Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles offer riders extreme excitement that is unmatched in other passenger vehicles. But with this excitement comes increased risk. Motorcycles provide riders and their passengers with very little protection in a collision. Even a minor bumper tap can cause significant injury or damages to a rider or passenger. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute (III) reveal that more than 84,000 people are injured on motorcycles each year in the United States. Further statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that over 5,000 motorcyclists die each year in crashes throughout the United States. Our Irvine motorcycle accident attorney knows that many of the victims injured or wrongfully killed live in the Golden State.

Here at Tim Dominguez Law, we represent victims of motorcycle crashes throughout California, particularly right here in Orange County, CA. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims, fighting for just and fair compensation. This includes recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and conscious pain and suffering. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, learn how we can help you during a free consultation to learn what your legal rights may be.

Motorcycle Accident Claims vs Car Accidents Claims

Motorcycle accident claims can face extra issues in the settlement process compared to truck and car accidents. Not to mention, those who are involved in a motorcycle crash can face additional prejudices and liability issues during the claims process. An example of this is that many people have a bias against motorcyclists because of the misrepresentation and the actions of just a few riders. Unfortunately, many jurors can assert unfair biases to motorcycle riders and reduce their settlement claims, without the pressure and experience of an Irvine motorcycle accident attorney.

Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcycles are smaller, offer less protection, and are more vulnerable in a crash. This usually translates into severe or catastrophic injuries for a victim. In addition, some people think motorcyclists have a bad stereotype which many defense lawyers will try to exploit to get a jury to not like an injured rider. Because of this, motorcycle accidents are often much more difficult than other types of motor vehicle accident cases because they require:

1. 1. Stronger proof of liability
   2. Extensive medical and anatomical knowledge to establish damages
   3. Piercing through a negative public perception

This is why victims and their families need to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County, CA who can really help protect their claim to ensure that their rights to compensation are well-protected.

Common Causes of a Motorcycle Crash

There are many possible ways that a victim could be seriously injured, disabled, or wrongfully killed in a motorcycle crash. Most instances are due to the reckless, careless, and outright negligent conduct of other motorists. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• • Speeding
  • Not checking blind spots for riders
  • Improper left turns
  • Road rage
  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving or drugged driving
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Failure to yield
  • Improper and unsafe lane changes by not checking for motorcyclists
  • Mechanical defects
  • Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel

Although these are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents, there are plenty of other examples of how negligent parties cause motorcycle crashes in Orange County and change the lives of motorcyclists and their families. It’s vital to make sure that you identify any potential negligence that happened after the accident so that you can protect your legal rights to compensation. Our Irvine motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine which parties you may hold responsible for your accidents and injuries.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

It’s common knowledge that motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars or trucks when on the roads. Fort this reason, motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries in traffic accidents that can alter their lives forever. Riders are likely to be ejected from the motorcycle in a collision, where severe injuries can occur. Some of the more common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

• • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Bikers Arm
  • Road Rash
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Fractures
  • Loss of limbs
  • Burns or road rash
  • Internal injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Rib and torso injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries

Motorcycle Accident Treatment, Recovery and Costs

The degree of severity varies depending on the motorcycle accident, and there are different types of injuries from a motorcycle crash that require other treatments and costs. However, it’s possible to make some predictions based on the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Minor Treatment And Recovery 

Cuts and bruises, minor broken bones, and equal smaller injuries frequently require minimal care. Luckily, extended hospital stays are not required, though additional checkups or appointments may be. After a motorcycle accident in Orange County, this type of treatment can result in medical bills and lost wages due to missed time at work.

Long-Term Care

More serious motorcycle accident injuries, such as severe damage to the limbs or broken bones, can require more comprehensive medical care. These injuries generally involve a lengthy hospital stay, the need for assisted care for a few months, and additional medical expenses. Medical bills, weeks or months of lost salary, and other costs can add up with such treatment after a motorcycle accident.

Physical Therapy

Even after a motorcycle accident victim’s initial treatment and care, there may still be further long-term medical requirements like physical therapy. Physical therapy can result in long-term medical costs and future work loss due to modifications in lifestyle or missed career opportunities following the accident.

Lifelong Recovery

Motorcycle accident injuries that result in paralysis or similar severe conditions require lifelong therapy or medical treatment and have enormous financial consequences. For example, medical expenses, loss in salary, alterations to your home and vehicle, and other future costs can be challenging to calculate or even imagine on your own. Having an experienced Irvine motorcycle accident attorney by your side can help you recover from the pain caused by the other driver’s negligence.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents and injuries are on the rise, but understanding some of the more eye-opening statistics may help you or a loved one be more aware while on the roads. Below are some recent and eye-opening motorcycle statistics reported by the Insurance Information Institute:

• • In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes
  • In 2019, motorcyclists were nearly 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle miles traveled.
  • NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017
  • Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers
  • 74% of motorcycle accidents were frontal collisions.
  • In 2018, there were 82,000 motorcycle injuries in the U.S.
  • Motorcycles are involved in 11% of all accidents on the road in the U.S.
  • In traffic crashes that involve the use of drugs or alcohol, injuries occur in 90% of motorcycle crashes, compared with 33% of automobile crashes.
  • Head injury is the number one cause of wrongful death in motorcycle crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Orange County?

First things first, after a motorcycle accident in Orange County you must make sure you and others are safe. Even if you’ve only suffered minor injuries you should call for medical and police help. Many motorcycle accident victims don’t realize the seriousness of their injuries at the time due to heightened adrenaline. Police are required to record accident details to prove fault for courts and insurance companies, this will help your future personal injury case by having the facts of the collision documented. Next, follow up with your medical doctor afterward to fully examine your injuries and keep track of your expenses. Finally, contact an Irvine motorcycle accident attorney to help you recover damages from the accident navigate the legal process, and deal with insurance companies.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet?

Yes, victims of a motorcycle accident may be able to recover compensation if they were not wearing a helmet in a crash. This is true even though Vehicle Code section 27803 requires all drivers and passengers on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. However, it is likely that a motorcyclist’s award will be reduced. This is because the defense will likely try to argue the “helmet defense.” This defense argues that a motorcyclist would not have had the same injuries that he or she sustained if a helmet was being worn, as required by law.

An example would be if a motorcyclist was hit from being and suffering a skull fracture and moderate concussion because he was not wearing a helmet. A defendant could argue that, had the motorcyclist been following the law and wore a helmet, he would have only suffered a mild concussion. Thus, the defense will argue that the victim should recover compensation only for a mild concussion, and not for a skull fracture and moderate concussion. But our Irvine motorcycle accident attorney knows that this type of defense is speculative. It is unfair to consider what type of injuries may have happened. Even though most defense lawyers will hire medical experts and biomechanical engineers to try to prove the helmet defense, all victims need is a strong personal injury lawyer on their side to defend these speculative and conclusory claims.

What Is The Average Payout For A Motorcycle Accident?

First, it’s important to understand that no two motorcycle accidents are the same, and the average payout for a motorcycle accident in Orange County varies greatly depending on the injuries and property damage that occurred. For example, the most commonly suffered injury in a motorcycle accident is whiplash which average payouts can be a few thousand dollars for a minor case – to upwards of $30,000 for severe cases. Additionally, more serious accidents that involve broken bone injuries can reach up to $100,000 depending on the recovery time needed for the victim. Lastly, catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries can equal a settlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars while paralysis and death settlements often reach millions of dollars.

Contact An Irvine Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Our lawyers at Tim Dominguez Law can help victims and their families recover the compensation that they need to reimburse medical bills, recoup lost wages, and pay for conscious pain and suffering. Learn how our Irvine motorcycle accident attorney can help you during a free consultation and case review by dialing 800-5756-LAW or sending us a secured message through our “contact us” box available here. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County, CA understands how important it is for you to get back on the road and move forward with your life, and we are here to help make that happen.