Santa Ana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Santa Ana, CA
Riding a motorcycle offers a thrill and excitement you can’t get from driving a passenger vehicle. Hitting the open road in Santa Ana on a motorcycle is a whole other feeling of freedom and exhilaration. However, motorcycles offer riders less protection than other vehicles, and when an accident takes place along Chapman Avenue, McFadden Avenue, or other busy roadways, injuries can be devastating. A Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Protect Your Rights to Compensation With Bentley & More LLP
For decades, the team at Bentley & More LLP has been advocating for victims of personal injury across Orange County. We are experienced litigators and negotiators, and we aren’t afraid of taking a case all the way to a courtroom when the need arises. We have been named Lawyer of the Year in Orange County and have been honored with a Best Law Firms designation by U.S. News. Let us bring this level of excellence to your motorcycle accident case today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Santa Ana
In a single year, 15% of the traffic fatalities that took place across the United States were deaths of motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller in size, shape, and weight when compared to other vehicles, and they can be hard to see. For these reasons, they are also more likely to suffer a higher amount of damage when involved in an accident.
At Bentley & More LLP, we have handled a number of motorcycle accident claims, many of which occurred due to the following causes:
- Left-hand turns. Making a left-hand turn can be challenging and even dangerous, no matter the exact situation. However, when a motorcycle is involved, the risk of something going wrong and causing an accident only increases. When a car makes a left-hand turn, they are more likely not to notice surrounding motorcyclists, and accidents can occur.
- Distracted driving. In 2023, 8% of car crash deaths happened because of distracted driving. Distracted driving can include texting and driving, eating or drinking while driving, reaching for something inside the vehicle, interacting with passengers, or adjusting the radio or temperature controls. Whenever a driver takes part in an action that takes their attention off the road or their hands off the wheel, accidents can occur.
- Lane splitting. In many states in the U.S., lane splitting is illegal. While it is a legal action in California, it is still incredibly dangerous and can result in serious injuries and death. Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle passes between cars that travel in different lanes, and it is a tempting action to try to avoid traffic or save time. However, it can be dangerous when other vehicles around you are not paying attention.
- Drunk drivers. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can make a driver distracted, impaired, and unable to react to situations that suddenly occur on the road. In cases of drunk drivers and motorcycle accidents, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the liable party’s actions are deemed grossly negligent.
- Defective motorcycle parts. The manufacturers of motorcycles are required to build and sell safe bikes only. When there is a defective component inside the bike, such as an issue with a tire or the braking system, it can lead to horrible and even fatal accidents.
- Road hazards. When hazards are present in the roadway, they can lead to devastating accidents, and there are multiple parties who might be liable. Slick roads, potholes, loose gravel, or other forms of debris can all threaten your safety and pose a serious risk to life and limb.
At Bentley & More LLP, we are here to review your case and determine the cause so that we might be able to identify all potentially liable parties. While some law firms treat cases like just another number, our attorneys are here to investigate every detail of your accident and understand your claim’s unique needs and concerns so we can recover a fair amount of compensation for your situation.
What to Do if You Have Suffered a Motorcycle Accident
The moments in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Santa Ana are some of the most critical. The actions you take, or don’t take, can directly affect the outcome of your claim for compensation. These actions include:
- Moving to safety. First, it is crucial that you move yourself to a place of safety off the roadway if you are able. Use this time to call an ambulance if such an action is physically necessary, and if you can, move your bike out of the flow of oncoming traffic.
- Notifying the police. It is essential that you report the accident to the police, even if you are partially at fault. Do not discuss fault with the police. Instead, stick to the facts so that they can write an official report. This report can be later used as evidence in your case.
- Collecting evidence and information. It is important that you collect evidence, such as images of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and your injuries, as well as the contact and insurance information of the at-fault driver and of any potential eyewitnesses who could offer testimony in support of your claim.
- Seeking medical treatment. If you have been injured, but not enough to warrant emergency services, you should still seek medical treatment. This can help lend credibility to your case and offer a paper trail for any medical costs you may face.
- Speaking to no one. It is essential that you speak to no one outside of a lawyer about your accident. Do not discuss fault with the police, witnesses, the at-fault driver, or any insurance companies. Even uttering a simple, “I’m sorry,” can be taken as an admission of guilt. Also, do not post anything to social media about the accident, as anything you post could be potentially used as evidence against you.
- Consulting a lawyer. Finally, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorney who can help you better understand your rights and calculate the full and fair amount of compensation that you may be entitled to recover.
Common Injuries Resulting From Motorcycle Accidents in Orange County
Motorcycle accidents can result in some of the most tragic and debilitating injuries, and they can lead to death in the most severe cases. In Orange County, the most common injuries we have seen resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Internal organ and nerve damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limb or medically necessary amputation
- Spinal cord damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis
- Road rash and severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer?
The costs of hiring a motorcycle accident injury lawyer typically depend on a number of factors and how the lawyer structures their fees. Most personal injury lawyers work from a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not have to pay anything unless compensation is recovered. All involved factors include the complexity and duration of your case, as well as the skill level of your lawyer.
Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Go to Court?
A motorcycle accident claim may go to court depending on the factors of the case. However, it is important to keep in mind that most personal injury claims are actually settled through pre-trial negotiations. Whether or not your case goes to court will depend on how well all involved parties can cooperate and the strength of the evidence.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Motorcycle Accident?
In a motorcycle accident, there are various forms of compensation you may be able to recover, depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. The most common forms of compensation include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
How Long Can a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?
The length of time it will take to reach a resolution in a motorcycle accident claim will depend on various factors. These factors include the severity of your injury, how long it takes you to heal, the complexity of potential liability, and whether or not your case proceeds to trial. For most cases, a resolution can be reached in a matter of months. For more complicated cases, however, litigation could last well over a year.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has suffered in a Santa Ana motorcycle accident, it is time to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation. At Bentley & More LLP, we are here to give voice to your story and protect your rights in the pursuit of justice. Our attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for past clients, and while these results cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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