Irvine Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Irvine motorcycle accident lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and significant financial burdens. If you have been in an accident in Irvine, MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers are experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. We can help you get financial compensation and assist with insurance claims.

Our experienced team understands the process of motorcycle accident cases. We are dedicated to advocating for the compensation you deserve in motorcycle crashes. Whether you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress in Orange County, we commit to supporting you every step of the way.

What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Crash

What should you do after a motorcycle crash

After a motorcycle crash, your priority should be your safety and health. Move to a safe location away from traffic and check yourself and others for any motorcycle accident injuries. Call 911 to report the incident and ask for assistance. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation to identify unknown injuries is important.

Once emergency services arrive, cooperate with the police by providing a truthful account of what happened. Ensure you do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later. Gather contact information from eyewitnesses and take photos of the accident scene.

Get proof of the vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. These steps will be necessary when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

File a Personal Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim is key in recovering damages after a motorcycle incident. This claim allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident.

An Irvine motorcycle accident lawyer should guide you through the process. We ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted correctly. We aim to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing.

When to File a Lawsuit

You should consider taking legal action if an insurance company provides a settlement that doesn't cover your expenses. The second case would be if they deny your claim altogether.

Filing a lawsuit can be complex, requiring evidence to prove liability and damages.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Examples of common injuries in motorcycle accidents are the following:

  • Head injuries: Head injuries are among the most severe consequences of motorcycle accidents. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries could lead to long-term cognitive and physical challenges.
  • Road rash: Road rash occurs when a rider's skin scrapes against the pavement. It is a painful condition that varies from mild scrapes to deep wounds. It often leads to infections and permanent scarring.
  • Fractures: A motorcycle accident can lead to broken bones. Common fractures include broken arms, legs, wrists, and ribs, which require surgery. There may be a lengthy rehabilitation as well to heal as needed.
  • Spinal cord injuries: If your spinal cord is hurt, it can end in partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries not only impact mobility but also affect a victim's quality of life and independence.
  • Internal injuries: The impact of an accident can cause damage to internal organs. The damage can lead to internal bleeding or organ failure. These injuries are life-threatening and need immediate medical attention.

Negligence

Negligence

Proving negligence is key to winning a motorcycle accident case. Negligence happens when a driver does not act responsibly, leading to an accident and injuries. To prove negligence, you must show the following:

Duty

Duty refers to the liability that drivers must operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws. It includes being aware of their surroundings, obeying speed limits, and using signals when turning or changing lanes. In a motorcycle accident case, establishing duty involves showing that the other driver was obligated to drive safely.

Breach of Duty

A breach of duty occurs when a driver fails to meet the standard of care expected of them. A breach could include speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. To prove a breach, you must show that the driver's actions were reckless or negligent. Our attorneys gather evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements. We show how the driver breached their duty of care.

Cause-in-Fact

Cause-in-fact, or actual cause, means proving that the driver's breach of duty directly led to the accident and your injuries. Cause involves demonstrating a clear connection between the negligent action and the harm you suffered.

An Irvine motorcycle accident attorney may use expert testimony and accident reconstruction. It will help establish this link and show that the driver's behavior was the actual cause of the accident.

Proximate Cause

Proximate cause relates to the foreseeability of the accident occurring due to the driver's actions. This means the accident was a natural and predictable outcome of negligent behavior. Proving proximate cause must show that the driver should have anticipated the consequences of their actions.

Damages

Damages refer to the losses you suffered due to the incident, including hospital expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To recover these damages, you must provide evidence of the financial and emotional impact of the accident.

Comparative Negligence Impact My Case?

California follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.

The percentage of fault assigned to you will directly decrease your settlement amount. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers work to minimize your level of fault and maximize your compensation.

Types of Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Types of damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit

In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to various damages. Our attorneys at MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers are dedicated to pursuing all possible avenues of compensation to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Costs of Past and Future Medical Treatment

Medical expenses are often the most significant cost following a motorcycle accident. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Future medical treatment, such as ongoing therapy or medical devices, should also be considered. Our firm helps calculate these costs to ensure you are fully compensated for past and future medical needs.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These non-economic damages can be challenging to calculate but are a key compensation component. Factors such as how serious your injuries are and the impact on your quality of life are considered.

Damage to Property

Motorcycle accidents often result in significant damage to your bike and other personal property. Repair or replacement costs can add up fast, creating more financial strain. It's important to document the extent of the damage and get repair estimates.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Many accidents result from driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle defects. Factors such as traffic congestion and diverse weather conditions in California also contribute. MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers are experienced in investigating these causes to build a strong case for our clients.

Intoxication

Taking the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the risk of accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times can lead to catastrophic collisions. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to the reckless actions of intoxicated drivers.

Our attorneys work diligently to hold intoxicated drivers responsible for their actions and seek justice for motorcycle accident victims.

Unsafe Speed

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, making incidents more likely. With less protection than cars, motorcycles are especially susceptible to severe injuries in high-speed collisions. Establishing that a driver was speeding involves examining skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness accounts.

Improper Turn

Improper turns, such as failing to signal or turning without checking for oncoming traffic, can lead to serious accidents. Motorcyclists are often overlooked by drivers making turns, resulting in collisions. Proving an improper turn requires evidence like traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimony.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car systems, is a leading cause of accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to drivers who are not fully focused on the road. Demonstrating distraction involves reviewing phone records, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating, or following too closely, reduces the time and space needed to react to sudden stops. Motorcyclists can be rear-ended by drivers who do not maintain a safe following distance. Proving tailgating often involves examining the point of impact and damage patterns.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, where motorcyclists ride between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes, is legal in California but can be dangerous. Drivers may not expect motorcycles to pass between lanes, leading to collisions. Establishing fault in lane-splitting accidents requires a nuanced understanding of traffic laws and dynamics.

Dangerous Roads

Poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, or hazardous conditions can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces pose significant risks to riders. Identifying road hazards and linking them to accidents requires expert analysis and documentation. Our legal team works to hold responsible parties accountable for dangerous road conditions.

Car Doors

Motorcyclists can be injured when drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for approaching bikes. This common hazard, known as "dooring," can cause serious accidents. Proving liability in dooring cases involves demonstrating the driver's failure to observe their surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions for Irvine motorcycle accident lawyers:

California's comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. Therefore, it's important to assess fault to ensure fair compensation accurately.

Many motorcycle accident lawyers, including MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay upfront fees; the attorney only gets paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award.

You can appeal or pursue legal action if your insurance claim is denied. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the reasons for denial and build a strong case for appeal. It's important to act quickly, as there are deadlines for filing appeals and lawsuits.

Contact MLG Personal Injury for a Motorcycle Accident Resolution

Contact MLG Personal Injury for a motorcycle accident resolution

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident in Irvine, MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers are here to help. Our dedicated team will guide you through the legal process, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Don't let an accident define your future. Find support in your recovery and pursuit of justice with the motorcycle accident attorney Irvine offers to help with the other driver's negligence.

Contact MLG Personal Injury & Accidents Lawyers today for a consultation and take the first step toward resolution for your motorcycle accident claim.

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