Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Many people ride motorcycles in Pasadena and the surrounding areas of California, and it is vital for every rider to know the value of working with an experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer after they have been hurt in a crash. If another driver is responsible for causing your recent motorcycle accident, you need trustworthy and experienced legal counsel to have the greatest chance of successfully recovering maximum compensation for your damages.

Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims in Pasadena, CA

Duque & Price has a proven record of successful personal injury representation in Pasadena and the surrounding areas of California. We take time to learn as much as we can about each client we represent. We know that no two cases are exactly alike, and every injured motorcycle accident victim will face unique challenges in their efforts to recover. Our goal is to help you make sense of your situation and guide you to the fullest possible recovery.

It’s technically possible to pursue compensation for motorcycle accident damages on your own. However, filing an auto insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury claim unassisted by counsel is likely to be far more challenging than you might initially expect. You would face strict filing deadlines and other procedural requirements while managing the effects of your accident and your personal affairs. Hiring legal counsel makes your recovery much easier.

Understanding Motorcycle Collisions in Pasadena

Motorcycle collisions in Pasadena remain an unfortunate reality in Los Angeles County. In 2022, the county recorded 3,258 motorcycle collisions that resulted in injuries or fatalities. Pasadena accounted for 28 motorcyclists injured or killed in collisions that same year. While statewide motorcycle fatalities dropped from 649 in 2022 to 583 in 2023, riders in Pasadena still face daily hazards in neighborhoods like Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights, and East Pasadena.

Common causes of motorcycle collisions in the area include drivers failing to yield, unsafe lane changes, speeding, distracted driving, and difficulty seeing riders at intersections. These issues are especially pronounced along high-traffic corridors such as Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, and Walnut Street, where dense traffic and turning vehicles create additional exposure for motorcyclists.

When a collision does occur, injured riders in Pasadena are often transported to Huntington Hospital, 100 W. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, which is one of the region’s primary trauma facilities. Injured riders may be entitled to pursue compensation through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier or a civil claim heard at the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Pasadena Courthouse, which is located at 300 E. Walnut Street in Pasadena.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Pasadena

The steps you take following a motorcycle crash in Pasadena can play a crucial role in protecting your health and your claim to compensation. By following these steps, you position yourself for a favorable outcome to your injury claim. 

• Call 911 and request help from the Pasadena Police Department.
• Seek medical care the same day. Certain symptoms may not manifest until hours later.
• Photograph the accident scene and note skid marks, license plates, and lane positions.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Have your attorney request camera footage from nearby businesses.
• Preserve dash-cam footage and other digital data.
• Request a police report once one is generated.
• If you have not done so already, secure representation from an experienced injury lawyer.

California Motorcycle Laws That Affect Your Claim

California imposes several statewide rules that directly affect motorcycle safety and potential liability after a collision. CVC §27803 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a US DOT-approved helmet.

When a rider is unhelmeted at the time of a crash, insurers often argue comparative negligence, claiming the rider’s injuries were made worse by not wearing proper protective gear. This does not bar recovery, but it may reduce compensation depending on the evidence.

California also requires proper motorcycle licensing. The DMV issues two endorsements: M1, which allows riders to operate any motorcycle, and M2, which is limited to motorized bicycles and mopeds.

Riders under 21 must complete the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) before qualifying for a motorcycle license. Successful completion provides the DL-389 certificate, which waives the DMV skills test and is often viewed as beneficial evidence of rider training and competence.

California is also one of the only states where lane splitting is legal when done safely and prudently. Although legal, lane splitting may still raise questions of fault if a collision occurs, so documenting traffic and driver behavior remains essential when filing an injury claim.

Frequent Motorcycle Injuries and Documentation Tips

Motorcycle collisions often lead to catastrophic or even life-threatening injuries, largely due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and concussions, which can take hours or longer to show symptoms. These serious types of head injuries can even occur when a helmet is worn.

Riders may also experience spinal injuries, including herniated discs or vertebral fractures that can lead to long-term mobility challenges. Broken bones are another type of harm suffered by riders. These commonly affect the wrists, ribs, and legs. Road rash results from contact with the road and can lead to serious soft tissue injuries. Other common forms of harm include muscle tears, ligament damage, and deep lacerations.

Documenting injuries thoroughly is vital for establishing what you are owed through a settlement. Documenting records should include emergency room notes, doctors’ evaluations, and imaging results such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Keeping physical therapy logs, pain journals, and follow-up medical records can show how the injury has progressed over time. Riders should also save photographs of wounds, including healing stages, as well as receipts for any expenses tied to the collision. The courts and insurers require claims to be backed by these and other forms of documentation.

Building a Motorcycle Accident Case in Pasadena

Motorcycle accidents happen for the same reasons that other vehicle accidents happen in California, but they tend to result in far worse damages. A motorcycle provides no physical protection in a crash; the rider’s helmet and protective gear will only mitigate injuries, not prevent them, so the risk of catastrophic injury is much higher in a motorcycle accident than in any other vehicle accident.

Your claim begins by proving how the accident happened and identifying the driver who caused it. Every driver in California is required to have auto insurance, and this pays for any damages a driver causes in an accident. Filing an auto insurance claim is likely to be your first option for recovering from a motorcycle accident someone else caused. However, this can be challenging in several ways, or the at-fault driver may not have auto insurance at all.

Your Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the auto insurance claim-filing process and secure a fair settlement. If insurance will not cover all your damages, or if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you will need to file a personal injury claim to fully recover your losses. Success with your personal injury claim will require proof of liability and showing the full scope of the damages the at-fault driver caused.

Duque & Price is ready to work closely with you through every phase of your case. Our firm can gather the evidence needed to prove fault and handle interactions with the other driver’s insurance company. If a personal injury claim is necessary for your recovery, we can work hard to maximize your case award. You have a limited time to file your case, so it’s important to connect with our team right away.

Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a motorcycle collision in Pasadena or the surrounding communities, your first step should be to hire an injury lawyer with years of experience managing complex motorcycle accident claims. When you work with a Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney, you send the message that you take your rights seriously and will not put up with delays or attempts to minimize what you are owed.

California’s motorcycle accident laws are complex and require claimants to provide evidence to prove liability and damages. An attorney can gather the evidence you need to pursue a successful claim that leads to fair compensation. They can explain your rights and provide you with an explanation of your options moving forward. Throughout the process, they can keep you updated on important developments related to your case.

Tips for Finding the Right Accident Attorney

Many attorneys may advertise that they represent injured motorcyclists in injury claims, but the quality and experience of attorneys in the Pasadena area can vary considerably. Start by asking for referrals from friends, colleagues, and family. If that does not lead to quality prospects, you can search for a local law firm that focuses on civil court litigation and representing injured clients.

Look for a law firm that has at least several years of experience handling motorcycle injury claims. The right attorney should maintain memberships with legal groups like the local bar association. During your consultation, ask about their track record of success and the recent outcomes of injury claims that are similar to your case.

By taking these and other steps, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that an experienced attorney is handling your case.

FAQs About Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Pasadena?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a motorcycle accident settlement will depend on multiple factors, such as the severity of your injuries and whether you suffered any catastrophic permanent harm. Your Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the full scope of the economic damages you are eligible to claim, and they can also determine claimable pain and suffering compensation to seek from the defendant.

How Do I Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Pasadena, CA?

Proving fault for a motorcycle accident in Pasadena will typically require several types of evidence, such as:

• The police report from the accident
• Eyewitness testimony
• Cell phone records
• Traffic camera footage from around the scene of the crash if any is available

Your Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer can handle gathering this evidence on your behalf so you can prove fault for your accident.

Can I Claim Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault in California?

Yes, you can claim compensation if you were partially at fault. In California, the pure comparative negligence rule applies to these cases, so whatever percentage of fault is assigned to the plaintiff is deducted from their compensation to reflect their shared liability. If you have any concerns about the percentage of fault that might be assigned to you, you need to speak with an experienced Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer right away.

How Long Could My Motorcycle Accident Case Last in Pasadena?

How long your motorcycle accident case will last depends on multiple factors, such as whether the defendant is willing to accept liability for the accident and the severity of your damages. It is possible to resolve your recovery efforts in a matter of weeks, but some cases may take several months or even longer than a year to resolve. Hiring the right attorney is one of the most effective ways to streamline your claim process.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer may not be as high as you might think. Duque & Price accepts these cases and other personal injury claims in Pasadena and the surrounding areas of California under a contingency fee agreement. This means there are no upfront fees for our representation and no fees at all if we are unable to secure a recovery on your behalf.

Contact a Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Duque & Price has an extensive record of successful personal injury cases in Pasadena and the surrounding communities of California, and we know how damaging a motorcycle accident can be. You’re likely to have many questions about your recovery options after such an accident, and we can provide the guidance you need in this difficult situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Pasadena motorcycle accident lawyer and learn how we can help.

Pasadena, CA Motorcycle Accident Resources

• California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Meet Our Pasadena Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Brent A. Duque Attorney, Founder & President

Matthew R. Price Attorney Partner

Jordan Harris Davidoff Attorney

Client Testimonial

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is the second time I have used Duque & Price and I am very grateful for them. They are very helpful, made everything easy, and keeping you in the loop with amazing communication. I appreciate Charlotte and everyone at the office that helped me with both of my cases.” – Britany Pierce

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