Who pays your medical bills after a motorcycle accident in Glendale?
After a motorcycle accident in Glendale, the at-fault driver's insurance company typically pays for your medical bills and other losses. California law requires drivers to carry liability insurance that covers injuries they cause.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may step in to cover your expenses. This coverage is important because motorcycle riders often face severe injuries when another driver causes a crash.
Where do you file a motorcycle accident claim in Los Angeles County?
A personal injury case stemming from a Glendale motorcycle accident generally gets filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and a General Order from May 17, 2024, state that personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident happened.
For Glendale, this means your case would be assigned to the North Central District, with proceedings typically heard at the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. Always confirm the specific filing courthouse using the court's official locator for your particular facts.
What should you do after a motorcycle accident?
- Get to a safe place. Move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic if possible, but only if you can do so safely.
- Call 911. Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain.
- Exchange information. Get names, contact details, driver's license numbers, and insurance information from all involved drivers. Note license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions.
- Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention. See a doctor promptly, even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not appear immediately.
- Do not admit fault. Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene or giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without talking to a lawyer.
- Contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the steps needed to protect your claim.
How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including those from motorcycle accidents, must be filed within two years of the injury date (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
If your accident involves a city, county, or public agency in Glendale, you face a much shorter deadline. You must present a formal written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. However, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
California law allows recovery for economic damages like medical costs, lost earnings, and property damage. You can also seek non-economic damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What types of motorcycle accident cases do we handle in Los Angeles?
Our firm handles a range of motorcycle accident cases that occur throughout Los Angeles, including incidents in Glendale. This includes crashes caused by distracted drivers, drivers failing to yield, lane changes without looking, and speeding. Many accidents stem from drivers not seeing motorcyclists.
We also represent clients injured due to defective motorcycle parts, poor road maintenance by public entities, or other forms of negligence. If you suffered injuries in an accident in Glendale or Agoura Hills, we can help you understand your options. We stand with injured riders, pursuing full compensation available under California law.
What happens when you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we focus on your recovery while handling the legal process. We investigate your motorcycle accident, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
This includes assessing your medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses. Our experience with local courts, including the Burbank Courthouse for Glendale cases, helps us build a strong case. We also handle claims for clients in communities like Maywood and Pomona.
Our firm concentrates on personal injury and employment law. This specific focus allows us to provide targeted and effective representation for accident victims. We represent individuals injured in motorcycle accidents, truck accidents (see our page on Glendale truck accident lawyers), or even dog bite incidents in Glendale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver in a Glendale motorcycle accident does not have insurance, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may compensate you. This is an important part of your own insurance policy that protects you when others are uninsured. If you don't have UM coverage, other avenues for recovery might exist, such as seeking damages from other responsible parties.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the motorcycle accident in Glendale. Your total compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, you would receive 80% of the total damages.
How long does a motorcycle accident claim take in Los Angeles County?
The time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident claim in Los Angeles County varies greatly. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries can settle in a few months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or large damages often take longer, potentially moving through litigation at the Burbank Courthouse and lasting a year or more. The legal process for property damage, as discussed by our Glendale property damage lawyers, can sometimes move more quickly.
Do I have to go to court for my motorcycle accident case?
Not every motorcycle accident case goes to court. Many claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, such as at the Burbank Courthouse, may be necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.