If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer for a no-obligation case review. We’ve been representing motorcycle accident plaintiffs for over 46 years.
We’ve collected and settled over $850 million for our clients. To see if you’re entitled to fair compensation, give our team of highly skilled and experienced accident lawyers a call at 949-203-3814.
At Bisnar Chase, we deal with motor vehicle accidents nearly every day, and over the years, many of them have involved motorcycle accidents throughout Orange County. Contact our highly skilled and experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys for a free consultation if you or a loved one have been injured in an accident.
Benefits of Hiring the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Not only do we have the legal know-how to navigate the complexities of your motorcycle injury claim, but we can also help you recover the maximum financial compensation possible and not charge you until the motorcycle accident case is won.
Plus, we will provide invaluable advice throughout the process and act as your advocate in court while protecting your best interests. We will not settle your case unless you are satisfied with the offer.
Some of Our Motorcycle Accident Cases
- $30,000,000 Auto v. Motorcycle Accident
- $9,800,000 Auto v. Motorcycle Accident
- $5,332,215 Auto v. Motorcycle Accident
- $1,450,000 Auto v. Motorcycle Accident
- $1,250,000 Auto v. Motorcycle Accident
Other cases of settlements and verdicts of seven and eight figures have confidential terms. Other settlements under one million are not listed, but we have many under one million. No case is too big or too small.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Orange County
Types of Motorcycle Accident Damages in California
Injured victims in California can seek fair compensation from the at-fault parties for motorcycle accident damages such as current and future medical expenses, lost future wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, permanent injury, lost income, and emotional distress.
The type of injuries you sustained will weigh heavily on your right to compensation. The more serious the injuries are, the higher your financial compensation will be.
Wrongful death damages
When an individual is killed in a motorcycle accident, his or her family members can file a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for damages as well.
Hit and run damages
In the case of hit-and-run motorcycle accidents or collisions involving uninsured drivers, injured victims can recover fair compensation through the uninsured motorist clause of their auto insurance policies.
A knowledgeable Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase has over 46 years of legal experience representing injured accident victims and their families. We know what it takes to fight insurance companies, corporations, and other entities that make it challenging for our injured clients to seek the compensation they deserve.
The time it will take to settle your motorcycle accident case will depend on how hard the attorney works on the case and the amount of commitment they put in.
The client’s cooperation is also essential in promptly getting evidence and documents to the personal injury lawyers. Given those variables, settling a motorcycle accident case typically takes six months to 2 years.
What are the attorney’s fees?
On average, California attorney fees are between 32% and 41% of the amount recovered. Since the client doesn’t pay anything until the case is settled, the attorney fees will come from your settlement. In a motorcycle accident case, there is no up-front risk or costs to the client.
What is comparative negligence?
In California, comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that applies to personal injury cases. Under this rule, an injured plaintiff can recover damages from the defendant even if they are partially at fault for their own injuries.
They will be able to recover less money for damages because of their own fault. For example, if the plaintiff was found to be 40% at fault for their injuries and the defendant was found to be 60% at fault, then the plaintiff would only receive 60% of their total damages award.
Contact a professional motorcycle injury lawyer in Orange County if you are unsure how much of a role your actions played in the accident. Attorneys specializing in these bike injury cases can get higher compensation.
How Much is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The amount of money you will be entitled to will depend on the extent of your injuries and property damage. Much consideration for monetary damages goes into the severity of the victim’s injuries. A minor case with minimal injuries could be worth $2–$10K in compensation, while a catastrophic injury claim could result in seven and eight-figure settlements or verdicts.
Proving a Motorcycle Accident Claim
In California, a motorcycle accident case involves proving that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident and resulted in damages. Our legal team will process your case to determine eligibility:
- Investigation
- Expert Analysis of the Accident and Reconstruction of the Scene
- Proving Negligence
- Witness Testimony
- Medical Records
- Cell Phone Data
- Video Evidence
- Negotiation or Litigation
Vital elements for establishing negligence in a motorcycle accident case:
- Duty of Care
- Damages
- Breach of Duty
- Causation
A knowledgeable Orange County motorcycle accident attorney can assist in collecting evidence that will substantiate a solid case, establishing the culpability and negligence of the other party in the collision.
It’s imperative to have accident attorneys who understand these elements of the case and have tough negotiation tactics. The defense team and insurance company will want to settle fast and send you on your way with minimal compensation. Call our law firm to discuss your injuries and damages. 949-203-3814. The consultation is free.
California Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents
The SOL (statute of limitations) for personal injury claims is two years in California. It’s critical to file your lawsuit in time to preserve your rights. There are some exceptions, like the date you discovered the injuries versus the date of the accident, but to be safe, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after your bike crash.
Specifically, the courts state:
- Two years following the personal injury.
- One year from the date of discovery if the harm was not noticed immediately.
Taking Your Motorcycle Injury Case to Trial
As experienced trial lawyers in California, we understand the legal complexities and nuances of representing our clients during motorcycle accident trials. We’ve spent over four decades representing nothing but injured victims, and a law practice based solely on personal injury cases provides expertise critical to winning challenging accident claims. It allows us to navigate the legal system with confidence and success.
1. Know the Terrain: California’s legal landscape regarding motorcycle accidents can be intricate. Familiarity with the state’s traffic laws, particularly those of bikers with motorcycle injuries, is critical to our success.
2. Proper Documentation: We encourage our clients to gather comprehensive documentation regarding their accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. Thorough documentation strengthens your case and bolsters your credibility in court. A data-driven, analytical mind can be a powerful tool for a legal team.
3. Expert Witnesses: In motorcycle accident trials, we enlist the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or engineers to provide technical insights and corroborate our arguments.
4. Advocacy: Beyond legal expertise, we prioritize empathy and advocacy for our clients. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and emotional trauma. Our focus is showing genuine concern for our client’s well-being while fiercely advocating for their rights in court.
5. Preparation is Key: Diligent preparation is non-negotiable, and potential counterarguments and weaknesses in a case are always anticipated. We often conduct mock trials or practice sessions with our trial lawyers to refine our presentation and anticipate the courtroom dynamics.
9. Seek Fair Compensation: Our ultimate goal is to secure fair compensation for your client’s damages. Whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we meticulously quantify and justify each component of the claim. We aim for a resolution that adequately addresses our client’s needs and losses.
10. Continued Support: Even after the trial concludes, we continue to support our clients and assist with any post-trial matters, such as appeals or settlement negotiations. Our commitment to client satisfaction extends beyond the courtroom, leaving a lasting positive impact. John Bisnar’s motto has never changed. Once you are a client of Bisnar Chase, you are a client for life. We will always be there for you when needed.
Insurance Company Dangers to Avoid
Most of us pay our insurance premiums without thinking we’ll need to use them, but when an accident happens, the worst thing you can do is start talking to the insurance adjusters. They pay you as little as possible and close the case.
Tips to Avoid Undervaluing Your Motorcycle Injury Claim
- Keep conversations brief and limited. Only provide basic facts like your name, contact information, and when/where the accident occurred. Avoid discussing how the accident happened or the extent of your injuries.
- Do not give a recorded statement. Politely decline any requests to record your conversation or provide a formally recorded account of the accident. Anything you say will be used against you later.
- Do not sign any medical release forms. Adjusters may try to access your entire medical history to claim you had pre-existing conditions. Do not allow this without first consulting your injury attorney.
- Do not admit any fault. Avoid apologetic language or anything construed as admitting blame for the accident, even partially. Let the adjuster investigate without speculating about the fault.
- Do not accept a quick settlement offer. Adjusters will make a lowball offer shortly after the accident before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Do not feel pressured to settle right away.
- Do not minimize your injuries. Avoid downplaying your injuries by saying you’re “fine” or speculating about your recovery. Symptoms may worsen later, and you don’t want to undermine your claim.
- Refer the adjuster to your attorney. The best approach is often to tell the adjuster that your lawyer will handle all communications about your claim going forward. This protects you from saying anything that could hurt your case.
The bottom line is that insurance adjusters are not on your side, even when they seem friendly. They aim to limit payouts and use your statements against you. Call our Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers to start legal representation for your case. Call 949-203-3814 for a free case evaluation.
Staying Safe on Motorcycles in O.C.
Motorcycles are known to be extremely dangerous. It isn’t the motorcycle itself that is dangerous, but the factors surrounding it. A motorcycle rider can practice all of the following safety suggestions and still encounter hazards:
Proper safety gear
Helmet, protective clothing (padded jackets and pants), gloves, boots, eye safety, etc.
Motorcycle condition
Ensure all parts function correctly lubricated, and nothing hinders their movements or potentially creates a hazardous situation. Check with manufacturers for any recalls that might cause an accident.
Road-ready & defensive driving
Turn signals, headlights, brake lights, no bulbs out, license plate, etc. Ensure you’re taking every precaution towards safe motorcycle transportation is necessary for those around you, yourself, and your family.
Although being a safe motorcycle rider is always encouraged, it doesn’t always promise safety. Other vehicles are to blame for the majority of motorcycle accidents.
Cars pulling out in front of a motorcycle in motion, stopping abruptly, smashing into them, or mistakenly not seeing them due to their small profile and less significant sources of light can cause severe injury and death.
Riding risks
Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating and cost-effective. It offers commuters an easier way to make their way through Orange County’s congested freeways. However, riding a motorcycle also comes with significant risks.
Motorcycles are smaller vehicles that are easier to overlook than cars, trucks, or SUVs. They also provide very little protection to riders during a crash. Even the most skilled Orange County riders can get seriously injured in a traffic collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our injury law firm for a free personal injury case evaluation. Call 949-203-3814 today.
Orange County Motorcycle Accidents Statistics
There are no statistics for Orange County motorcycle accidents after 2021. However, the latest stats available show the following:
- Hundreds of motorcyclists are injured while riding in Orange County each year.
- According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 18 bikers were killed and 796 were injured in Orange County accidents in one year alone.
- Anaheim led all Orange County cities with 98 motorcycle injuries
- Santa Ana with 67
- Huntington Beach with 59
- Seven fatalities and 38 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County
- OTS reports 657 injuries and deaths in 2020 from motorcycle accidents. They have not released an updated report as of 2023.
- From 2011 to 2021, motorcycle accidents trended upwards.
If you have been injured, contact a top-rated Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase for a free case evaluation. Injured victims are entitled to compensation, and our firm has won almost a billion dollars for our clients. Call 949-203-3814 today.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Like many other types of traffic accidents, motorcycle accidents can happen in a split second. It only takes a moment of distraction or inattention. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to look for motorcyclists before changing lanes, turning left, or entering traffic
- Running a red light or stop sign at an intersection
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Exceeding the speed limit or driving at a speed that is unsafe for traffic, roadways, or weather conditions
- Driving while distracted
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Dangerous or defective roadways and poorly designed street intersections
- Parking lots are hazardous to bikers
- Driver negligence
- Lane splitting
Sudden acceleration injuries in a motorcycle crash
Sudden acceleration can happen either from an inexperienced rider or a mechanical failure. When the motorcycle suddenly accelerates or decelerates, the rider can be thrown, causing severe injuries, including traumatic whiplash from the jerking of the bike.
If you think a mechanical failure might have caused your motorcycle accident, contact our defective products team for an evaluation from an experienced auto defect attorney.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
- Following the accident, seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible. This is important for your health and safety, and it allows a doctor or medical professional to legally document your motorcycle injuries with details and the date of occurrence.
- Later on, if you do not have any medical documentation of injuries inflicted by the accident, the “this never happened” can dramatically affect your motorcycle accident injury case.
- Follow up with all medical appointments. Most injury cases are lost because the client did not continue medical treatment.
- Gather evidence, including witness statements, CCTV, pictures, and images of the accident and your injuries.
- Notify the police and get a copy of the police report.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident.
- Do not talk in-depth to the insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney, as doing so could affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. Remember, the insurance companies want to pay as little as possible and are not on your side.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County immediately for a free consultation at 949-203-3814. We may be able to preserve your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Find a motorcycle accident lawyer near you
Bisnar Chase has 5 Southern California locations and one San Francisco meeting location to make it as convenient as possible for our clients. We are here to provide dedicated legal representation and pursue justice on your behalf.
Our top-rated motorcycle accident attorneys have decades of experience helping victims recover from their losses, and we are familiar with all California courts.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
In a motorcycle crash, almost always, it is the rider and his or her passenger who suffer the more serious or catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries or head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries; neck and back injuries
- Whiplash syndrome
- Internal injuries: organ damage
- Broken bones or fractures
- Lacerations or amputations
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burn injuries
- PTSD long-term
- Serious facial injuries if no helmet was worn
The most severe injury is a head injury. During a motorcycle accident, the brain is subjected to rapid deceleration forces that can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These forces can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or other serious damage.
If there is a direct impact on the head or neck area during an accident, it can cause further damage by fracturing bones in those areas and damaging delicate nerve tissue.
This type of trauma is often associated with long-term cognitive impairments and physical disabilities. If you have suffered injuries, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys for a free accident claim evaluation.
Contact an Orange County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Orange County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase have represented California clients since 1978, including many California motorcycle accident victims who had been told by other law firms that they didn’t have a case.
Let us see what we can do for you. Call for a no-obligation free consultation with our award winning personal injury attorneys at 949-203-3814.
Motorcycle accident injury claims can be complex, but we have the resources and experience to get the best possible results in your case. With over 400 motorcycle fatalities annually in California, our law firm has handled many of these motorcycle accident cases with winning results.
Our accident attorneys are top-rated trial lawyers familiar with all Orange County courts and defense teams, and we will not settle your injury claim until you are satisfied. A fair recovery is our top priority.
