Head-On Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

A head-on motorcycle accident describes a crash where a motorcyclist collides with another vehicle directly, or the point of impact is the front of both vehicles. These collisions can be extremely physically and emotionally traumatic for motorcyclists in Los Angeles. If someone else is at fault for the crash, the motorcyclist can file a legal claim in pursuit of compensation.

Common Injuries From Head-On Motorcycle Collisions

The injuries from a head-on motorcycle collision can be devastating, debilitating and deadly for the motorcycle rider or his or her passengers. Even with protective gear such as a helmet, a rider is vulnerable to life-changing injuries, such as:

• Bone fractures (often multiple)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Temporary or permanent paralysis
• Nerve damage
• Soft-tissue damage
• Road rash
• Internal injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Amputations
• Permanent disability, disfigurement or scarring
• Fatal injuries

Catastrophic injuries and deaths are common in head-on motorcycle collisions due to the severe nature of these accidents and the lack of protection for motorcyclists. Riders may get ejected from their bikes, suffer direct impacts with the other vehicle or the road, or get pulled beneath a car.

What Causes Head-On Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles?

Head-on collisions are often traced back to careless and reckless driver behaviors. A prudent driver would not be in the wrong place at the wrong time, such as traveling the wrong way on a Los Angeles street or freeway.

Many examples of negligence or a lack of proper care can contribute to head-on motorcycle crashes, including:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists at intersections
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way road
• A vehicle crossing over the centerline 
• Speeding, reckless driving or loss of vehicle control
• Distracted driving or texting while driving
• Motor vehicle equipment failures

Determining the cause of a head-on motorcycle crash is necessary before the victim can file an injury claim. This is because California uses an “at-fault law” to decide who will pay. 

Who Is Liable for a Head-On Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?

Motorcycle accidents can be costly for riders in more ways than one. In addition to dealing with painful and potentially life-altering injuries, a rider may also be faced with thousands of dollars in related bills and expenses.

In California, the driver or party that is to blame for a head-on motorcycle accident will be required to pay for the victim’s losses through his or her auto insurance. A settlement may cover present and future medical expenses, motorcycle repairs, lost wages, lost capacity to earn, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

To receive a payout from another driver’s car insurance company, the injured motorcyclist must prove fault. This requires evidence that the driver caused or contributed to the head-on collision through negligence. Common types of evidence are a police report, eyewitness statements, photos, videos and crash reconstruction by experts. 

How Can an Attorney Help After a Head-On Motorcycle Accident in LA?

A motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles will have the experience, tools and resources to investigate a high-stakes head-on collision. If you get hurt in this serious type of crash, a lawyer can determine liability, gather evidence, hire experts, and bring a strong claim against one or more parties in pursuit of maximum compensation. You can focus on healing from your injuries while your personal injury lawyer handles a legal claim for you.

To discuss a specific head-on motorcycle accident case with a local lawyer at no cost or obligation, contact Rose, Klein & Marias LLP to request a free case review.