Orange County Motorcycle Accident Attorney

For those who love their motorcycles, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road and the exhilaration from riding. Unfortunately, with all of that exhilaration, there also tends to be more risk involved. When the worst occurs—or even a minor motorcycle accident—it’s crucial to take a close look at all of the factors involved.

Do I Really Need an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident?

The overwhelming majority of the time, the answer to this question is yes. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Even if you think that you might not need an Orange County motorcycle attorney, it’s always a good idea to consult with one before making a decision that could trigger very serious consequences in your life. A motorcycle accident lawyer will go over all of the details of your unique situation, examining it to be sure that no stone is left unturned. In the past, victims have been involved in accidents that were not their fault. Devastating injuries can occur as a result of human and machine error, including broken traffic lights, roads that are covered in debris and even signs that are misplaced or incorrect.

Do Motorcycle Accidents Affect Car Insurance?

Many drivers don’t like to hear this, but motorcycle accidents do indeed affect your car insurance—if the accident is your fault. Of course, different insurance companies deal with each case on an individual basis, but checking in with your Orange County motorcycle attorney is an absolute must when it comes to your insurance. In the state of California, all motorcycles are required to have liability insurance. The DMV recommends signing up for more coverage than the minimum levels, as well as keeping your insurance information on your person at all times.

How Bad Are Motorcycle Accidents?

Unfortunately, within the past few years, motorcycle accidents have become more deadly for riders over 40. Over the past two decades, there has been a steady rise in injuries and deaths resulting from riding motorcycles. There are several reasons why experts believe these accidents are becoming increasingly worse over the years. First, there have been more older riders on the road than ever before; people might be surprised to learn that the over 49 demographic is the one that demonstrates the most significant increase in fatalities. Also, motorcycle engines have been getting more powerful. With this increased power and speed, more severe and fatal accidents have been occurring.

How Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

For motorcycle riders, the highest risk comes from drivers entering their lane. Motorcycles may be masked by a car driver’s “blind spot,” which means that they often hit bikes without ever seen them in the first place. Whether they’re turning onto the main thoroughfare from a side street or they’re making an illegal turn, drivers will often report that they never saw the motorcycle before they realized they’d hit something. To the surprise of many, most of these accidents take place during the day, and the majority of incidents take place when the vehicles are driving at a rate of less than 30 miles per hour. The majority of collisions take place on shorter trips, usually within just a few minutes after the motorcycle rider has left for their destination. One of the most startling statistics is that riders with less than six months of experience account for over half of these accidents; it seems likely that more experienced riders know how to look out for car drivers that don’t seem to notice them.

How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Annually?

In 2015, over 5,000 people were killed riding their motorcycles. Experts are attributing the rise in deaths to increased ridership from people in their twenties and fifties, as well as a higher percentage of intoxicated riders. Additionally, some states have not been enforcing helmet laws, leading to more head injuries and an increased risk of death. If you’re riding a motorcycle, you’re six times more likely to be injured than you would be in a car. Your risk of death, meanwhile, increases a shocking 27 times.

How Much Money Can I Get from a Motorcycle Accident?

Each case varies so much that the only way to acquire more reliable information would be to contact an Orange County motorcycle attorney who deals with these cases frequently. After reviewing the specific details of your case, giving the situation a thorough analysis, a lawyer will be able to pinpoint the areas of your case that may be advantageous to you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to settlements for motorcycle accidents, and clients benefit from individualized attention.

How Can I Avoid a Motorcycle Accident?

This, of course, is the preferable scenario. If there’s any way that you can avoid a motorcycle accident, it’s best to do so. You may want to research potential hazards in your area before you even set off on your first ride. For instance, gravel tends to cause a lot of nasty spills for riders in Southern California, while wet leaves in the northeastern United States can account for bikes slipping and sliding off of the road. Before you fall prey to local hazards, make sure that you’re aware of them. As always, defensive driving is also the key to helping you avoid accidents. Never assume that a car sees you.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will want to check for injuries. Obviously, if anyone is injured, you will want to make an immediate 911 call. Everyone involved should get off the road to avoid even more potential injuries from oncoming traffic. Exchange information with every other person involved in the accident, as well as noting their plates, license number, and insurance information. Because you are in a heightened emotional state, remember not to admit fault and to seek out medical care if you believe that you may have been injured in any way.

At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, we understand that being involved in a motorcycle accident is distressing, disorienting, and disruptive. Our skilled legal team is ready to help you sort through the chaos and confusion and build a convincing case to secure the compensation that you deserve. If you are in need of an expert motorcycle accident attorney, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.