Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

We fight for injured motorcyclists throughout California

Motorcyclists face risks that most drivers never have to think about. When another driver cuts a rider off, rushes through a turn, or simply fails to look twice, the outcome can be life changing. 

As an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, I walk into every injury case with the same mindset. You deserve answers. You deserve care. You deserve the financial recovery that will give you a real path forward.

I have represented motorcyclists for more than a decade. I know how quickly insurance companies try to blame riders, even when the facts say otherwise. I know how to investigate these cases, how to prove liability, and how to make sure your voice does not get buried beneath excuses or corporate talking points. Most importantly, I know what it takes to win these cases and deliver the compensation my clients need for medical care, income replacement, long-term support, and their future.

You have legal rights. We can protect them. Call The Salem Law Firm at (310) 828-7882.








    Years Experience
    0 +
    Trial-Ready Employment Lawyers
    Serving Los Angeles & Southern California
    Success Rate
    1 %
    20+ Jury Verdicts

    Insurance companies know motorcycle cases are high-value, which is exactly why they try to shift blame onto the rider. My job is to shut that down before it starts.

    ~ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Edmond Salem

    AIV076

    Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Working for You

    Motorcycle accidents require a higher level of investigation, documentation, and advocacy than the average motor vehicle collision. The injuries are more severe. The medical bills are higher. The long-term effects are more significant. The insurance pushback is stronger.

    Insurance companies often argue that motorcyclists “assume the risk” simply by choosing to ride. I reject that premise entirely. You did not assume the risk of a driver texting through traffic. You did not assume the risk of a delivery truck drifting into your lane. You did not assume the risk of someone speeding through a yellow light or making a careless left turn. Negligence is negligence, no matter what you ride.

    The earlier we get involved, the more we can protect. We collect evidence before it disappears, secure statements before memories fade, and work with investigators who understand the specific physics of motorcycle crashes, including lean angles, braking distances, and sight-line issues. Your case deserves that level of detail.

    When you hire my firm, you gain a team that anticipates every insurance argument and prepares your case with the strength needed to overcome it. We work to prove fault clearly, document your damages thoroughly, and demand the full compensation the law allows.

    What Makes Motorcycle Crash Cases Different?

    Motorcycle wrecks often involve a combination of speed, impact exposure, and road conditions that create injuries far more serious than those seen in passenger vehicles. Riders do not have airbags or steel protection to absorb the force. Even moderate-speed collisions can cause complex fractures, traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage, or internal complications.

    Because of this, we work closely with medical experts who can explain the nature of your injuries and what your recovery will realistically look like. Our goal is to ensure your claim reflects your immediate needs and your long-term challenges.

    Did You Know?

    Per NHTSA, in 2023, motorcyclists were nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle-mile traveled than passenger-vehicle occupants.

    Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

    Most motorcycle collisions are completely preventable. They happen because another driver acted carelessly or failed to respect a rider’s right to the road. Heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and fast-moving intersections create conditions where a single mistake can change everything.

    Lane-change crashes are among the most common scenarios we see. Drivers often fail to check mirrors or blind spots before merging, and motorcycles are the first vehicles overlooked. Intersection crashes are another major danger. A large percentage of our cases involve left-turn collisions caused by drivers who misjudge distance or attempt to beat a light.

    The truth is that riders are some of the most attentive people on the road. It is often someone else’s inattention that causes the damage.

    The Most Frequent Risk Factors We See

    Motorcycle injuries often stem from a small number of recurring driver behaviors. Identifying these patterns strengthens your case and reduces the insurer’s ability to dispute fault.

    • Unsafe or sudden lane changes
    • Drivers failing to yield
    • Speeding and aggressive driving
    • Distracted driving, including texting
    • Door-opening incidents in traffic
    • Impaired or drunk driving


    When a crash fits one of these well-documented patterns, insurers have fewer opportunities to shift blame or minimize your recovery.

    Why These Patterns Matter in Your Claim

    Each risk factor allows us to connect the driver’s behavior to well-understood forms of negligence. This creates a clearer storyline for liability and helps us establish fault with strong, defensible evidence. Insurance companies know these patterns too, and when confronted with them, they lose the ability to rely on weak arguments.

    The Injuries Motorcyclists Commonly Face

    Motorcycle injuries are often severe because riders experience direct impact with the vehicle, road, or surrounding objects. Even low-speed crashes can produce severe injuries that require extensive treatment and long-term care.

    We frequently represent clients with fractures, spinal injuries, road rash with complications, traumatic brain injuries, ligament damage, facial injuries, and internal trauma. These injuries affect mobility, independence, and quality of life. They also complicate your future. Your case must reflect that.

    Your medical team focuses on healing your body. My team focuses on protecting your financial future.

    The Human Side of Recovery

    A motorcycle crash affects far more than your physical health. Pain changes your routines. Emotional trauma interrupts your confidence. Lost income creates stress that impacts the entire household. I take time to understand how this crash has changed your life, so your compensation reflects the truth, not a minimized version of it.

    Pro Tip:

    Never assume you are “fine” just because you walked away from the crash. Many serious injuries, including concussions and internal trauma, do not fully appear for days. Follow-up care is essential for your health and for building a strong case.

    Long-Term Effects of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

    The aftermath of a motorcycle wreck does not end after the first hospital visit. Many riders experience long-term complications that influence mobility, employment, and quality of life.

    Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues

    Long-term pain affects sleep, daily movement, and your ability to work. Compensation must account for both the physical impact and the loss of long-term earning capacity.

    Post-Traumatic Stress and Anxiety

    Motorcycle accidents often produce emotional trauma that makes riding, driving, or even being near traffic difficult. Emotional injuries are real, and we make sure they are documented.

    Permanent Scarring

    Scarring from road rash or surgical procedures can affect appearance, confidence, and mobility. These damages must be valued properly.

    Loss of Career Opportunities

    If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, the financial impact can last years. We work to calculate that loss accurately.

    Long-Term Therapy Needs

    Many clients require physical therapy or counseling well beyond the initial recovery period. Future care should never come out of your own pocket.

    Future Medical Procedures

    Some injuries require follow-up surgeries or ongoing treatment. We ensure that future needs are included in your financial recovery.

    We work with specialists who can project future medical needs, so insurance companies cannot ignore them.

    How We Protect You From Insurance Tactics

    Insurance companies use strategies designed to reduce what they pay. Early settlement offers, delayed communication, and blame-shifting tactics are common.

    Examples include:

    • Claiming the rider was speeding
    • Suggesting the rider “accepted the risk”
    • Minimizing injuries
    • Pressuring for a quick settlement
    • Misrepresenting policy limits
    • Using biased experts


    We push back immediately and position your case to withstand these tactics. When insurers realize they cannot control the narrative, negotiations shift in your favor.

    What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

    Most riders contact me days or weeks after a crash. The immediate shock has faded, pain has increased, and medical bills are starting to show up. If this is your situation, there are still important steps you can take to protect your health and your case.

    • Your medical care comes first. Follow up with your doctors, report new symptoms, and keep all appointments. Delayed pain is common after motorcycle crashes, and consistent medical documentation builds a stronger record.
    • If possible, gather whatever information you already have. Photos, medical paperwork, repair estimates, or notes about how your injuries affect your daily life can all help. Do not worry if you do not have everything. We know how to track down missing records and evidence.
    • Avoid discussing the crash with insurance adjusters. Their questions often sound harmless, but their goal is to limit your claim. Once we represent you, we handle all communication so you can focus on healing.


    The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and strengthen your case. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of your next step, that is exactly when you should call.

    Your consultation is free. Call The Salem Law Firm at (310) 828-7882.

    Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover After a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident

    Your financial recovery should reflect the full impact of the crash, not a reduced version of it. We pursue compensation for both economic and human losses.

    • Medical expenses
    • Future medical care
    • Lost wages
    • Reduced earning potential
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Property damage
    • Loss of enjoyment of life

    A motorcycle crash affects every part of your life. Your recovery should reflect that.

    Our Investigation Process

    A thorough investigation is the backbone of every injury case. Our team builds your case step by step to make sure nothing is missed.

    Evidence Collection

    We secure videos, photographs, witness statements, crash reports, and physical evidence before they disappear.

    Crash Reconstruction

    We work with reconstruction specialists who understand the specific mechanics of motorcycle dynamics and collision impacts.

    Medical Documentation

    We collaborate with your medical providers to document your injuries thoroughly and project future care needs.

    Why Riders Trust The Salem Law Firm

    Riders trust us because we take their cases seriously and treat them with respect. When you hire Ed Salem, you will know where your case stands, what comes next, and what we are doing behind the scenes to protect your future.

    Call our office. Let’s talk about your accident, your injuries, and where you should go from here. (310) 828-7882.

    What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle crash?

    California law allows injured victims to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility. The value of your claim is adjusted based on the percentage of fault assigned. Insurance companies use this rule to exaggerate a rider’s role in the crash, which is why it is important to contact a lawyer before accepting any fault. I investigate the facts, challenge unfair assumptions, and work to reduce or eliminate any blame placed on you.

    How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?

    In California, the general statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injuries is two years from the date of the crash. Some cases have shorter deadlines, especially when government entities are involved. Even though two years sounds like a long time, delays can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and insurance companies gain leverage the longer you wait. The sooner you reach out, the more effectively we can protect your rights.

    Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

    It is rarely a good idea to accept the first offer. Early settlement numbers are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Insurance companies make these offers before they understand the severity of your injuries, the full cost of treatment, or how the crash will affect your long-term health and income. Once you settle, you cannot reopen the claim. I review your injuries, gather documentation, and calculate your full damages so you know exactly what your case is worth before making any decisions.