A male motorcyclist was killed, and an adult female was hospitalized following a car collision in Palms, Los Angeles, on Wednesday evening, September 20, 2023.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the incident occurred in the 3100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard near the 405 Freeway shortly before 7:30 p.m.
LAFD spokesman Nicholas P. stated that firefighters found the car engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene. They quickly extinguished the flames and found the rider and the woman.
Investigators determined that the rider was killed in the collision and not in the fire. The woman sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash and what events led up to it.
Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
Motorcycle accidents often result in emotional trauma and financial burdens for riders and their families. These types of accidents usually result in severe injuries and higher recovery costs.
Motorcycle accident victims or their loved ones are entitled to compensation for their injuries or deaths. Before taking legal action, our experienced legal team will thoroughly examine your case.
You can rely on our seasoned Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.
Our firm has recovered over $500 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its experience and success as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
9 Essential Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in California
After a motorcycle accident, you might feel confused and unsure, with lots of important questions. Whatever the situation, know that you can speak with one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers immediately about your injuries and the damage to your belongings. It is beneficial to consult a legal expert as soon as possible.
Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident in California:
- Stay calm. It’s normal to feel worried after a crash or get very angry at the other parties involved. But remember, things you do and say right after the accident might not help you later. Stay calm, and don’t say it was your fault.
- Get to a safe location. If you can, move to the side of the road and wait for the police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should place it on the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Wait for the police and a tow truck if you cannot move it.
- Check for injuries. Check for apparent injuries like cuts or fractures on yourself and others. Your legal duty is to remain at the scene until you know no one has been injured or requires assistance. Call for an ambulance immediately. Severe injuries may include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
- Call the police. Ensure to inform the police about the accident to have an official record. They can gather crucial details about the other driver, road conditions, and what witnesses say.
- Gather information. Even if the police officer takes notes, writing things down yourself is a wise choice. Get info like the other driver’s name and insurance, especially if you’re not hurt. If you need to go to the hospital, have a friend or family member collect the information.
- Take photographs. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road, and your injuries. If there’s anything else important, like a hidden stop sign or something in the road, take pictures of that, too. The more details you have from your accident, the better it is if your case goes to court.
- Seek medical attention. Head to the hospital quickly after an accident; you may have overlooked significant injuries. Motorcycle accidents can harm your head or brain, and these injuries might not be immediately obvious. Hospital tests can detect such injuries before it’s too late.
- Keep documents organized. Make a folder with all the documents about your accident. This can include photos, medical records, a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses, and information about the other driver. Organizing your documents before negotiating compensation with the other party’s insurance company or pursuing legal action is helpful.
- Contact our trusted motorcycle accident firm. You have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a personal injury claim. However, promptly consulting one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers can help protect critical evidence and uphold your legal rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss the details of your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive coverage across the entire state of California.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020, despite making up only 3% of registered cars and 0.6% of vehicle kilometers traveled. Helmet use affects motorcycle death trends.
Another report from the Insurance Information Institute says motorcycles are less crash-resistant than cars. They’re less stable and less noticeable than four-wheel vehicles. Motorcycle riding demands distinct driving skills compared to four-wheel driving. Riders and their passengers are also more sensitive to weather and road hazards.
With 785,424 motorbike registrations, California ranks first nationwide. In the state, 88% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries or death. The state is consistently one of the two deadliest in the country for motorcyclists, with an annual death toll of over 500. Only around 6 percent of these deaths can be traced back to not wearing helmets.