West Covina Motorcycle Accident Attorney
In Los Angeles County, hundreds of motorcyclists are hospitalized every year due to collisions. Because of the lack of physical protection, motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable compared to those in cars. If you have been injured while on the road, a West Covina motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you. Personal injury cases are considered civil matters, and these are usually overseen at the West Covina Courthouse, located at 1427 West Covina Parkway.
Experienced Attorneys in West Covina, CA
Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor is a trusted California personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured clients seek justice and fair compensation. We understand the devastating impacts that injuries can have on individuals and their families, so we approach every case with the empathy it deserves.
While compensation can’t take away your trauma or injuries, it can ease the financial burden. Our team is made up of experienced and respected trial lawyers who are deeply committed to both the legal profession and the local community.
Gregory R. Vanni is the firm’s managing partner and a past president of the Pasadena Bar Association. Kevin K. Callahan and Daniel P. Powell are firm partners and a part of the Pasadena Bar Association. Our team is completed by Michael P. O’Connor and Raffi H. Ohanian, both respected and trial-ready lawyers.
Our firm offers flexible scheduling and can meet clients off-site when needed. We offer initial consultations to injured individuals and their families. We want to reassure you that you’ll pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
West Covina Motorcycle Accident Statistics & OTS Rankings (2018–2022)
| Year | Motorcycle Victims Killed & Injured | OTS Ranking (out of peer cities) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 56/58 |
| 2018 | 15 | 45/49 |
| 2019 | 6 | 55/59 |
| 2020 | 11 | 52/61 |
| 2021 | 13 | 49/60 |
| 2022 | 14 | 52/61 |
Source: ots.ca.gov
Understanding California Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle laws in California are extensive and outlined in the California Vehicle Code. In 2021, 13% of all collision fatalities statewide were motorcyclists, making safety precautions vital.
First, if you’re carrying a passenger, they must be seated on a securely attached seat behind the driver, and they must also have footrests. Passengers must keep their feet on those footrests while the motorcycle is moving. Riding with a passenger is not allowed unless the motorcycle is properly equipped for it or has a sidecar.
Drivers also can’t use motorcycles that are unsafe to operate. For example, it’s illegal to ride a two-wheeled motorcycle if the seat is so high that the driver can’t touch the ground with their feet while sitting. Safety helmets are also required for all motorcyclists and their passengers, and these must meet specific safety standards.
If, during your incident, you were found not to be obeying these laws, it can be held against you during your case. In West Covina motorcycle accident cases, final compensation is determined by each party’s fault.
For example, if the injured motorcyclist was found not to be wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, a judge may lower their final compensation. Because of the extensive nature of the state’s motorcycle accident laws, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to explain them all.
Types of Recoverable Damages in California
West Covina, like many United States cities, is vehicle-oriented for transit. 93% of commuters use a vehicle to get around. Intersections are common crash sites for collisions, and these types of injuries are typically treated at emergency rooms like Emanate Health Hospital, located at 210 West San Bernardino Road.
Economic damages are losses that can be clearly measured in money, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Funeral costs
- The cost of fixing or replacing property
Non-economic damages are personal losses that do not have a fixed price, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of the ability to enjoy life or relationships
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer From Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor?
Here at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we have extensive experience in representing those injured during traffic collisions. Our attorneys have recovered millions for clients who were seriously hurt in vehicle accidents, such as in these cases:
- Greg Vanni secured a landmark $8.1 million settlement in Jolon v. Wildwood Express, et al., helping a client who was severely injured in a motorcycle crash in downtown Los Angeles.
- In a challenging case involving a mountain road collision, Greg Vanni recovered nearly $3 million for a motorcyclist and passenger who struck a bus while riding their Harley-Davidson.
- Kevin Callahan won a $1.5 million recovery for a union dockworker who suffered a fractured femur after a driver made a negligent left turn.
Our team deeply cares about the safety and legal rights of California residents. We offer initial consultations to injured individuals and their families.
FAQs
What’s the Deadline for Opening a Case in West Covina?
California law gives you two years to file a claim. If your claim is against a government agency, such as in a city bus or garbage truck collision, the rules are different. You’ll need to first file a claim with that agency within six months of the injury or death. Because of the complexity of state laws, consulting a lawyer is important to stay in compliance with filing deadlines.
What Type of Evidence Do I Need to Prove Negligence in West Covina, CA?
Evidence of negligence can include:
- Photos of the accident scene, visible injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Copies of medical records
If possible, collect contact information from witnesses and take pictures before leaving the scene. Also, obtain the insurance and contact information of all parties involved. Be sure not to admit fault or apologize. After the crash, get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Report the accident, and speak with a motorcycle accident attorney.
How Do I Start My Case in West Covina?
To file a claim, you must submit a legal document called a complaint. This explains what happened, how you were injured, and what kind of compensation you are seeking. Your lawyer can guide you through each step. Once everything is filed, the next step is to serve the papers to the other party, which officially starts the legal process.
How Much Are Most Motorcycle Settlements in California?
A: Motorcycle accident settlements in California vary based on injury severity, medical costs, and who is at fault. Minor injuries, like slight road rash, may settle for less, while severe injuries involving the spine or brain can result in higher settlements. We can provide realistic expectations of settlement amounts during your initial consultation.
Contact Our West Covina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident in or around West Covina, contact Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor to schedule your initial consultation. Our attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under California law.
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