Motorcycles offer a unique experience for riders throughout Orange County. They provide a sense of freedom on the open road and the excitement of adventure, which can attract anyone who loves motorcycles. However, riding a motorcycle also comes with a big risk. Motorcycle accidents happen quite often and can have really bad consequences for riders. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have much protection, so when an accident occurs, riders can get seriously hurt or even killed.
2022 Data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record Management System (SWITRS) reported that there were:
- 917 motorcycle accidents that resulted in either a fatality or injury in Orange County.
Moreover, over the last five years, Orange County has seen an average of:
- 886.6 motorcycle accidents per year.
There are many different reasons why motorcycle accidents happen, but the important thing to know is that they can have serious effects on riders. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s good to know that you have legal options to help you recover.
Free Consultations For Orange County Motorcycle Accident Victims
At Maison Law, we have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Orange County who can look at your case and help you get the compensation you need for your injuries. We’re proud to serve clients throughout Orange County that have been in a motorcycle accident. Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Understanding the Risks of Orange County Motorcycle Accidents
There’s no denying that motorcycles offer riders an exciting experience–especially in an area like Orange County, with its picturesque views and beautiful weather. However, the reality is that riding a motorcycle is inherently risky. The reasons for this are varied, and further, all motorcycle accidents are unique. With that in mind, there are certain factors that make riding a motorcycle riskier and more dangerous for riders in Orange County and other places. Here are some reasons why motorcycle accidents can be particularly risky:
- Less protection – Unlike cars and other vehicles, motorcycles don’t have a protective barrier around them. This means that if there’s an accident, motorcyclists are more exposed and at a higher risk of getting seriously hurt or even killed.
- Size and visibility – Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, making them harder to see on the road, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. This increases the chances of collisions with other vehicles or obstacles.
- Maneuverability – Motorcycles can maneuver quickly, allowing riders to change direction and avoid obstacles. However, this also means that accidents can happen more easily, especially at high speeds or in dangerous conditions.
- Road hazards – Road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, or debris have a bigger impact on motorcycles. These hazards can cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash, leading to serious injuries.
- Speeding is dangerous on motorcycles – Speeding is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles can go very fast, and even a small mistake at high speeds can have serious consequences.
Despite efforts to reduce motorcycle accidents, they still occur in Orange County. It’s crucial for motorcyclists to take safety measures, wear protective gear, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of their surroundings while riding. Other drivers on the road should also be attentive, give motorcycles enough space, and pay attention to prevent accidents.
What Causes Orange County Motorcycle Accidents?
Even though we understand the risk factors, there are still various reasons why motorcycle accidents happen in Orange County. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, a motorcycle accident can happen suddenly, often due to the actions of other drivers on the road. In an instant, your motorcycle ride can turn into an accident that causes long-lasting injuries. To be better prepared, it’s useful to be aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents. Some of these causes include:
- Not checking blind spots properly
- Making unsafe lane changes or driving between lanes
- Driving too fast for the road conditions
- Not giving the right of way to motorcyclists
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Getting distracted while driving
- Running a stop sign or traffic light
In addition to these causes, motorcycle accidents can happen without other drivers being directly involved. These are called “no-contact” motorcycle accidents and are almost as common as regular accidents. Even though another driver may not be the cause, these accidents still have their own causes and factors, with poorly maintained roads or negligence from pedestrians or other drivers are the main culprits in these accidents. Regardless of what causes your motorcycle accident, you will likely face injuries and damages that can quickly become overwhelming.
Injuries
The main disadvantage of riding a motorcycle is the limited protection it provides. Even if you wear appropriate motorcycle gear and a helmet, you can still expect to experience most, if not all, of the following injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident in Orange County:
- Road rash
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Strained muscles
- Neck and back injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
How Do You Know Who Is Liable in Orange County Motorcycle Accidents?
The first step in getting the money and benefits you need after a motorcycle accident in Orange County is proving who is responsible. This is called establishing liability, and it is based on negligence, which means showing that the other driver’s actions caused the accident and your injuries. In any motorcycle accident, there are four elements of negligence to consider:
- Duty of Care – The driver had a responsibility to keep you safe by driving in a way that wouldn’t cause an accident.
- Breach of Duty – The driver failed to fulfill their duty by driving negligently.
- Causation – The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the motorcycle accident in question.
- Damages – The accident resulted in injuries and other losses for you.
Once liability is established, the question of who is responsible for paying for your damages is answered. This is typically done through an insurance claim. The at-fault driver is required to have car insurance to cover accidents like this. However, each motorcycle accident is unique, so every claim is different. In trying to assess the potential value of your claim, it’s important to understand how insurance companies usually arrive at their number. This includes things like:
- The extent of your injuries and damages.
- Your percentage of fault in the accident, known as “comparative negligence.”
- Impact of the accident on your ability to earn income.
- Any mental and emotional trauma that came from the accident.
- The overall effect of the accident has on your ability to enjoy your life.
While determining who is responsible for your injuries, the insurance company has the final say. Understanding the factors they consider is essential, but to ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to, it’s in your best interest to consult with our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Orange County Motorcycle Accident?
Legally, in California, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries from the driver responsible for the accident. As previously mentioned, can do this by filing an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit. The damages you may be eligible to receive in a motorcycle accident claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
Again, the actual amount of compensation you can receive depends on the specific details of your case, such as the seriousness of your injuries and the extent of your fault in the accident. In addition, California has a statute of limitations on injury claims. This is simply a deadline by which you have to file a claim or lawsuit. In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations on injury claims, which means you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
Missing this deadline means you won’t be able to file a claim, and that you won’t be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages even if the other party is responsible for the accident. In real terms, this will leave you without the necessary tools you need to recover from your injuries.
Experienced Orange County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Dealing with the legal process can be complicated, so it’s important to seek the help of experienced personal injury lawyers to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation.
At Maison Law, we understand how challenging motorcycle accidents can be. We offer expert legal guidance to motorcycle accident victims in Orange County. Don’t wait to get the vital assistance you need. Contact us today to set up your free consultation to learn more about your options.
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