What are motorcycle accidents?

With more teenagers and younger adults attracted to motorcycles, there has been a rise of motorcycle accidents. Specifically, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists in Orange County died from accidents. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can happen on roads as well as highways. As motorcycle accidents are 26 times more likely compared to a passenger car, motorcycle accidents are more common than what you might think. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Irvine because of another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation.

Motorbike Accident

What are some common causes of motorcycle injuries in Irvine, CA?

  • Driving while using smartphones: as technology has increasingly been integrated into modern transportation, many accidents occur with motorcycles due to distractions. Similarly, motor cyclists can be in danger of accidents if they are not aware of their surroundings due to technology use
  • Driving past the speed limit: Many cars on the road and freeways go past the speed limit. As a result, they may not be able to slow down in time for motorcycles in their lane.
  • Driving under the influence: Drivers can be impaired due to alcohol use or other drug use. In fact, nearly 30% of motorcycle fatalities were result of impaired driving. Recently, with the legalization of Cannabis in many states, there has been a rise in DUI. It is important to note that even if a drug is legalized, does not permit drivers to operate a vehicle under the influence.
  • Reckless driving: Reckless driving often leads to unintended accidents as the vehicle goes out of control. Reckless driving can include unnecessarily weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. It is important to note that California allows lane splitting, where motorcycles can drive in between lanes in stopped or slow traffic. Similarly, it is the driver’s responsibility to determine if they are capable of driving, especially if they feel fatigued or emotionally unstable.
  • Poor weather and road conditions: Traction on roads are important for motorcycles as they can easily slip out of control. Similarly, poor road conditions can lead to debris flying upwards or spin the motorcycle out of control. Some of the hazards that a cyclists can encounter are potholes, uneven payment, and barriers/items on the road.
  • Improper protective gear: motorcyclists should wear protective gear such as their helmet (DOT-approved) and leather clothing to minimize the injuries when in an accident.
  • Motorcycle malfunction and defect: Motorcycles, just like any other motor vehicles, are prone to manufacture defects and reclass. While it is important to follow recall notices, it is the manufacture’s responsibility to notify owners of the defect and provide remedy of the issue.

While these are only some of the common causes for injuries, there are many other cases that can qualify under personal injuries.

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What damages are covered under motorcycle injuries in Irvine, CA?

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can be life-threatening. Common damages that you may have suffered from includes, but are not limited to

  • Medical bills: Medical treatment can be expensive and often times are not one-time treatments. As a result, compensation can include both past and future medical treatment. Medical treatments also can mean rehabilitation, equipment, and medication. Some of the common injuries include:
    1. Broken bones: collision from a car, even if the car was driving at the speed limit, is enough to break bones in a pedestrian’s legs, arms, etc. It can take several weeks to even months to recover. In sever cases, victims can suffer permanent disabilities and disfigurement from amputations and burns.
    2. Spinal cord injuries: spinal cord injuries lead to many motorcyclists to lose the ability to control certain parts of their body. Specifically, a spinal cord damage below the waist can lead to the inability to move body parts below the waist. If victims are fortunate enough with the treatment, they may be able to go through rehabilitation but for many victims, they may never be able to walk again.
    3. Brain trauma: motorcycle accidents often cause cyclists to fall on their head or skull with extreme force. Even with proper protective gear on, collisions and injuries at fast speeds can be fatal. While minor injuries can include small fractures, it can lead to serious injuries such as facial disfigurement, physical or cognitive impairment, and death.
    4. Internal bleeding: While many injuries can be easily identifiable, some are not that obvious. Collisions can lead to internal organs or blood vessels to rupture. If not treated immediately, it can lead to organ failure.
  • Expenses: If there were costs that were out of pocket, it can be included for compensation
    1. While it can be unfortunate, some pedestrians will not survive their injuries. As a result, expenses for burials and funerals can be filed.
  • Emotional and psychological distress: There can be emotional and psychological pain/suffering due to the injury. Compensation can include these damages for the pain and suffering that was experienced from the injury and post-injury. Furthermore, some injuries can have lasting impacts, such as a permanent scar or losing the ability to walk, which can be hard to recover emotionally.
  • Loss of wages or earnings: injuries can prevent an individual from working, thus losing their main sources of income or wage.
  • Loss of Consortium: This can include one’s ability to have children or depravation of relations due to injury

Evidence that can be collected and used to prove at-fault driver’s negligence

There are several pieces of information that can be helpful to the case. For instance, it is important for the cyclists to call the Irvine police for an accident report. This allows a physical and official record of the accident that proves the incident took place. Additionally, this can confirm that the injuries were from the recorded accident.

Furthermore, it is helpful to take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, as well as any other damages that are relevant. Within those picture, include a copy of the at-fault driver’s license, his/her insurance card, and the license plate. Contact information can be vital to reach out to eyewitnesses as they can confirm any claims you made about the accident and injuries.

Additionally, even if there were only minor injuries, it is important to visit a doctor to have a medical evaluation. The doctor can determine any injuries that are present and caused by the accident, and can record what treatments are required.

What should I do if I have suffered from motorcycle injury in Irvine?

If you are in need of medical assistance, seek immediate medical attention. If you are able to collect any evidence at the scene of the injury, take as many photos/videos and physical evidence as detailed above.

Be sure to report the incident to the police or public agency in charge so that they can file an incident report. You can also request security footage that captured the incident and the surrounding areas.

We highly recommend that you contact Alipour Law Group for expert legal assistance at https://asl.law/ before signing documents or making any statements. Our lawyers are ready to assist you with motorcycle accidents in Irvine, CA.

How Can We Help?

Schedule a Meeting with Our Skilled Lawyers

While seeking immediate medical attention should be your first priority, it is essential that you seek legal advise too. If you have suffered motorcycle injuries, it should not be your responsibility to pay for your medical costs. We understand the extent of pressure that our clients experience after a motorcycle injury. Our experienced Irvine personal injury attorneys can help you recover your past and future medical costs, lost earning from your job, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages to punish the responsible person, while you focus on recovering your health.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION.

Frequently Asked Questions for Motorcycle Accidents in Irvine, CA

A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in various ways, such as investigating the accident, gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and advocating for your rights. Alipour Law Group, APC, specializes in personal injury cases and will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Fault in a motorcycle accident case is often determined by examining factors such as traffic laws, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and other evidence. Alipour Law Group, APC, has a team of experience to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and establish liability.

Yes, it is possible to pursue legal action if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will explore all available options, including seeking compensation from your insurance policy or pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

California follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Alipour Law Group, APC, will assess the circumstances of your case to determine the impact of comparative negligence.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It's crucial to consult with our legal team at Alipour Law Group, APC, as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected within the specified timeframe.

Yes, you can still pursue financial recovery even if you are not wearing a helmet. California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Alipour Law Group, APC, will work to maximize your recovery despite contributory factors.

After a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Alipour Law Group, APC, will carefully evaluate your case to identify all potential avenues for compensation and work to secure a fair recovery on your behalf.

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