Motorcyclist Killed in Hawthorne Crash — What Families Need to Know

On May 7, 2025, a motorcyclist tragically lost his life in a violent collision on Crenshaw Boulevard in Hawthorne, California. According to KTLA News, the crash occurred just before 2:00 p.m. near the intersection of Crenshaw and Jack Northrop Avenue. First responders arrived to find the motorcycle lodged under a heavily damaged vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crashes involving motorcycles are often catastrophic—and they raise urgent legal questions. Who was at fault? Was speed a factor? Did the other driver fail to yield or see the motorcycle? For grieving families, the answers are not just personal—they’re legal. Working with a knowledgeable Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney can provide clarity, accountability, and financial relief after a fatal crash.

At King Law, we represent victims of motorcycle accidents across Los Angeles County, including Hawthorne and the South Bay. In this article, we’ll walk you through what’s known about the May 7th crash, common patterns in these types of accidents, and how families can pursue justice through wrongful death claims under California law.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Hawthorne Under Investigation

A violent motorcycle crash that occurred on May 7, 2025, at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Jack Northrop Avenue in Hawthorne, California, claimed the life of a 41-year-old rider. According to KTLA News, the crash occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. and involved a collision between the motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. The motorcycle ended up lodged beneath the car upon impact, and the rider was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Crashes like this one are all too familiar on major roadways in Los Angeles County, especially at intersections known for high-speed traffic and poor visibility. Investigators from the Hawthorne Police Department are actively reviewing video surveillance, witness statements, and vehicle positioning to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Scene Analysis What We Know So Far

Initial reports confirm that the passenger vehicle involved remained at the scene and that the driver is cooperating with police. Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted to render aid, but the rider’s injuries were fatal. Images from local media showed significant front-end damage to the vehicle and scattered debris across several lanes.

It is not yet clear whether speed, an illegal turn, distraction, or failure to yield played a role in the crash. While official statements remain pending, this incident fits common patterns seen in fatal motorcycle crashes throughout the South Bay.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Los Angeles County consistently ranks among the highest in California for fatal motorcycle crashes, particularly in cities with dense commuter traffic like Hawthorne.

The Danger of Urban Arterials Like Crenshaw Boulevard

Crenshaw Boulevard is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the South Bay, with multiple lanes in each direction, limited visibility at intersections, and high average speeds. The crash occurred just north of the intersection with Jack Northrop Avenue, a major east-west connector that sees frequent left-turn maneuvers and uncontrolled cross-traffic.

You can view the intersection on Google Maps to understand the traffic flow and limited sightlines at this location.

According to a 2022 study by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), intersections like Crenshaw and Jack Northrop are considered “collision clusters”, where roadway design, speed limits, and traffic density intersect to create heightened crash risk, especially for vulnerable users like motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Visibility and Daytime Crashes

Unlike nighttime accidents, this fatal crash occurred in full daylight, which raises troubling questions about visibility and driver awareness. Many drivers still fail to see motorcyclists, even in clear, daytime conditions. A report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that motorcyclists are often involved in crashes where the driver failed to detect them until it was too late.

Factors that contribute to this phenomenon include

Failure to check blind spots before turning
Distraction due to mobile devices
Misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance
Visual clutter from signs, landscaping, or buildings

This is especially critical at intersections with limited field-of-view like Crenshaw and Jack Northrop. A left-turning vehicle or an improper merge can be fatal when a motorcycle is approaching at even moderate speeds.

Surveillance Footage and Eyewitness Testimony Why It Matters

Hawthorne PD is currently reviewing local surveillance footage to determine the sequence of events. In cases like this, video evidence can be pivotal. Footage from nearby businesses, traffic cams, or even dashcams can show

Which party had the right of way
Whether either driver was speeding
If a turn or lane change occurred unlawfully
Whether distraction played a role

Eyewitness accounts—especially from pedestrians or nearby drivers—can also fill in gaps that cameras may not capture. At King Law, we work quickly to locate and secure video footage and eyewitness reports before they are lost or deleted.

The Legal Importance of a Thorough Investigation

Fatal motorcycle crashes demand a multi-layered investigation that looks beyond surface-level police reports. Insurance companies will often try to blame the rider or cite partial fault to reduce payouts. However, a deep dive into the evidence may reveal that

The driver violated right-of-way laws
Speeding or unsafe lane changes occurred
The intersection lacked proper safety controls
The motorcyclist had limited space to avoid the impact

Under California law, even in cases where fault is shared, the victim’s family can pursue wrongful death and survival action claims under pure comparative negligence rules. The sooner a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney is involved, the more evidence can be preserved to build a strong claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility for a crash. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if a motorcyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if the court finds a driver 70% at fault for making an illegal left turn, but determines the motorcyclist was 30% at fault for speeding, the rider’s family could still recover 70% of the damages. This rule applies even in high-severity cases involving fatalities.

This legal framework is critical in wrongful death claims. An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney will build a strong case by minimizing the perceived fault of the motorcyclist, using expert testimony and forensic evidence to prove the other party’s liability.

Left Turns and Driver Blind Spots

One of the most common—and most deadly—types of motorcycle crashes involves a vehicle making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider. This may occur when the driver misjudges the rider’s speed, fails to see them entirely, or attempts to “beat” the motorcycle through the intersection.

In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 40% of fatal motorcycle collisions occur when another vehicle turns left across the motorcyclist’s path. These crashes are often classified as failure-to-yield incidents and are grounds for civil liability.

Speeding and Sudden Lane Changes

Excessive speed, by either the rider or the driver, significantly increases the risk and severity of a crash. On multilane roads like Crenshaw Boulevard, where cars regularly weave through traffic, motorcyclists are frequently forced to react with little time or space.

Sudden lane changes, especially without signaling or checking blind spots, can cut off a motorcycle’s path or push a rider into oncoming traffic. These are reckless behaviors that violate California traffic laws and often indicate negligence in legal terms.

Poor Visibility and Driver Inattention

Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, which makes them harder to see, especially at intersections or during turns. But that doesn’t excuse drivers from failing to notice them. Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a navigation app, plays a significant role in many motorcycle collisions.

A study from UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) found that driver inattention contributed to 30% of fatal motorcycle crashes in California. These cases often involve clear violations of duty of care and are prime grounds for injury or wrongful death claims.

Unsafe Road Designs and Lack of Motorcycle Infrastructure

In many areas of Los Angeles County, including Hawthorne, roads are designed for cars, not motorcycles. Cracked pavement, poor signage, lack of dedicated lanes, and poorly timed signals all contribute to accident risk. Unlike larger vehicles, motorcycles are especially sensitive to surface changes and visibility barriers.

When road design or maintenance failures contribute to a crash, government agencies may share liability. This requires a specific type of claim known as a government tort claim, which must be filed quickly, usually within six months of the incident.

Mechanical Failure or Defective Equipment

Occasionally, motorcycle crashes result not from another driver’s actions but from brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions. In these cases, liability may fall on the manufacturer or mechanic who last serviced the bike.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles will explore all possibilities and preserve physical evidence such as the motorcycle itself, helmet, riding gear, and GoPro or dashcam footage (if available).

Motorcycle Safety Tips That Could Save Lives in Los Angeles

Motorcycle accidents are not always avoidable, but many can be prevented. For both riders and drivers, small changes in behavior can lead to dramatic improvements in safety. Below are practical, research-supported tips every motorcyclist should follow when navigating Los Angeles roads.

Stay Visible and Predictable

Most motorcycle crashes involve a driver claiming they “didn’t see” the rider. Wearing high-visibility gear and using reflective materials at night reduces this risk. Keep your headlights on at all times and avoid riding in blind spots.

According to the IIHS, daytime headlight use and reflective vests have been shown to reduce motorcycle crash risk by up to 37%.

Be Extra Cautious at Intersections

Intersections—especially those without dedicated turn signals—are the most dangerous locations for riders. Always assume other drivers may turn in front of you without signaling. Reduce your speed and cover your brakes when approaching any intersection.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Tailgating or riding too close to cars limits your time to react. Maintaining a 3-second following distance gives riders more space to brake or maneuver in case of sudden stops.

Get Proper Training

Riders with formal training have fewer accidents. Programs like the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offer affordable courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. Completing these courses may also reduce your insurance premiums.

What Makes Motorcycle Crash Cases Different From Car Accidents?

At first glance, motorcycle and car accidents may seem legally similar, but they are fundamentally different in how they’re investigated, defended, and resolved. Motorcycle crash cases require a unique legal strategy because of the rider’s increased vulnerability, public misconceptions, and the insurance industry’s tendency to shift blame. At King Law, we specialize in navigating these complexities to protect riders and their families after serious or fatal crashes.

Increased Risk of Catastrophic Injury and Death

Motorcycles offer no physical protection in a collision. There are no airbags, crumple zones, or seatbelts. As a result, motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Compound fractures
Internal organ damage
Fatal blunt force trauma

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles.

Because injuries are more severe, the financial stakes are higher, and insurance companies are more aggressive in limiting liability.

Bias Against Motorcyclists

One of the most damaging—and invisible—factors in motorcycle injury cases is jury bias. Many jurors assume that riders are inherently reckless, even when the facts show otherwise. This bias can influence everything from fault determinations to compensation amounts.

Insurance companies understand this bias and use it to their advantage by

Framing the rider as speeding or weaving through traffic
Overemphasizing lane splitting (even though it’s legal in California)
Citing a lack of gear or helmet, even when not legally required

At King Law, we know how to dismantle these biases with facts, evidence, and expert testimony, ensuring that juries and insurers focus on what really matters negligence, not stereotypes.

Complex Fault Analysis and Road Dynamics

In motorcycle cases, the details matter more. Investigating a fatal motorcycle crash often requires

Accident reconstruction experts
Analysis of vehicle blind spots
Review of road surface conditions and signage
Cross-referencing dashcam or surveillance footage
Input from motorcycle safety instructors or engineers

In contrast, car-on-car accidents often rely on simple police reports or eyewitness statements. Motorcycle cases demand deeper forensic review to prove exactly how and why the crash occurred.

Insurance Tactics Are More Aggressive

Due to the high value of motorcycle fatality claims, insurance carriers often fight harder to reduce or deny payouts. They may

Dispute the severity or cause of injuries
Blame the rider for not wearing enough protective gear
Misapply California’s comparative negligence laws
Delay claims while they “investigate” every detail

Unlike many law firms, King Law prepares every motorcycle crash case as if it’s going to trial. This pressure forces insurers to take our clients seriously, and often results in higher settlements.

Emotional and Legal Impact on Families

Motorcycle crashes almost always involve personal loss on a deeper level. Whether it’s the sudden death of a young rider or life-altering injuries that require full-time care, the emotional impact is profound.

That’s why California law allows wrongful death claimants to seek non-economic damages for

Loss of companionship
Emotional distress
Guidance the decedent would have provided to children or dependents

These elements are often overlooked in general car accident cases but are central to every motorcycle case we handle at King Law.

FAQs After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in California

Grieving families often have more questions than answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions King Law receives after fatal motorcycle crashes

Can I Still File a Claim if the Motorcyclist Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. California’s comparative fault system allows claims even if the victim shares some blame. An experienced attorney can still recover significant compensation by proving the other party bears the majority of responsibility.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

In that case, your claim may be filed under your loved one’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Your attorney will help you access those benefits and challenge denials if necessary.

Is There a Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?

Yes. A wrongful death claim is filed by family members for their losses (e.g., financial and emotional). A survival action is filed by the estate for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Typically, you have two years from the date of death. However, if a government agency may be liable (e.g., due to road design), the timeline could be as short as six months.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

When a loved one dies in a motorcycle accident, families are left with grief, questions, and often overwhelming financial burdens. Under California law, certain surviving family members have the right to pursue civil claims that can provide compensation and accountability. Working with a trusted Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney ensures these cases are handled with both care and precision.

Wrongful Death Claims in California

A wrongful death claim allows eligible family members to seek damages when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. In the context of motorcycle crashes, this often involves drivers who

Failed to yield the right of way
Made illegal turns or lane changes
Were distracted or speeding
Drove under the influence

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

According to California Civil Procedure § 377.60, those who may bring a wrongful death action include

The deceased’s spouse or registered domestic partner
Children or legal dependents
Parents (if no children or spouse survive)
Other heirs or individuals financially dependent on the deceased

These claims are separate from criminal proceedings and focus on civil liability and financial restitution.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims must typically be filed within two years of the date of death. Waiting too long may forfeit your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is. That’s why immediate consultation with a legal team like King Law is critical.

Survival Actions Filing on Behalf of the Deceased

In addition to a wrongful death claim, the deceased’s estate may file a survival action. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for

Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the victim
Lost wages between the time of injury and death

When Is a Survival Action Appropriate?

Survival actions apply when the victim lived for any period following the crash, no matter how brief. Even a short delay between injury and death can entitle the estate to damages. This is common in motorcycle accidents, where victims are hospitalized before succumbing to injuries.

The Role of the Estate Representative

A survival action is filed by the personal representative of the estate, typically named in the will or appointed by the court. This representative works closely with attorneys to gather medical documentation and evidence that supports the claim.

What Compensation Is Available?

Families pursuing legal action after a fatal motorcycle crash may be entitled to a wide range of damages, including

Economic Damages

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of future income and benefits
Medical bills related to the crash

Non-Economic Damages

Loss of companionship
Emotional suffering and mental anguish
Loss of care, guidance, and support

Punitive Damages in Gross Negligence Cases

If the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the behavior and deter future harm.

Why Work With a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle crash cases—especially fatal ones—are uniquely complex. Insurance companies move fast to limit liability. Evidence can disappear. Fault may be contested. Working with an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney ensures that families aren’t left to figure it out alone.

Accident Investigations Require Speed and Expertise

Police investigations don’t always tell the full story. Officers on the scene may overlook key factors, or the official report might contain errors. An attorney-led investigation ensures every angle is covered.

What a Legal Investigation Includes

On-site crash reconstruction
Analysis of skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage
Review of traffic camera or business surveillance footage
Witness interviews conducted under oath
Examination of police body cam and 911 call logs

Working With Forensic Experts

At King Law, we work with accident reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, and medical experts to uncover the truth. These professionals can demonstrate how and why the crash occurred, backed by data.

Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair

Insurers often rush grieving families into quick settlements. These offers rarely reflect the true value of the claim. Without legal representation, families may unknowingly accept compensation that doesn’t cover long-term losses.

Common Insurance Tactics

Disputing fault based on “shared responsibility”
Minimizing the value of emotional damages
Delaying payment or requesting excessive documentation
Using your words against you in recorded statements

Why Legal Counsel Levels the Field

Your attorney handles all communication with insurance adjusters. This prevents manipulation, protects your statements, and sends a clear message that you’re serious about getting what’s fair.

King Law Fighting for Motorcycle Crash Victims Across LA

Led by Attorney King Aminpour, King Law has earned a reputation for aggressive representation and client-first advocacy. We understand the stakes. We know what it takes to win cases involving fatal motorcycle crashes.

What Sets King Law Apart

Over two decades of experience in personal injury law
Focus on high-impact crashes and wrongful death cases
Access to elite investigators and medical experts
No recovery, no fee—guaranteed

Local Knowledge. Proven Results.

We’ve recovered millions for accident victims across Hawthorne, Inglewood, Torrance, and beyond. We don’t just serve Los Angeles—we fight for its communities.

Your Rights Under California’s Comparative Fault Rules

Understanding California’s comparative fault rule is key to knowing what compensation you’re entitled to—even when fault is unclear or shared.

What Is Pure Comparative Negligence?

Unlike some states, California uses a pure comparative negligence system. That means fault is divided by percentage, and plaintiffs can recover damages even if they’re up to 99% at fault—though compensation is reduced accordingly.

How Is Fault Determined?

Fault is decided based on evidence including

Police reports
Eyewitness statements
Surveillance and dashcam footage
Cellphone records
Expert testimony

King Law uses all available resources to build a persuasive fault analysis. If the insurance company tries to overstate your loved one’s liability, we fight to set the record straight.

Examples of Fault Splits in Motorcycle Cases

70/30 split – Driver ran a red light, but motorcyclist was speeding.
50/50 split – Driver changed lanes illegally; motorcyclist was lane-splitting unsafely.
90/10 split – Driver opened a car door into a passing motorcycle.

In each case, the family of the deceased may still be entitled to compensation, sometimes substantial. Don’t let an insurance company use comparative fault to deny you justice.

Understanding the Insurance Company’s Role After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

When a fatal motorcycle crash occurs, one of the first entities involved is the insurance company, and contrary to what many believe, their job is not to help you. Their role is to limit liability and protect their own financial interests. For families grieving the sudden loss of a loved one, dealing with adjusters, coverage disputes, and payout delays can be both confusing and emotionally draining. That’s why understanding how insurance companies operate—and having a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney to deal with them—is crucial.

Insurance Companies Are Not Neutral Parties

After a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurer will typically open a liability claim file. You may receive calls from claims adjusters expressing sympathy and requesting a statement. But it’s important to remember, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize what they pay out, even if the crash was clearly the other driver’s fault.

A 2023 report by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) ranked large insurers like Allstate, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual among the worst offenders when it comes to delaying, denying, or underpaying valid claims. These companies employ entire teams of legal and financial professionals trained to protect their bottom line, not yours.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters

Insurance carriers often use the following strategies to reduce payouts in fatal crash claims

Blame the motorcyclist – Even in clear-cut crashes, insurers may argue the rider was speeding, lane-splitting recklessly, or failing to wear proper gear.
Request unnecessary documentation – This stalls the process and pressures families to settle out of frustration.
Offer a “quick settlement” – These lowball offers often don’t even cover funeral costs, let alone lost income or emotional damages.
Dispute cause of death – Especially in hospital death cases, insurers may argue the victim died from unrelated or pre-existing conditions.

An experienced attorney will intercept these tactics, manage all communications, and fight for the full value of your claim.

Understanding Different Types of Coverage Involved

Fatal motorcycle crashes often involve multiple layers of insurance. Here’s a breakdown of key policy types that may come into play.

Bodily Injury Liability

This is the at-fault driver’s insurance. In California, the legal minimum is just $15,000 per person, which is rarely enough in fatal cases. Higher-limit policies, or umbrella policies, may also apply.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks adequate coverage, you may file a UM/UIM claim through the deceased rider’s own motorcycle or auto policy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 16% of California drivers are uninsured, and many more are underinsured.

Medical Payments (MedPay)

Some motorcycle policies include MedPay, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault. However, coverage limits are usually low, and insurers may try to deny coverage in fatal crashes.

Life Insurance and Accidental Death Riders

In addition to liability insurance, families may be entitled to life insurance benefits. If the policy includes an accidental death rider, the payout may double. However, insurance companies often delay these payments by demanding excessive proof or challenging the cause of death.

Why Legal Representation Is Critical During the Insurance Process

Insurance companies are far less likely to delay or underpay a claim when a skilled lawyer is involved. At King Law, we manage every aspect of the insurance claim process, including

Filing all paperwork accurately and on time
Communicating with adjusters and opposing counsel
Calculating damages that reflect both economic and emotional loss
Challenging any denied or delayed claims
Identifying all policies and coverage sources available

Our goal is not just to settle your claim, but to maximize its value while protecting your family’s legal rights.

How King Law Negotiates with Insurance Companies for Maximum Compensation

After a fatal motorcycle crash, dealing with the insurance company is often the most frustrating part for families. It’s not uncommon to feel ignored, lowballed, or blamed—even when the facts clearly show another party was at fault. At King Law, we handle these difficult conversations so families don’t have to. Our job is to push back—hard—against insurance companies that are more focused on profits than people.

Early Intervention to Set the Tone

From the moment we take on your case, we send a representation letter to the at-fault party’s insurer and your own insurance company (if applicable). This stops all direct communication with the family and immediately puts the insurers on notice that the case is being handled by legal counsel.

We also file preservation requests to secure dashcam footage, business surveillance, and black box data from any vehicles involved. These early steps prevent the loss of crucial evidence and show the insurer that this is not a case they can sweep under the rug.

Building a Comprehensive Damages Demand

Our team works with medical experts, economists, and grief counselors to build a fully itemized demand package. This includes

Verified medical and emergency response costs
Funeral and burial expenses
Calculated loss of earnings and future income
Emotional trauma and loss of companionship
Visual evidence of the crash and its aftermath
Psychological impact reports for surviving family members

A compelling demand package forces the insurer to take the case seriously—and sets the stage for full compensation, not just a basic settlement.

Leveraging Case Law and Jury Verdict Data

Insurers often base offers on outdated or generic benchmarks. At King Law, we counter that by citing recent jury verdicts and published settlement outcomes in similar wrongful death cases. We draw from verdict databases, such as those provided by VerdictSearch and Justia, to justify higher damage valuations.

For example, if we see that Los Angeles County juries have awarded $2M–$5M in comparable cases, we use that to anchor our negotiation strategy. This forces insurers to consider what they might lose if the case goes to trial.

Handling Lowball Offers and Delay Tactics

When insurers respond with offers that undervalue the case, or stall the process with repeated requests, we go on the offensive. We respond with detailed rebuttals, backed by expert analysis, legal precedent, and aggressive timelines.

In cases where adjusters refuse to move, we prepare and file a bad faith claim, if applicable, or prepare to file the wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. This sends a powerful signal, if they won’t pay fairly, we’ll take it to a jury.

Preparing for Trial from Day One

Even if a case is likely to settle, we always act as if trial is inevitable. This means retaining expert witnesses early, preparing visual exhibits (accident reconstructions, video timelines), and anticipating every defense tactic the insurance company might raise.

By demonstrating our readiness to go to trial, we increase the pressure on insurers to offer fair settlements, often avoiding litigation altogether.

How King Law Handles Complex Motorcycle Litigation

At King Law, motorcycle accident cases are never treated as routine. We understand that these cases involve more than broken bones—they involve broken lives. Here’s how we build a case designed to win.

Rapid Response Investigation Team

Our firm immediately sends a private investigator to the crash site. We collect evidence before it disappears—tire marks, video footage, broken vehicle parts—and document every detail in a digital crash reconstruction model.

Forensic and Medical Experts

We work with biomechanical engineers and trauma specialists to evaluate impact injuries. This not only helps in proving cause of death, but also supports non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Insurance Negotiation and Litigation Strategy

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even if a settlement is likely. This pressure strategy prevents lowball offers and shows insurers we’re serious. If they won’t cooperate, we litigate—period.

What To Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Motorcycle Crash

Losing someone you love in a motorcycle crash is a devastating experience. The emotional impact is immediate, but the legal and financial consequences often unfold over weeks or months. While nothing can undo the loss, pursuing justice through legal channels can bring a sense of closure and help your family move forward. If you’re grieving after the May 7, 2025, fatal crash in Hawthorne, it’s critical to contact a skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and guide your next steps.

Preserve Evidence as Soon as Possible

In the wake of a fatal crash, evidence begins to disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, witness memories become less reliable, and damaged vehicles are towed or repaired. Preserving evidence immediately strengthens your legal case and prevents insurers from disputing the facts.

Key Items to Secure Right Away

The official traffic collision report from the Hawthorne Police Department
Medical and coroner documentation
Witness statements and contact details
Photographs or videos of the crash scene
Insurance details of the other driver

Do Not Rely on the Insurance Company Alone

Insurance companies are not neutral. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even in fatal accident cases. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), claimants should never assume insurers will offer full compensation without legal pressure. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Speak With a Lawyer Before Making Any Legal or Financial Decisions

Hiring a wrongful death lawyer early ensures that you don’t miss critical deadlines or forfeit your right to sue. In California, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years, but government-related claims (such as unsafe road design or traffic signal failure) may have deadlines as short as six months, per the California Government Claims Board.

What Your Attorney Can Do Immediately

File a wrongful death claim on your behalf
Evaluate any potential survival action under California law
Gather medical and forensic evidence
Manage insurance communications and settlement negotiations
Guide you through probate court, if necessary

Let the Legal Team Handle the Pressure

At King Law, our legal team manages every legal and administrative detail, so your family can focus on grief, healing, and honoring your loved one’s memory. We work closely with trauma counselors, financial advisors, and forensic experts to ensure you’re protected from every angle.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With King Law

If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, such as the May 7, 2025, crash in Hawthorne, you don’t need to handle this alone. Our team is here to guide you through the legal system with clarity and compassion. The sooner you act, the more options we have to preserve evidence and pursue justice.

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Act Quickly – Learn more about wrongful death timelines from California Courts

The insurance company already has a legal team—shouldn’t you? Contact King Law today and speak to an attorney who will fight for your family like it’s our own.