Motorcycle Accident Attorney
in Orange County

People are often unsure how to find a lawyer or proceed with a claim. They’re often concerned about the cost of meeting with a motorcycle attorney in Orange County. Some even feel guilty when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim. At the Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, we’re prepared to evaluate your case and are always on your side. Our team can gather the evidence needed to support your claim. Experienced with the legal process, these Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers provide solid representation in court, so insurance companies cannot blame you or a loved one for being reckless.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

A statute of limitations, or time limit, is in place for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California. You have two years from the date the injuries to initiate a lawsuit. A two-year limit also applies to filing a wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss these dates, you won’t be able to file or appear in court.

Statutes of limitations can sometimes be modified by other laws. One instance is when a city, county, or state agency is the defendant. Filing lawsuits against a government department or agency requires the legal expertise of a motorcycle accident injury lawyer.

CAUSES OF TYPICAL MOTORCYCLE INJURIES

Research has found motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident (per mile) compared to occupants of passenger cars. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Changing lanes: A motorist does not see the motorcyclist in their blind spot before changing lanes or does not signal.
• Speeding: A speeding driver cannot see or react in time to an oncoming motorcyclist, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Lane splitting: Driving between two lanes is illegal in some states; nonetheless, it can be dangerous, especially for newer riders.
• Car doors: If a parked driver doesn’t look for oncoming traffic and opens their door, they can pose a risk for motorcyclists.
• DUI: If under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of an accident, a driver can face various civil and criminal penalties.
• Left turn accidents: Riders may be injured or killed if a driver misjudges distance or right of way.

Other causes a could include sudden stops, especially if a motorcyclist is following closely to a vehicle ahead. Potholes, crumbling pavement, and objects on the road can put motorcyclists at risk as well, as can defects in a motorcycle. In that case, the manufacturer of a defective part can be held liable if it contributed to a crash resulting in injuries or death.

TYPICAL MOTORCYCLE INJURIES

Typical types of injuries seen among motorcycle accident victims in emergency rooms include:

• Broken bones: A broken leg is the most common injury. Wrist and arm fractures are common among motorcycle accident victims in emergency rooms, as are broken bones in the shoulder and pelvis.
• Road rash: Contact with the road and lack of protective clothing cause skin abrasion. The injury can range from redness to a broken skin surface, to exposure of tissue, fat, and other underlying layers.
• Head injuries: Contact between the head and pavement, or other vehicles, at high speeds can cause a traumatic brain injury, the leading cause of death and disability for motorcyclists who experience crashes.

PROVING NEGLIGENCE

Our motorcycle accident lawyer’s responsibility is to prove the responsible party is negligent. Negligence is based on one basic principle—people, in this case drivers, have a duty to not cause harm upon others. If another driver is careless and has not acted in a way to keep you safe, a breach of duty can hold them responsible for injuries or damage they cause.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR ORANGE COUNTY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

After a motorcycle accident:

• Take photos of the scene/injuries
• Obtain contact info of drivers and witnesses
• Call your insurance company
• Seek proper medical care

Also call a motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County as soon as you can, to start exploring your legal options.

Do not:

• Panic
• Say how you feel/Apologize
• Leave the accident scene
• Tell your neighbors about the case

The less you say, the less likely an insurance company will try to reduce your claim. Even the best motorcycle accident lawyer may not be able to help then.

COMPENSATION WE CAN HELP YOU RECOVER

After a motorcycle accident, our Orange County personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Emotional trauma
• Mental health services
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of spousal relations
• Punitive damages

EVIDENCE TO HELP YOUR CASE

The most important pieces of evidence in a motorcycle injury lawsuit include:

• Police reports: Include photos, diagrams, weather conditions, and relevant contact information or if the other driver violated any laws.
• Photographs: Showing the motorcycle’s position, skid marks, other property damage, and your helmet to prove you’re serious about safety.
• Witnesses: Collect information from those at the scene, even if the police haven’t had a chance to.
• Medical records: Medical bills EMT notes from an ambulance, physicians’ notes, and imaging and other test results.
• Forensic evidence: Surveillance camera footage, road debris, and damage to vehicles, guardrails, and other road structures.