a negligent driver skips their blind-spot check. In these situations, experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know how to prove that the driver failed in their duty to watch for motorcyclists.
Speeding and Traffic Violations - Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles. According to recent reports, a significant number of motorcycle crashes in the city involved drivers going over the limit or ignoring traffic signals. Speeding cuts reaction times short for everyone on the road, especially for riders. Whether it’s running red lights or ignoring stop signs, these violations often lead to crashes that could have been avoided.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Los Angeles
Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top cities in California for motorcycle accidents. Recent numbers from 2024 show a concerning trend: while overall motor vehicle accidents saw a slight decline, motorcycle crashes and injuries went up, especially in areas with heavy traffic flow. Headlines often mention a "motorcycle accident yesterday in Los Angeles," which speaks to how common these incidents have become.
These stats matter because they show the ongoing risks riders face daily and they strengthen your case when proving the frequency and danger of these accidents.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Invest in Protective Gear
Good gear isn’t just about looking the part it can save your life. A quality helmet, reinforced jackets, gloves, and boots are your first line of defense. We’ve seen countless cases where protective gear reduced severe injuries and made recovery faster. It also helps your legal case, showing you took sensible steps to protect yourself.
Take Defensive Riding Courses
Even experienced riders benefit from defensive riding courses. These classes sharpen your reaction times and teach you how to handle unexpected hazards, like cars cutting you off or sudden debris on the road. Many motorcycle accident victims tell us they wish they’d taken one sooner, as it can give you an edge out on busy Los Angeles streets.
Maintain Your Motorcycle
Your bike is your responsibility, and regular maintenance can prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Keeping your tires in good shape, checking your brakes, and making sure your lights are working properly all reduce risks. Plus, if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, showing that you kept your bike well-maintained can strengthen your insurance claim and personal injury case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was in a motorcycle accident yesterday in Los Angeles?
Act quickly. Get medical care first, then gather details about the accident scene while it's still fresh. Reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, like the team at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, to start protecting your rights right away. Early steps make a real difference in how your case moves forward.
Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?
Yes, having a lawyer can make the process a lot smoother. Motorcycle accidents often lead to complicated insurance claims, medical expenses, and tough conversations with insurance adjusters. A personal injury attorney knows how to handle these challenges and will work to get you fair compensation.
How long does a motorcycle accident claim take in Los Angeles?
It depends. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others take longer if injuries are severe or the insurance company pushes back. What’s important is that your legal team keeps you updated and pushes for a fair settlement, not a fast one that leaves money on the table.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
You still have options. If the negligent driver doesn’t have insurance, your own insurance policy might include uninsured motorist coverage. A personal injury lawyer can help you explore every path to recover your losses, including property damage and medical expenses.
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, but it may affect your claim. California law requires helmets, and not wearing one could reduce the amount you can recover, especially for head injuries. However, you can still pursue compensation for other injuries and damages. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help you understand how this applies to your situation.
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you probably have more questions than answers right now. And that’s completely normal. The important thing is not to wait. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can focus on healing while they handle the legal process.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys is ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you pursue fair compensation. We offer free case evaluations, and you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case. Call us anytime we’re here 24/7 to help you move forward.
