Woodland Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

California is one of the most motorcycle-friendly states in the country, as a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer can explain. Unfortunately, many “cage” drivers do not share this same respect for riders. From driving aggressively to ignoring the dangers of leaving riders with no place to go, drivers in Woodland Hills and the San Fernando Valley routinely make mistakes that lead to motorcycle accidents.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident involving another motor vehicle, first of all, we sympathize with your situation. We know what it is like to feel that moment of helplessness – when you know there is no longer anything you can do to prevent yourself from going down – and we are extremely glad that you made it out alive. Not all riders do.

We also know that you need help. If a negligent driver, an issue with your motorcycle or any other outside factor caused or contributed to the accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation – and you may need that compensation to move on. But, protecting your rights is hard. The insurance companies are not on your side, they are not going to tell you what your claim is worth, and taking legal action may be the only way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer,  Barry P. Goldberg, has more than 35 years of legal experience to representing injured motorcycle riders in Southern California. Mr. Goldberg and his legal team routinely represent injured riders, bringing a passion for justice and an unwavering commitment to success to every case they handle. Mr. Goldberg takes the tough cases and he uses his extensive knowledge of both motorcycle collision dynamics and California personal injury law to secure maximum compensation for his clients’ losses.

“My prior attorney as you know . . . put my case in serious jeopardy. With the case literally about to be dismissed, you were able, with only 2 days’ notice . . . [to] convince the judge . . . to extend my case, giving us able time to formulate our winning strategy. Your responsiveness, and ability to really listen to my concerns, issues and objectives demonstrated to me that you had my best interests always in mind.”

“After several horrible experiences with lawyers in the past . . . I was OVERJOYED with the entire experience and professionalism of Mr. Goldberg. He and his staff exceeded all my expectations. He fought for me and treated me with respect and dignity. He . . . got the BEST POSSIBLE settlement. I would rate him 6 stars out of 5.”

Proving Liability in Southern California Motorcycle Accidents

While driver negligence is the most common factor in motorcycle accidents, it is not the only factor worth considering. Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation is one of a select number of law firms that focuses its investigations on identifying alternate sources of compensation. Why is this important? For one, many motorcycle accidents are hit-and-runs. If it is not possible to identify the at-fault driver, you will need to pursue alternate sources of financial recovery. For another, in serious motorcycle accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance limits can be insufficient to cover the full extent of the rider’s physical, financial, and emotional harm.

The following are just some of the issues we look for when pursuing maximum compensation for injured motorcycle riders in Southern California:

• Negligent Driving – Most motorcycle accidents are the result of driver negligence. Drivers make all kinds of mistakes, and these mistakes can put riders at risk for serious, and in many cases fatal, injuries. Mr. Goldberg has secured compensation from aggressive, distracted, drunk, fatigued, inattentive, and inexperienced drivers’ insurance companies, and our legal team is highly skilled at documenting drivers’ negligence in order to prove our clients’ cases for financial recovery.
• Car and Truck Defects and Maintenance Issues – From faulty accelerator pedals to failing brakes, defects and maintenance issues are common factors in all types of motor vehicle collisions. Mr. Goldberg has significant experience taking on automobile manufacturers in settlement negotiations and at trial, and he has the skills and legal acumen to hold negligent repair shops accountable when their mechanics’ mistakes lead to on-the-road accidents.
• Motorcycle Defects – Motorcycle defects are common as well, and in every case Mr. Goldberg carefully assesses whether a defect could have caused or contributed to the accident. Defects can leave even the most experienced riders helpless to avoid high-side and low-side accidents, and they are frequently to blame for serious accident-related injuries.
• Road and Adjacent Property Hazards – Road and adjacent property hazards, including potholes, inadequate lighting, low spots that collect rainwater and debris, and overgrown brush can all cause and contribute to motorcycle accidents as well. When investigating possible sources of compensation for our clients’ injuries, we literally leave no stone unturned.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage – If you were hit by an uninsured driver, if the driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your losses, or if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, we can help you seek compensation under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. Even though you are seeking compensation under your own policy, your insurer will take an adversarial approach to the process, and this means you need an aggressive advocate fighting to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

California Motorcycle Accident Law FAQs

Q: How much money can I recover for my motorcycle accident?

In a motorcycle accident, the amount of money that can be recovered depends on several factors, as a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer can attest. As a result, in order to estimate your financial recovery, it is critical to know all of the factors involved in the accident as well as the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your daily life. The primary factors that will determine the amount of your financial recovery include:

• Fault – Who (or what) was at fault in the accident? Is there a legitimate argument to be made that you were partially to blame? Under California law, partial fault can reduce (but not eliminate) your financial award.
• Insurance – Is the driver who hit you adequately insured? Do you have UIM coverage? If a defect caused or contributed to the accident, how much coverage does the manufacturer have for accident-related injuries?
• Injuries – How extensive are your injuries? Will you need ongoing medical treatment? Therapy? Are you able to work? Are you able to ride? Will your pain go away? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered in order to calculate your losses.

Your choice of legal representation matters as well. Some lawyers (many of them, in fact) do not like to go to court. Mr. Goldberg is not one of those lawyers. At Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, protecting our clients’ best interests is our sole priority, and the insurance companies know that they need to be prepared to face off with us at trial.

Q: Can I seek financial compensation for road rash?

Yes, absolutely. The scars from road rash can last a lifetime, and in many cases they can lead to enduring physical limitations and psychological effects. Road rash, bone fractures, and other disfiguring injuries will often support substantial claims for financial compensation.

Q: What should I do if I have been injured in a motorcycle crash?

We recommend that riders take five key steps after being involved in a collision with another motor vehicle:

• Call 911.
• Collect vehicle details.
• Keep your health records.
• Contact your insurance company.
• Speak with a personal injury lawyer.

For more details, read: 5 Stages of a Motorcycle Accident.

Q: Is road rage considered negligent?

Yes. All drivers owe a legal duty to operate their vehicles with due consideration for the safety of others, and this includes motorcyclists. Yet, road rage continues to be an all-too-common factor in motorcycle collisions. If you were injured in an accident involving road rage, we can help you seek just compensation.

Q: Are motorcycle riders required to wear helmets in California?

Yes. California’s motorcycle helmet law requires all riders to wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. If you were injured in an accident and you were not wearing a helmet, it is critical that you discuss your rights with an Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer who has extensive experience in motorcycle accident litigation.

Let Attorney Barry P. Goldberg Fight for You

Your accident may have ruined your bike, but it does not have to ruin your life. With decades of experience, attorney Barry P. Goldberg can help you win the compensation you deserve. Award-winning and with a proven track record of securing favorable results, Mr. Goldberg is trusted by accident victims in Woodland Hills, the San Fernando Valley, and throughout Southern California.

We handle all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means that we only get paid if you win, so you know we have your best interests in mind. To get started with a free and confidential consultation with a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer, call us at (818) 222-6994 or tell us about your accident online today.

What To Know If You Were In A Motorcycle Accident While Lane Splitting

As our motorcycle accident lawyer knows, lane splitting is a controversial topic, and if you’re involved in an accident while doing it, you may have concerns about liability and your legal options. While lane splitting is legal in California, that doesn’t mean motorcyclists are automatically at fault in a crash. Attorney Goldberg has garnered the SuperLawyers designation for 10 years for a reason; he has what it takes to help his clients. Here are key points to consider if you were in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting.

1. Fault Depends on the Circumstances. Just because you were lane splitting doesn’t mean you’re responsible for the accident. If a driver changed lanes without signaling, was distracted, or acted recklessly, they could be held liable. Police reports, witness statements, and video footage can all help determine what happened.
2. California Law Allows Lane Splitting. In California, lane splitting is permitted, but motorcyclists are expected to do it safely. That means maintaining a reasonable speed and being aware of surrounding vehicles. If you were following these guidelines, it strengthens your case that you were riding responsibly.
3. Insurance Companies May Try to Blame You. Even though lane splitting is legal, insurance companies often argue that it contributed to the crash. They may try to shift blame to reduce their payout. If this happens, having legal representation can make a difference in disputing unfair claims.
4. Comparative Negligence Could Affect Compensation. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your percentage of fault can reduce your compensation. If an insurance company claims you were responsible, evidence like dashcam footage and accident reconstruction can help challenge that claim.
5. Evidence Can Strengthen Your Claim. After an accident, gathering evidence is crucial. This includes photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles, and any visible injuries. Getting witness contact information and a copy of the police report can also support your case.
6. Injuries Can Be More Severe in These Accidents. As our motorcycle accident lawyer can tell you, lane splitting accidents often happen in heavy traffic, where cars may be closely spaced. This can lead to serious injuries for motorcyclists, including broken bones, head trauma, and road rash. Seeking medical attention immediately after a crash is important for both your health and your legal claim.
7. Legal Representation Can Help Protect Your Rights. If you were involved in a lane splitting accident, working with an attorney who understands motorcycle laws can help you fight back against unfair blame and insurance tactics. At Barry P. Goldberg, we have experience handling motorcycle accident cases and know how to build a strong claim.

Get Trusted Help After Your Accident

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, you don’t have to handle it alone. It is important to speak with a trusted lawyer who can answer any questions you may have. Attorney Goldberg has more than 35 years of experience in injury law and is ready to take your call. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Client Review

“As a fellow attorney I got a chance to speak with Barry. Even though I live across the US in NYC, he made time to speak with and he is extremely knowledgable and pleasant. I would recommend him to any client or lawyer without hesitation.”
Itamar L.