Woodland Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney

What Laws Protect You Against a Hit and Run Accident? In What Ways Could You Safely Crash If Involved in Such an Accident?

Motorcycle accidents are common in Woodland Hills. Nearly every month, there are several reports indicating a collision involving a motorcycle. These vehicles are built for riding at high speeds and can be difficult to control. Those who are inexperienced could easily put themselves in danger. Proficient riders might take advantage of the motorcycle and perform tricks on the road that could result in a serious accident. These incidents all depend on the type of rider occupying the motorcycle in question.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we have Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorneys with over 60 years of collective legal experience in handling personal injury cases. We have won over 5,000 cases and recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients. Due to our mass success, we have been acknowledged as one of the top personal injury law firms in Woodland Hills.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our Woodland Hills personal injury law firm, contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (818) 514-9423 or emailing [email protected]. 

California Law on Hit and Run Accidents

According to California Vehicle Code 20002, a rider or driver involved in a crash must remain at the scene of the accident and cooperate with other parties involved. Both parties are expected to share each other’s contact and insurance information. Once the police arrive, they will conduct an official police report. Paramedics may also be present to provide immediate medical assistance to those who are injured.

If a motorcyclist chooses to ride off after colliding into another vehicle or person, then the case will turn into a hit and run accident. The motorcyclist may be guilty of a misdemeanor and may face a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If any bodily injury or death occurs due to a hit and run accident, then California Vehicle Code 20001 will take into effect, which means that the motorcyclist may be subject to a prison sentence of up to one year in state or county jail and/or a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

A hit and run accident can get you two points towards your driving record. If you get two more points within the same 12 month period in which you received your last two points, then your license will be revoked or suspended.

If you are accused of a hit and run accident and you actually did not contribute to it, then you may raise a legal defense and challenge your criminal charges. In order for you to provide convincing evidence that you did not cause the accident, you must:

• Hire a defense attorney. Your defense attorney will look into the allegations prior to formal charges being filed. This is executed in order to find any evidence that can help defend the person who is being accused of committing a crime they did not actually do.
• Impeach the party who is presenting false information. If the person who is being falsely accused of a crime provides evidence that debunks the accuser’s statements, then the accuser’s credibility will be tarnished. The accused may bring up the accuser’s sworn statements to impeach their testimony.
• File a lawsuit against the accuser for malicious prosecution. If the accuser was intentionally and maliciously trying to harm the accused by spreading false information about them causing a hit and run accident, then the accused may file a lawsuit for malicious prosecution.

Crashing a Motorcycle Safely

Motorcycles are dangerous vehicles to ride on the road, which is why it is extremely important for a motorcyclist to have a lot of experience in riding a motorcycle and understanding how to properly maintain one. Furthermore, a motorcycle accident is highly likely to occur on the road, especially if the motorcyclist is abusing the motorcycle’s speed and power.

Below, our experienced Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorneys have created a list of ways a motorcyclist should safely crash their vehicle if they were to ever get involved in an accident.

• Before your impact, try to slow your motorcycle down by using the brakes. The front brakes will create a better way of making a sudden stop compared to the rear brakes.
• Observe your surroundings to decide where you would like to go down. Direct your vehicle towards an area where you believe you will experience less of a serious impact to your body.
• Release your grip from the motorcycle once you start going down. If you do not perform this action, then the motorcycle will most likely fall on you.
• Form yourself into a ball and try to roll. Do not have your arms extended outward once you fall. You will increase the chances of triggering an arm injury.
• Slide, if possible. Try to extend your arms and legs to spread out. This will create a dragging movement, which will decrease your speed to prevent a hard fall.
• Try relaxing your nerves. It is common for people to freak out or have high anxiety before and after an impact. However, you should try to relax as much as possible, even though it can be difficult to do so under this type of traumatic event. By doing this, you can prevent additional damage to your ligaments and tendons.
• Patiently wait a couple of seconds before getting up. If you are physically able to, try to find a safe location nearby and call for emergency assistance.

Contact Us

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident or were falsely accused of causing one, our Woodland Hills motorcycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are confident that we will exceed your expectations and get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

To schedule a free consultation at our Woodland Hills personal injury law firm, please reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (818) 514-9423 or emailing [email protected].