Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Orange County

Tenacious Advocacy for the Wrongfully Injured in Irvine & Los Angeles

Countless motorcycle accident victims are living with serious, permanent disabilities as a result of an accident with a car driver who "just didn’t see them." When a car hits a motorcycle, the injuries to the biker are generally far more serious than injuries resulting from car-on-car accidents. 

Because motorcycles afford little protection against the impact of a car, the results of a collision can be disastrous.

Motorcycle wreck injuries can include the following:

• Neck injury
• Head injury
• Back injury
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

Accident victims are often facing months of rehabilitation, significant loss of income, stress in their family and social life, heart-wrenching issues with adjustment to life after the accident, and more. If you or someone you know was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Office of Marshall Silberberg to discuss your legal options with a highly qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County. 

Motorcycles often do not have the safety features that cars do, such as seatbelts and airbags, which heightens the severity of injuries. Understanding the long-term effects of these injuries can be crucial in legal proceedings, impacting compensation and the type of rehabilitation required. Our dedicated team works to ensure that each client receives a comprehensive evaluation of their injuries and the impacts on their future.

With $30 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients obtained in 2021 alone, our small law firm is a force to be reckoned with.

Call us today at (949) 565-4281 to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyer in Irvine at our office.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by many of the same things that cause car accidents: reckless driving, uneven roads, inclement weather, and maintenance issues are just a few. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to the effects of these issues. 

A driver’s negligent actions that may cause minor damage to another car could cause catastrophic injury to a person on a motorcycle.

Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driving under the influence
• Road conditions
• Inclement weather
• Dangerous left turns
• Mechanical issues
• Tailgating/driving too close
• Hazardous lane changes
• Speeding

Motorcycle riders must also contend with unique risk factors such as reduced visibility to other drivers and the instability of two-wheeled transport. Drivers often misjudge the speed and distance of motorcycles due to their smaller size, leading to potentially fatal errors, especially during lane changes or at intersections.

Ensuring Motorcyclists in Irvine Are Fairly Represented

If you're a motorcyclist, then you are intimately familiar with the negative stigma against riders. Motorcyclists are commonly called reckless and dangerous, just because they enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with owning a motorcycle. 

Nothing brings out that incorrect bias more than being involved in an accident with an automobile. The other driver, insurance companies, and sometimes even the police are quick to place blame with the "reckless" motorcyclist, when in actuality, the majority of bikers are innocent victims of distracted drivers.

When you come to the Law Office of Marshall Silberberg, you can count on our team of motorcycle accident lawyers in Irvine to stand up to the insurance companies who are trying to minimize the value of your claim. With help from our network of investigators and experts, we build strong cases for our clients.

Our specialized knowledge in handling these claims involves meticulous evidence gathering to counter prevalent biases. We utilize detailed accident reconstructions, medical reports, and witness testimonies to fortify your position. Our commitment is to portray the rightful perspective of our clients, ensuring every motorcyclist's voice is heard amid misleading stereotypes.

How to Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Motorcycle riders typically sustain the most severe injuries in collision cases. It is possible for the person who is driving a car to be injured as well, but the size of motorcycles and relative lack of protection makes riders much more vulnerable to injury.

Although a motorcycle rider may incur the most significant damages, fault is not always clear-cut and can’t always be obviously attributed to the driver. You will still need to work to prove the other driver’s negligence in order to recover compensation. This can be done through the use of witness or expert testimonies or with physical evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, or bills.

In complex situations, having a detailed legal strategy becomes essential. This includes gathering thorough medical documentation to exhibit the extent of injuries and engaging accident reconstructionists to objectively assess the scene. Our team ensures these elements are comprehensively presented, maximizing the influence of your evidence before the court and any involved financial entities.

Comparative Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Cases

California’s comparative negligence laws apply to motorcycle accident cases as well. To recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. The other driver and their team may attempt to reduce your compensation or deny your claim by arguing you are at fault. 

In comparative negligence states, your compensation can be reduced according to your degree of fault. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Orange County are committed to proving the other driver’s fault and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

An understanding of comparative negligence is vital to ensure fair compensation. Our team meticulously examines all aspects of the accident, leveraging data and expert insights to challenge any unfounded allegations. This proactive approach is crucial, as even slight shifts in perceived fault can significantly impact the compensation received.

California Motorcycle Laws & Your Rights

California motorcyclists are required to follow general traffic laws, in addition to laws that are specifically for motorcycles. Motorcycle laws in California include the requirement to wear a helmet at all times, carry a motorcycle license, and carry minimum insurance coverage. 

There are also specific parameters for equipment and the build of the motorcycles. For example, handlebars cannot be six inches above the rider’s shoulder height.

In the state of California, motorcycle riders are permitted to split lanes. Lane splitting helps motorcycle riders avoid traffic but can be dangerous if other drivers are not observant of motorcycles near them.

Understanding these regulations can profoundly impact a rider's safety and legality on the road. Compliance with laws regarding equipment and operational conduct not only enhances personal safety but also strengthens any legal claims in the event of an accident. Our team advises clients on maintaining legal protection through adherence to these stipulations.

Entrust Your Claim to Marshall Silberberg!

Over the course of our firm’s existence, we have won more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Our tenacious advocacy, coupled with our extensive resources and decades of experience, enables us to obtain big results on behalf of our clients. 

The Law Office of Marshall Silberberg is dedicated to the well-being of our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if our Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers don’t obtain a recovery on your behalf, we won’t charge you any attorney fees.

Contact our firm by calling (949) 565-4281 today to learn whether you may be eligible for compensation. We have handled a large number of personal injury claims in Irvine and throughout Orange County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Orange County?

Following a motorcycle accident, prioritizing your health is crucial. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms can present later. Once safe, document the scene with photographs and gather contact information from witnesses. If the police do not respond, file a report with the local department. This record will be crucial for any legal proceedings. Retaining competent legal counsel early on can also aid in navigating the complexities that may lie ahead, safeguarding your rights from the outset.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Prove the Other Driver's Negligence?

Proving negligence requires a systematic approach, often involving evidence gathering and expert testimonies. Our attorneys gather traffic surveillance, reconstruct the accident scene with experts, and document all damage to strengthen your position. These efforts create a narrative that emphasizes the at-fault driver’s errors while aligning with legal criteria for negligence. Medical records and evaluations further substantiate the impact of any injuries sustained. Additionally, witness accounts can offer valuable independent insight into how the accident unfolded.

What Compensation Can I Seek for a Motorcycle Accident Injury?

Compensation from a motorcycle accident can include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and damages for pain and suffering. In Orange County, claims can also cover property damage to your motorcycle and any associated replacement costs. By retaining diligent representation, clients can explore the full scope of compensation opportunities, ensuring their needs and future well-being are adequately addressed. Addressing both present and future financial implications is a key aspect of achieving a comprehensive resolution.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. It is critical to act within this timeframe to preserve your legal rights. Delaying action may result in the forfeiture of the opportunity to recover damages. Prompt legal consultation ensures all procedural deadlines are met, and strategic planning can commence immediately. Our team is dedicated to streamlining this process, providing clients with peace of mind as we pursue favorable outcomes ambitiously.