Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica Motorcycle Accident Attorneys – Fighting for Your Rights

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, with catastrophic, disabling injuries and lasting emotional trauma. Although you may have taken the right precautions, such as wearing your helmet and taking a motorcycle safety class, when a negligent driver hits you, you may be unable to stay safe. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you didn’t cause; you likely have grounds to file a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver. Our Santa Monica, CA motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand the legal options available to you and litigate your claim so that you can focus on recovery.

At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we advocate for people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents. Our firm has effectively represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims like you, and we have an impressive track record of success. Contact our offices today for a free case review.

Legal Advice and Advocacy From Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Our motorcycle accident lawyers represent people who have been hurt in a motorcycle wreck. We help you successfully secure the compensation you need for your current and future medical care, fixing or replacing your bike, replenishing lost wages if you missed work and loss of earning potential. We also demand compensation for your non-economic losses, like the pain and suffering from your injuries and the emotional trauma of being in the wreck. We demand a top-dollar settlement from the at-fault party, and if we fail to negotiate fair compensation, then we take your case to court. Your needs are our main focus, and we support you throughout the process.

We build a strong, evidence-based case and use our broad knowledge of California personal injury law to attack the defendant’s case. Our firm has extensive resources to help pursue your claim, including expert medical witnesses, vocational experts to help value your claim, and accident reconstructionists who can explain to a jury how the other driver caused the wreck.

It’s your lawyers’ job to build a strong case proving that the other party (usually another driver, although there may be another liable party in your case) is liable for the accident. We investigate the accident and collect evidence and testimony, including the testimony of experts, to build your case. Then, we weave together what we’ve found with fine points of Georgia personal injury law, preparing to present the case before a jury.

Skilled Attorneys Handling Motorcycle Accident Complexities

Motorcycle accident claims are often more complicated than car-car collisions. First, the victim’s injuries are usually more serious, and often, they may become disabled or have brain trauma. This means that the material value of the claim is much higher. Insurance companies don’t like paying out large settlements, so they will do everything in their considerable power to pin the blame on you or minimize the value of your claim.

Secondly, there may be some bias against you simply because you ride a motorcycle. We combat this unfair bias, whether it’s in court or coming from the insurer. Our legal team’s knowledge and experience benefit you, and we fight to ensure that you get every dollar you’re entitled to.

If you need help after a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to fight alone. The attorneys at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm are ready to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer.

Key Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents

Whether you’re an experienced motorcyclist or a new rider, the risk of an accident is always present. However, many of these accidents are preventable if drivers are more aware of the common causes and risks involved. At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we have 30 years of experience representing clients in personal injury claims. Call today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our Santa Monica, CA motorcycle accident lawyer. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Inexperienced Riders

One of the most frequent contributors to motorcycle accidents is rider inexperience. Many new riders overestimate their abilities or underestimate the complexity of handling a motorcycle. Unlike driving a car, riding a motorcycle requires a unique set of skills, including balancing, handling curves, braking efficiently, and responding quickly to road hazards.

Unfortunately, many new riders don’t take the time to complete formal training, such as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. In California, completing a safety course is a legal requirement for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement, yet some riders still take to the road without proper training, which significantly increases the risk of a crash.

Motorist Inattention and Failure to Yield

One of the most frustrating factors contributing to motorcycle accidents is the failure of other drivers to see motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, and many accidents occur because drivers simply do not look for them or fail to check their blind spots when changing lanes, making turns, or merging onto highways.

If you’ve been involved in an accident where another driver’s inattention or failure to yield contributed to the crash, it’s crucial to gather evidence, such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to support your claim. Our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer works with the best investigators to build a case for liability.

Lane Splitting Risks

California is one of the few states where lane splitting, the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, remains legal. While this practice can help motorcyclists avoid traffic jams, it also poses significant risks, especially when drivers are not expecting it. Many drivers are not aware that lane splitting is allowed or fail to check their mirrors when changing lanes, increasing the chance of a collision.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, cracks, loose gravel, debris, and uneven surfaces are all hazards that pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. Because motorcycles have less traction than cars, even small imperfections in the road can cause a rider to lose control and crash. If your crash was caused by poor road maintenance or hazardous conditions, you may have grounds for a claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road.

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is another major cause of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol impairs a rider’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time, making it much more likely that an accident will occur. While DUI accidents can happen to anyone, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable because they have less protection in the event of a crash. If a rider or another driver involved in the accident is found to be impaired, they can face both criminal charges and civil liability for injuries caused in the accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is essential to retain our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer. From proving negligence to dealing with insurance companies, Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm can help you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call now to schedule a free consultation. ​​We have a desire to help and a determination to win.

What Not To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

Getting into a motorcycle accident is a terrifying experience. In the moment, it’s easy to forget what to do—and what not to do. The steps you take after a crash can affect your health, your finances, and even your ability to recover compensation. Here are six common mistakes riders make after an accident and how to avoid them.

Leaving the scene too quickly

It’s natural to want to move on as fast as possible after a crash, especially if the damage looks minor or you’re not in severe pain. But leaving the scene before gathering key information or before police arrive can cause serious issues later. Even if you feel okay, stay put, call for help, and wait until everything is properly documented.

Not calling the police

Some riders skip calling law enforcement, especially if no one seems badly hurt. That can be a costly mistake. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which is often needed when filing a claim. It also helps establish details about what happened while everything is still fresh.

Failing to get medical care

It’s common for adrenaline to mask pain after an accident. You might feel fine at first, only to develop symptoms days later. Waiting too long to get medical attention can hurt both your health and your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the accident.

Forgetting to gather evidence

Photos, witness names, insurance info, and even quick notes about what you remember—all of this matters. If you’re able, take pictures of your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These details can help our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer build a strong case later on.

Posting about the accident on social media

It might feel natural to update friends or family online, but even a simple post can work against you. Photos, check-ins, or status updates could be misinterpreted and used to challenge your injuries or credibility. Avoid discussing the accident on social media until your case is resolved. Our California accident attorney can offer guidance on how to protect your privacy while your claim is active.

Talking too much to the insurance company

Insurance adjusters often sound friendly, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. Saying the wrong thing—like admitting fault or downplaying your injuries—can hurt your claim. It’s best to speak with our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer before giving any statements or accepting a settlement.

Delaying legal advice

Waiting too long to contact an attorney can make the recovery process harder. Evidence may get lost, witnesses may be harder to find, and deadlines could pass. The sooner you reach out to a motorcycle lawyer for help, the sooner we can begin helping you protect your rights and move forward.

Get Help Today

At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we’re committed to helping injured riders recover after a crash. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through what comes next. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen to your concerns, review your case, and help you make informed decisions.

Santa Monica Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

After a motorcycle crash, you might have a lot of questions. Whether you’re recovering from injuries or trying to figure out how to deal with the insurance company, it’s important to get clear answers. We’ve put together the following answers to common client inquiries to help you understand what to expect and when to consider taking legal action. Our goal is to give you useful information so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

At What Speed Is A Motorcycle Crash Fatal?

Fatal injuries can happen at speeds as low as 30 to 40 miles per hour. While high-speed crashes are more likely to be deadly, lower-speed accidents can still cause serious harm—especially if you’re thrown from the bike or not wearing a helmet. Head injuries and internal damage are the most common causes of death. If someone else caused the crash, our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Happen?

Roughly 70% of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. These areas are high-risk because drivers often make sudden moves or fail to yield. If you’re riding through a busy intersection, there’s a greater chance that a driver might not see you or misjudge your speed. We’ve seen many cases where the rider had the right of way but still got hit due to another driver’s poor decision.

What Is The Top Cause Of Death In Motorcycle Wrecks?

Head trauma is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Even with a helmet, the impact of a crash can result in severe brain injuries. Other common fatal injuries include spinal cord damage and chest trauma. These types of injuries often leave families facing emotional and financial challenges. When that happens, working with our wrongful death lawyer can give you the support needed to seek justice and compensation.

How Long Will It Take To Settle My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The time it takes to settle depends on the details of your case. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while others can take a year or more—especially if you’re still receiving medical treatment. We work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without accepting low offers. You’ll have updates along the way, and we’ll guide you through each part of the process until the case is resolved.

Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer After A Motorcycle Crash?

Yes, having legal representation can protect your rights and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement. Insurance companies may try to limit how much they pay or argue that you were at fault. We know how to challenge those claims and gather the right evidence to support your case. Our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Help When You Need It Most

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, we’re ready to help you take the next step. At the Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we’ll stand by your side and fight for the outcome you deserve. One of our attorneys is an avid motorcyclist himself, so you can count on us to deliver the compassionate advocacy you deserve.  Reach out to our Santa Monica motorcycle accident lawyer today to get comprehensive legal support and guidance.