Newport Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Every time a motorcyclist heads out in Newport Beach, they’re at the mercy of other drivers who may not look twice. A car is changing lanes without signaling. A distracted driver is checking a text. A truck is turning left across your path. One mistake from someone else may leave you with injuries and months, even years, of recovery. You shouldn’t have to take on the insurance company alone while trying to heal.
A Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer from Bentley & More LLP helps riders who get hurt because someone else didn’t take their safety seriously. These cases involve real people, real setbacks, and real consequences. That’s why we put in the time and effort to make sure injured riders and their families have the best chance of getting paid for what happened.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Happen So Often
Motorcycle accidents are different from car accidents in one major way: riders don’t have a cage of steel around them. Even with a helmet and protective gear, a motorcyclist has very little to shield them from a car’s bumper or the pavement.
In most crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the driver of the car causes the wreck. That’s not an opinion—it’s supported by traffic studies. Riders often get blamed, but it’s not about recklessness. More often, it’s about drivers not paying attention.
Here are a few ways motorcycle crashes often happen:
- A driver turns left in front of a motorcycle.
- Someone changes lanes without seeing the motorcycle beside them.
- A driver pulls out of a driveway or parking lot without checking for bikes.
- A car rear-ends a stopped motorcycle at a light.
When a Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney investigates a crash, they often find proof that the driver wasn’t watching out for motorcycles.
Where Motorcycle Wrecks Happen in Newport Beach
While motorcycle accidents happen anywhere, certain roads in Newport Beach tend to be more dangerous. High-traffic areas and fast-moving roads raise the risk.
Common trouble spots include:
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), especially near MacArthur Boulevard.
- Jamboree Road heading inland.
- Newport Boulevard, near shopping centers and intersections.
- Back Bay Drive, where curves limit visibility.
Traffic studies from the California Office of Traffic Safety show higher injury and fatality rates for motorcyclists compared to other road users. Local knowledge helps our team know where to look for video footage, witnesses, or past complaints about unsafe conditions.
Serious Motorcycle Injuries Deserve Serious Attention
Motorcyclists don’t walk away from wrecks the same way drivers might. Even low-speed crashes lead to serious harm. And when a large SUV or truck is involved, the damage may be life-changing.
Common injuries in these cases include broken bones, road rash, spinal injuries, brain trauma, and injuries requiring surgery or long-term therapy. Some riders never fully recover, and others lose the ability to work or enjoy life the way they used to.
A Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer helps riders deal with more than just medical bills. These cases often involve:
- Time away from work, with no paycheck.
- Ongoing care, such as physical therapy.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle.
- Emotional strain and changes in daily life.
The law gives injured people a way to recover the costs of these losses—and hold the responsible party financially liable.
Common Myths About Motorcycle Accident Cases
Many drivers and insurance companies hold onto myths about motorcyclists. These mistaken beliefs often get used against riders who are hurt. Let’s break down a few:
- “Riders are always speeding.” Speed is a factor in some accidents, but not nearly as often as careless driving by others.
- “Motorcyclists are harder to see, so accidents are unavoidable.” Drivers have a duty to look for all road users, including motorcycles.
- “You don’t need a lawyer unless you’re badly hurt.” Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they may grow worse with time. A Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer helps you understand your rights from the start.
These assumptions put riders at a disadvantage. Knowing what you’re up against gives you a better chance of getting paid fairly.
Who Might Be Liable in a Motorcycle Accident
Many people assume it’s always the other driver. While that’s often true, motorcycle wrecks sometimes involve more than one at-fault party. Every case deserves a close look.
A Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney might uncover liability in one or more of the following:
- A distracted or careless driver.
- A company vehicle operator on the clock.
- A bar or restaurant that overserved a drunk driver.
- A city or agency that failed to fix a dangerous road hazard.
- A manufacturer whose defective part caused the bike to fail.
California follows comparative fault rules, so even if the rider shares a small amount of blame, they may still recover damages. The amount might just be reduced. Proving who’s really at fault takes work, and that’s where a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer steps in.
How Bentley & More LLP Approaches Motorcycle Accident Cases
From the moment a rider contacts us, we start digging. We look for photo and video evidence. We talk to witnesses. We review police reports and sometimes even bring in experts to reconstruct what happened.
Our job is to build a case strong enough to get the insurance company to take it seriously. If they don’t, we prepare to take the case to trial.
We’ve helped injured riders recover payment for:
- Medical costs now and in the future.
- Lost income.
- Pain, stress, and changes in daily life.
- Property damage to the bike and gear.
Insurance companies often try to settle fast, and for less than you deserve. They know what a fair payout looks like. A Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney from our team does, too.
What Sets Us Apart from Other Law Firms
At Bentley & More LLP, we don’t pass cases off to someone you’ll never meet. We take a hands-on approach. We know the streets of Newport Beach. We know the roads where crashes happen most. And we treat every client like their case is the only one on our desk.
You won’t get a cookie-cutter experience. Our team crafts a strategy based on your situation, your injuries, and your goals.
Clients work directly with a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer who listens, responds, and pushes forward. We won’t drag things out, and we won’t settle just to wrap up the case. If the other side won’t make things right, we will prepare to take it to court.
Understanding What Damages Mean in a Motorcycle Case
“Damages” is just a legal term for the losses you’ve experienced. Some are easy to count, like hospital bills. Others, like the frustration of being stuck at home instead of out on the road, don’t come with a receipt.
A Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer from Bentley & More LLP looks at both kinds:
- Economic Damages: Medical treatment, lost wages, future medical needs, bike repair or replacement.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional trauma, stress.
If the driver acted outrageously—for example, drunk or aggressively tailgating—a jury might even award punitive damages. These are meant to punish, not just compensate.
Insurance Companies Use Tricks to Pay Motorcycle Accident Victims Less
Most people think insurance is there to help. But those companies stay in business by paying as little as possible. They might offer a quick check before you even know how badly you’re hurt. Or they might try to blame the rider.
Adjusters may say things like:
- “You weren’t wearing visible clothing.”
- “You were speeding, weren’t you?”
- “The other driver didn’t see you.”
All of that is aimed at lowering what they owe. A Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney deals with this kind of spin every day. We push back with facts, records, and a clear story about what happened and why.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In most cases, the deadline to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California is two years. That time passes fast, especially if you’re focused on getting better.
Certain situations—like accidents involving a government vehicle or agency—might have shorter deadlines. The sooner a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer gets started, the better chance they have to gather fresh evidence and protect your rights.
How the Motorcycle Accident Claims Process Works
Most motorcycle accident cases start with a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. That kicks off a back-and-forth that may last months. Sometimes, the insurance company makes a fair offer. Other times, they drag things out.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Your attorney sends a demand letter.
- The insurance company reviews the claim.
- There may be an offer, a counteroffer, or a denial.
- If the company refuses to pay fairly, a lawsuit may be filed.
Even after filing a suit, many cases are settled before the trial. But having a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer who’s ready to go to court gives your case more weight.
When Fatal Motorcycle Crashes Happen
Not all riders survive their injuries. For the families left behind, the grief is deep, but so is the financial burden. Funeral costs, loss of income, and unpaid medical bills pile up fast.
In wrongful death cases, a Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney helps the family file a lawsuit for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of the deceased rider’s income.
- Loss of companionship and support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
How much does it cost to hire a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer?
At Bentley & More LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay upfront. Instead, our fee comes out of the money recovered in your case. If there’s no recovery, you owe nothing for legal fees. We also offer free consultations, so there’s no cost to find out if you have a case.
What should I bring to my first meeting with the attorney?
Bring anything related to the crash. That might include your insurance information, police reports, photos of the scene or your injuries, medical bills, and repair estimates. If you have contact information for witnesses, that helps too. But don’t worry—if you don’t have everything right away, we’ll guide you through what’s needed.
How long will my motorcycle accident case take?
Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others take longer, especially if they go to trial. Factors like how clear the fault is, how severe your injuries are, and how the insurance company responds all affect the timeline. A Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney will keep you updated every step of the way.
What if the insurance company says I was partly at fault?
That’s common, especially in motorcycle cases. California uses a comparative fault system, so even if you’re partly responsible, you may still recover compensation. Your percentage of fault might just reduce the amount. We push back against unfair blame and work to show the full picture of what really happened.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a motorcycle helmet?
Yes. While California law requires most riders to wear helmets, not wearing one doesn’t automatically block your claim. It might affect certain parts of your case, especially if you suffered a head injury. But you may still recover compensation for other damages. Let a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer review the details and explain your options.
Speak with a Newport Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Keith More, Newport Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Waiting too long to get legal help gives the other side more time to build their defense. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And insurance companies move fast to protect themselves.
The sooner you call, the sooner we start putting together a strong claim.
Call Bentley & More LLP today at (949) 990-5815 to talk with a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer who knows what you’re dealing with and is ready to help. No pressure. Just answers.
Bentley & More, LLP – Newport Beach Office
4931 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
P: (949) 870-3800