Lane Change Accidents More Than $175 Million Recovered | Over 30 Years of Experience

Los Angeles Lane-Change Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) counts sideswipe or lane-change accidents among the most common types of vehicle accidents across the country. In 2020, nearly 12% of all crashes fit this description. These collisions occur when a car or truck swerves or merges into a lane occupied by a motorcycle. In many of these accidents, the motorcyclist cannot do anything to avoid being hit.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we have the experience to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies fully accountable when they cause devastating accidents. When you turn to our firm, your case will never be passed to an associate or paralegal; rather, founding attorney Scott J. Corwin will listen to your story, review your legal options, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Lane-change accidents can be brutal. For help recovering the compensation you are owed, look to experienced Los Angeles lane-change motorcycle accident attorney Scott J. Corwin. In addition to being a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association, he has also been selected for inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list every year since 2007. He is known for his compassionate and personalized legal representation, his aggressive approach to litigation, and his ability to secure the results his clients need to heal.

Call our office at(310) 683-2300 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.

What Is a Lane-Change Motorcycle Accident?

Also known as “sideswipe” accidents, lane-change collisions occur when one vehicle changes lanes or merges into another vehicle. When motorcycles are involved, these accidents often result from the driver of the passenger vehicle or truck failing to check for the motorcycle before changing lanes or merging. Sadly, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities—and motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer these devastating consequences.

Without the protection offered by steel frames, heavy car doors, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcyclists are at an exponential risk of being severely injured when they are involved in lane-change accidents with other, larger vehicles. As a result, injured victims often require extensive medical treatment, as well as ongoing and potentially lifelong care. They may suffer permanent disabilities or impairments that prevent them from returning to work for weeks, months, or even the rest of their lives.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we recognize the significant impact these accidents have on victims and their families. Our Los Angeles lane-change motorcycle accident attorney is committed to securing the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Do Lane-Change Accidents Happen?

California allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic, known as “lane-splitting.” While proponents of lane-splitting argue that it is safer for motorcyclists to travel between slowed or stopped traffic, rather than remain inside lanes and continuously start and stop, this practice also puts motorcyclists at risk.

Negligent motorists often fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If a motorcyclist happens to be lawfully lane-splitting when a driver decides to suddenly change lanes, they may end up the victim of a serious sideswipe accident.

Although lane-splitting is a common factor in lane-change motorcycle accidents, it is not the only one. Other common causes of lane-change accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Failure to check blind spots/see motorcyclists
  • Failure to use vehicle blinkers
  • Fatigued driving
  • Road rage
  • Aggressive or reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Poor visibility
  • Swerving to avoid roadway hazards
  • Overcorrecting

If you believe the driver who caused the accident was negligent, reach out to Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation right away. We can help you determine your legal options during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, including your potential right to file a claim and seek compensation for your damages.

Who Is Liable for a Lane-Change Accident?

Both motorcyclists and drivers of other motor vehicles have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road and avoid putting others at risk. Although some motorcyclists engage in dangerous behavior, most sideswipe accidents are caused—at least partially—by the negligence of other motorists.

Most often, the person or party who is liable for the accident is the same person or party who caused the accident. When more than one person shares the blame, California’s rule of pure comparative negligence comes into play. Under this rule, an injured party can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for their damages regardless of their degree of fault. However, the injured party’s total financial recovery will be reduced by the same percentage of fault they are assigned. For example, if a motorcyclist was found to be 25 percent at fault for a lane-change accident, they would only be able to recover up to 75 percent of the amount they were seeking in a personal injury claim.

In some cases, the actual person who caused the accident might not be wholly liable for the injured person’s damages. This often occurs in cases involving commercial vehicles or personal vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as large trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, taxis, Ubers, or Lyfts. These cases tend to be extremely complex, so it is important that you hire an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the legal system and advocate for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Why Hire an Attorney with Experience Handling Lane-Change Accident Claims?

Lane-change accidents often occur because motorists fail to notice a motorcycle when changing lanes. Because of this, the motorist is generally considered negligent.

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so that evidence of negligence can be collected and preserved. Sometimes the negligent driver may try shifting the blame to the motorcyclist when it comes time to pay the bill. For example, they may claim that you were speeding or riding erratically. Statements from independent witnesses can provide important evidence to support your version of events.

Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. They will often dispute or devalue your claim in an attempt to limit your payout. In some cases, they might deny your claim altogether. It’s important that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney by your side who can stand up to the insurance company and advocate for your rights.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Did another driver fail to afford you an equal right to the road? Were you injured or was your loved one tragically killed in a sideswipe motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas? Learn more about your legal rights by requesting a free case evaluation from motorcycle accident lawyer Scott J. Corwin.

We handle complex personal injury and wrongful death cases in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, as well as throughout the state of California. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses when you hire our firm. Instead, we only collect legal fees if we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

Submit a free online contact form or call our office at (310) 683-2300 today.

Making Things Right

Over $175 Million Recovered on Behalf of Our Clients
  • Motorcycle Accident $2,300,000

    City employee causes collision with police motorcycle.

  • Motorcycle Accident $2,100,000

    Motorcyclist suffers brain injury in collision.

  • Motorcycle Accident $1,250,000

    Vehicle turns left in front of motorcycle, causing collision.

  • Motorcycle Accident $312,000 Settlement

    Rear-ended motorcyclist sustains knee injury.

  • Motorcycle Accident $250,000 Settlement

    Motorcyclist injured when vehicle changes lanes in his path.

  • Motorcycle Accident $200,000 Settlement

    Motorcyclist Suffers Torn ACL.

  • Motorcycle Accident $175,000 Settlement

    Motorcyclist injured in chain-reaction collision.

  • Motorcycle Accident $161,609 Settlement

    Motorcyclist injured when struck by left-turning vehicle.

  • Motorcycle Accident $100,000 Settlement

    Vehicle making U-turn collides with motorcycle.

What Sets Us Apart

Quality Legal Representation Your Case Needs
  • Fast, Favorable Resolutions

    At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we understand the importance of securing a favorable outcome in your case, fast. More than 95 percent of our clients’ cases settle within 5 to 9 months, and our clients are very satisfied with the results (see our client reviews!). We only file lawsuits when absolutely necessary, such as in cases where the defendant disputes liability or refuses to pay for the full extent of our client’s damages.

  • Renowned Reputation

    With more than 30 years in practice and over $175 million recovered for his clients, Scott is known for his aggressive approach to litigation. Some of his accolades include:

    • Inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list since 2007, a distinction reserved for only the top 5 percent of all personal injury lawyers in the region
    • Named a “Top 100 Super Lawyer”
    • Named a Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in California by the National Trial Lawyers Association since 2010
    • Maintains a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo

  • Personal Attention

    At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we believe in developing strong attorney-client relationships built on honesty, trust, and communication. As a client, you will always receive direct, personal attention from Scott; your case will never be passed off to an associate or paralegal. Instead, you can always rely on dedicated representation from a highly experienced and award-winning attorney who is ready to fight for you.

  • Zero Upfront Fees

    Our firm offers all personal injury and wrongful death legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket fees or expenses. Instead, we only get paid if and when we recover compensation for you. In the unlikely event that we do not win your case, you do not pay a dime. We also offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose in reaching out to our team today. Contact our firm 24/7 and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

Client Reviews

Here What People Have to Say About Scott
  • Needed help with a 4-car collision. He took care of everything on his end.

    - Earon Bagunu
  • I am not one to write reviews but after an unfortunate car accident, I am so glad I called Scott Corwin.

    - Catherine Lenke
  • A month ago, I was involved in a car crash and broke my right wrist. The process with this attorney was pretty fast. Scott was able to help me and also Julie was always super nice and very professional. I’m very glad everything was easy and fast.

    - Sabrina Guna
  • Scott got the personal injury settlement amount I expected to get (actually a few percent more). He was quiet and efficient, not a time-waster. Perfect fit for a working person.

    - Carl Hoppe
  • Thanks again Scott and Staff for your great work. My family and I are fortunate to have you all by our side in times of need.

    - Maria Mejia
Client Testimonials
  • NTLA Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers
    NTLA Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers
  • NTLA Top 25 Brain Injury Trial Lawyers
    NTLA Top 25 Brain Injury Trial Lawyers
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
    Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
    Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Super Lawers
    Super Lawers
  • Avvo 10.0
    Avvo 10.0
  • American Association for Justice
    American Association for Justice
  • Litigator Awards
    Litigator Awards
  • LATLC
    LATLC
  • Consumer Lawyer of Los Angeles
    Consumer Lawyer of Los Angeles
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
    Consumer Attorneys of California
  • BBB A+
    BBB A+
  • NSCIA
    NSCIA
  • Brian Injury Association
    Brian Injury Association

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