Consistent Success
for Over 30 Years
for Over 30 Years
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, the decisions you make in the days immediately following the crash will significantly affect your ability to recover full compensation. Insurance companies move fast — their adjusters are often already building a case against you before you have even left the hospital. As your Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, Steven M. Sweat and his team move faster!
With over 30 years of experience representing injured riders throughout Los Angeles and California, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims facing the same combination of serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies that are more interested in protecting their bottom line than paying what your claim is worth.
We handle every case on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call us 24/7 at 866-966-5240 for a free consultation.
| Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win 📞 866-966-5240 | Available 24/7 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400-488, Los Angeles, CA 90064 • victimslawyer.com |
Why Los Angeles Riders Choose Steven M. Sweat
Not every personal injury attorney is equipped to handle a motorcycle accident case. These claims require a thorough understanding of California motorcycle laws, the ability to counter well-documented insurance company bias against riders, and the trial experience to back up every demand with a credible threat of courtroom litigation. Steven M. Sweat brings all three.
| ⭐ Super Lawyers® Since 2012 | 10.0 Avvo Rating Superb | Top 100 National Trial Lawyers | Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum |
Steven has been recognized as a California Super Lawyers honoree continuously since 2012 — a peer-reviewed designation awarded to fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state. His Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating is the highest available. He is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group limited to attorneys who have obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. The firm provides bilingual services in English and Spanish.
Representative Motorcycle Accident Case Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts and circumstances.
| $1,250,000 | Motorcyclist struck by left-turning vehicle at Los Angeles intersection — traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries |
| $1,000,000 | Full policy limits settlement for the family of a motorcycle rider struck and killed on the 405 freeway by a driver making an unsafe lane change |
| $875,000 | Rear-end collision on California freeway — spinal cord injury requiring surgical intervention |
| $625,000 | Lane-change collision on I-405 — fractured femur and road rash requiring skin grafts |
| $410,000 | DUI driver crossed centerline into oncoming motorcycle — broken arm, ribs, and soft tissue injuries |
What Our Motorcycle Accident Clients Say
The following testimonials are from real clients who hired our firm after being injured in motorcycle accidents in Southern California.
| “Steve, thanks so much for your help. When I was struck by a car on my motorcycle on the way to work in Glendale, CA, I didn’t know what to do! The other driver was yelling at me in the road that this was ‘my fault.’ Over the next several days, I was receiving calls from his insurance company and my own insurance company demanding that I do certain things that I wasn’t sure would affect my rights. You investigated the facts and proved that it was the other driver’s fault, you got his insurance company to pay the FULL POLICY LIMITS and, you got my insurance company to pay me an additional amount under my UNDERinsured motorist coverage (I didn’t even know I had this coverage!). You are a GREAT attorney and I will recommend my family and friends to you if they ever have an accident!” — E.R., Diamond Bar, CA | Motorcycle accident in Glendale | Full policy limits + UIM recovery |
| “I can’t thank you enough! I hired a certain ‘TV ad lawyer’ that told me to just settle my motorcycle accident case for $50,000 because it was a good deal. I came to you for a second opinion because I was having major problems with my knee. You had me looked at by an Orthopedic doctor who figured out I needed a full knee replacement. You got me the surgery and therapy I needed and I ended up settling the case for almost $500,000 (i.e. 10 times what the other lawyer told me)!” — P.S., Los Angeles, CA | Motorcycle accident | $500,000 recovery (10x initial offer) |
Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles: What Every Rider Needs to Know
Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for motorcyclists. Year-round riding weather, dense freeway networks, and millions of distracted drivers create conditions where serious motorcycle accidents are a daily occurrence. According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high share of traffic fatalities relative to their share of registered vehicles in California.
The Most Dangerous Roads for LA Motorcyclists
Our firm regularly investigates motorcycle crashes on the following corridors, where accident frequency and injury severity are consistently highest:
- I-405 (San Diego Freeway) — one of the nation’s most congested freeways, with heavy lane-change collision risk through the Sepulveda Pass and West LA
- I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) — high-speed merges and distracted driving contribute to frequent rear-end and lane-change crashes
- US-101 (Hollywood/Ventura Freeway) — tight curves and heavy commuter traffic through Hollywood, the Valley, and Calabasas
- SR-60 (Pomona Freeway) — significant truck traffic and uneven pavement create hazards for riders in the eastern San Gabriel Valley
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — scenic but dangerous, with head-on collisions, pedestrian conflicts, and limited shoulder space
- La Cienega Blvd, Sunset Blvd, and Venice Blvd — high-volume surface streets with frequent left-turn collision scenarios
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
| Left-turn collisions | The most frequent fatal motorcycle crash type. A driver turning left fails to yield to an oncoming motorcycle — often claiming they “didn’t see” the rider. |
| Lane-change crashes | Drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes are responsible for a significant share of freeway motorcycle injuries. |
| Rear-end collisions | Motorcyclists stopping at intersections are vulnerable to being struck from behind, often at speed. |
| DUI drivers | Impaired drivers have significantly reduced reaction times and visual processing, making motorcyclists disproportionately likely to be struck. |
| Road hazards | Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and oil slicks that pose minimal risk to cars can cause a motorcyclist to lose control entirely. |
| Dooring | A driver or passenger opening a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle — especially prevalent in dense urban areas like Downtown LA and Silver Lake. |
| Hit-and-run | Los Angeles has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the nation. UM/UIM coverage and immediate evidence preservation are critical in these cases. |
Injuries Our Firm Handles
Because motorcyclists lack the protective shell of an enclosed vehicle, the injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are frequently catastrophic. Our firm has extensive experience representing victims with the following injury types, including those requiring long-term or lifetime medical care:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — including concussions, diffuse axonal injury, and severe TBI requiring neurosurgical intervention
- Spinal cord injuries — including partial and complete paralysis, requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and often lifetime care
- Road rash — severe abrasions that can penetrate to muscle and bone, requiring skin grafts and carrying significant infection risk
- Orthopedic fractures — including femur, tibia/fibula, humerus, pelvis, and wrist fractures, many of which require surgical fixation
- Internal injuries — damage to organs including the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which may not be immediately apparent after an accident
- Wrongful death — representing the families of motorcyclists killed in accidents caused by negligent drivers
California Motorcycle Law: Key Legal Principles That Affect Your Claim
Pure Comparative Negligence
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule under Civil Code § 1714. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident — however, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely attempt to assign fault percentages to motorcycle riders in order to reduce payouts. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate the crash independently and fight to keep your assigned fault percentage as low as the facts allow.
Lane Splitting (CVC § 21658.1)
California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal when done safely. Under California Vehicle Code § 21658.1, motorcyclists are permitted to ride between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Insurance adjusters frequently use lane splitting as a basis to blame the rider for an accident. This argument is often wrong. A driver who failed to check mirrors before changing lanes remains liable for a collision with a lawfully lane-splitting motorcycle. Our firm has successfully litigated lane-splitting cases and knows how to counter insurer attempts to misuse this issue.
Statute of Limitations
California law generally gives you two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Claims against government entities — such as those involving road hazards maintained by the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans — require filing a government tort claim within six months of the injury. Missing either deadline typically eliminates your right to recover compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
California has a significant problem with uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) drivers. If you are struck by a driver who has no insurance or whose policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages, your own UM/UIM coverage becomes your primary source of recovery. Recent changes under California SB 371 have increased minimum UM/UIM coverage limits. Our firm regularly handles UM/UIM claims and can help you identify every available source of coverage, including policies you may not know you have.
How Our Firm Handles Your Motorcycle Accident Case
When you retain Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC as your Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, here is what happens:
- Free Consultation (same day, 24/7) — We review your case facts, answer your questions, and tell you honestly what your claim may be worth. We come to you — hospital and home visits available.
- Immediate Investigation — We send spoliation letters to preserve surveillance footage, secure the accident scene, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and obtain the police report and any available traffic camera data.
- Medical Coordination — We can connect you with experienced medical providers who can treat you on a lien basis — meaning no out-of-pocket cost while your case is pending. Consistent, documented medical care is essential to the value of your claim.
- Full Damages Calculation — We calculate not just your current medical bills but your future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and all other compensable losses. Most victims significantly underestimate the full value of their claim.
- Aggressive Negotiation — We send a comprehensive demand package to the insurance carrier and negotiate from a position of strength. Insurance adjusters take attorney-represented claimants significantly more seriously than those who negotiate alone.
- Trial-Ready Litigation — We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Insurance carriers know which attorneys will actually take a case to a jury and which ones will fold under pressure. Our willingness to litigate is one of the most powerful settlement tools we have.
Compensation Available in a California Motorcycle Accident Claim
A motorcycle accident claim in California can include compensation for the following categories of damages:
| Medical expenses | All past and future costs of treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment |
| Lost wages | Income lost during your recovery period, including self-employment income |
| Lost earning capacity | Reduction in future earning ability if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior occupation |
| Pain and suffering | Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the impact of your injuries on daily life |
| Emotional distress | Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological consequences of the accident and your injuries |
| Property damage | Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any personal gear or equipment damaged in the crash |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or relationships you enjoyed before the accident |
| Punitive damages | Available in cases of egregious misconduct — such as a DUI driver — to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct |
| Wrongful death damages | If a loved one was killed: funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the decedent’s pre-death pain and suffering |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles?
In most cases involving injuries, yes. Insurance companies have professional claims teams whose job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible. They will use recorded statements, delays, and low early offers to minimize your recovery. An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer levels the playing field, handles all communications with insurers, and ensures you do not accept a settlement that fails to cover your full losses, including future medical needs.
How much is a motorcycle accident settlement worth in Los Angeles?
Settlement values vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the available insurance coverage, and the quality of your documentation and legal representation. Minor injury cases may settle for $15,000–$50,000. Cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or traumatic brain injury routinely reach six to seven figures. For a detailed breakdown by injury type, see our guide to average motorcycle accident settlement amounts in California.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage is your primary source of recovery. California law requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and many riders have coverage they are unaware of. Our firm identifies every available insurance policy — including household policies and employer policies — and pursues every available source of compensation.
Can I still recover if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?
Yes, in most cases. California’s pure comparative fault system allows you to recover even if you were partially at fault. Lane splitting is legal in California under CVC § 21658.1 when done safely. The critical question is whether the other driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the crash. Our firm has successfully handled many lane-splitting accident cases and knows how to counter insurer arguments that seek to unfairly blame the rider.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of your injury under CCP § 335.1. If a government entity is involved — such as a claim arising from a road hazard on a city or state-maintained road — you must file a government tort claim within six months. Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
What does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you. We also front all case costs, including investigation, expert witnesses, and court filing fees. If we do not recover, you owe nothing.
Areas Served Throughout Los Angeles and Southern California
Our firm represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the greater Los Angeles area and across California, including:
| Downtown Los Angeles | West Hollywood | Santa Monica |
| Beverly Hills | Culver City | Marina del Rey |
| Hollywood | Los Feliz | Silver Lake |
| The San Fernando Valley | Burbank | Glendale |
| Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley | Long Beach | Torrance |
| The Inland Empire | Orange County | San Diego |
Contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Los Angeles or Southern California, do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage is overwritten within days. Insurance companies are already building their case. You need an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner immediately.
Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC has spent over 30 years fighting for injured motorcycle riders across California. We know the freeways, the courts, the insurance carriers, and the tactics they use. We prepare every case for trial — and we win.
| Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win 📞 866-966-5240 | Available 24/7 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064 • victimslawyer.com |
Se habla español. Hospital and home visits available for seriously injured clients. Free consultations available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Past results are not a guarantee or warranty of future results. Every case is different. Call us today to provide an evaluation of the facts of your particular motorcycle accident claim.