Razavi Law Group are top-rated motorcycle accident attorneys in Santa Ana , and surrounding areas. Our lawyers at Razavi Law Group have extensive knowledge of the laws that govern motorcycle accident cases. They can help you determine how to proceed when an unfortunate accident occurs. We fully dedicate ourselves and our resources to help you fight for fair and just settlement during difficult times.
Riding a motorcycle can be fun and enjoyable, but there are considerable safety risks and dangers that come along with doing so. Unlike a car, motorcycle riders don’t have an outer frame to help absorb any impact and cage the rider. As a result, injuries from a motorcycle accident tend to be much more severe and life-threatening than car accidents. Our personal injury attorneys understand the unique risks and dangers of riding and can assist you with your claim.
Motorcycle accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in the state of California. Each year, 17% of all road fatalities are from motorcycle accidents, and 88,000 motorcyclists are injured. When motorcycle accidents occur, they often result in life-changing injuries or, unfortunately, the rider’s death. Not only are motorcycle injuries costly to treat, but such injuries may also lead to loss of wages as the rider may lose their ability to work. No motorcyclist should feel unsafe on the road. Suppose you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident or lost someone due to a motorcycle accident. In that case, it is imperative you contact the attorneys at Razavi Law Group to see if your case is eligible for compensation.
How Do You Prove Liability After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were not the cause of the accident, liability must be established immediately after a motorcycle accident occurs. Proving liability includes proving negligence, and the strength of your case will be based on the amount of evidence you have pertaining to liability. Our attorneys will help establish the defendant breached their duty to be a safe and competent driver. Some of the most common breaches are:
Drivers who recklessly drive over the speed limit, drive while distracted, or participate in other illegal behavior while operating their vehicle;
Drivers who make unsafe lane changes;
Drivers who drive while drunk or under the influence of other substances;
Companies who manufacture defective auto parts rendering the car unsafe for the road; and
Drivers who get behind the wheel tired or medically impaired.
The evidence obtained by your lawyer will be used to establish the driver’s negligence. Evidence includes dashcam footage, medical files, eye witness testimony, photos of the crash, and police and toxicology reports. If you are in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to retain a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, mainly because critical evidence, like dashcam footage, can be erased. Proving negligence through the evidence is essential to strengthening your case.
What Are the Types of Damages In Santa Ana Motorcycle Accidents?
Two types of damages occur after a motorcycle accident that can entitle you to compensation: your personal injury damages and property damage.
Your personal injury damages would include damages from injuries to your person, including your medical bills, rehabilitation bills, and wages lost due to not being able to work. Your property damages would include damages to your motorcycle and the cost to repair or replace it.
If the driver who caused your motorcycle accident was fleeing the police, driving drunk, or operating their vehicle in any other illegal capacity (for example, driving without a license), you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
What Are The Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Santa Ana?
Distracted Driving: Drivers using their phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities while driving can be a significant cause of accidents.
Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is when motorcyclists ride between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While legal in Santa Ana under certain conditions, it can still be hazardous.
Speeding: Excessive speeding by motorcyclists or other drivers increases the likelihood of accidents.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a rider’s ability to maintain control and respond to road conditions.
Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and oil spills can pose serious risks to motorcyclists.
Inexperienced Riders: Lack of experience and inadequate training can lead to poor decision-making and handling skills, increasing the risk of accidents.
Failure to Yield: When other drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists, it can result in collisions.
Car Doors Opening: Motorcyclists are vulnerable to accidents when car drivers open their doors without checking for approaching riders.
In Santa Ana, wearing helmets is mandatory for all motorcycle riders and passengers. This safety measure is essential in reducing the severity of head injuries in the event of an accident.
If a motorcycle accident occurs, the involved parties are required to follow certain procedures, including exchanging information, notifying law enforcement when necessary, and seeking medical attention for any injuries. Insurance claims are typically filed to cover property damage and medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
If an accident leads to serious injuries or fatalities, it may become a legal matter, and investigations may be conducted to determine liability and fault. This can involve hiring personal injury lawyers, filing lawsuits, and negotiating settlements with insurance companies.
What are the Common Motorcycle Accidents Injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the lack of protective barriers that other vehicles offer. Motorcyclists are more exposed and vulnerable to the impact of a collision, making the potential for severe injuries higher. Some of the common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Road Rash
Fractures and Broken Bones
Head Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Internal Injuries
Dislocations and Joint Injuries
Soft Tissue Injuries
Burns
Amputations
Emotional Trauma
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident?
If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal interests. Here’s what you should do after a motorcycle accident:
Check for Injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately by dialing 911.
Move to Safety: If you and your motorcycle are in a dangerous location, try to move to the side of the road or a safe area to avoid further accidents or injuries.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Obtain names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images can be valuable evidence later on.
Report the Accident: Call the police to report the accident. Even if the damage seems minor, involving law enforcement will create an official record of the incident, which can be useful for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information. Their statements may be crucial in determining fault or liability.
Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault or liability with other parties involved in the accident or with witnesses. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and insurance representatives.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications later on.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
Consult with an Attorney: If you suffered injuries or significant property damage, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents. An attorney can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all relevant documents, medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence related to the accident. These records can be crucial for insurance claims or potential legal actions.
Who Is Liable for Motorcycle Accidents While Lane Splitting?
Determining liability for motorcycle accidents while lane splitting can be complex and often depends on the specific circumstances of each case and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which is legal in some states and countries under certain conditions.
In states or countries where lane splitting is legal:
Motorcyclist Liability: If a motorcyclist is lane splitting and causes an accident due to their negligence or reckless behavior, they may be held liable for the resulting damages. For instance, if the motorcyclist was speeding, not paying attention to other vehicles, or riding unsafely between lanes, they could be at fault.
Other Driver Liability: On the other hand, if the motorcyclist is lane splitting legally and an accident occurs because a car driver suddenly changes lanes without signaling or fails to check their mirrors, the car driver could be held responsible for the collision.
Shared Liability: In some cases, both the motorcyclist and the other driver may share responsibility for the accident. This is known as comparative negligence or contributory negligence, depending on the jurisdiction. Each party’s degree of fault will be assessed, and damages may be reduced or allocated accordingly.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Determining the exact value of a motorcycle accident case can be challenging as it depends on various factors unique to each situation. The worth of a motorcycle accident case is typically based on the damages incurred by the victim. Damages can be categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages: Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses that have a clear monetary value. They include:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any other healthcare-related expenses resulting from the accident.
Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to missed work during recovery, doctor’s appointments, or temporary or permanent disability caused by the accident.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of the motorcycle and any other damaged property, such as riding gear and personal belongings.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries result in a reduced ability to work or earn a living in the future, the victim may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are subjective and more challenging to quantify. They include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyed due to the injuries.
Loss of Consortium: If the accident resulted in a loss of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse or partner, they may be entitled to compensation.
Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident and the resulting injuries.
Scarring or Disfigurement: Additional compensation may be awarded for visible scars or permanent disfigurement resulting from the accident.
How Razavi Law Group Can Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Case
The Razavi Law Group can provide valuable assistance to individuals involved in motorcycle accident cases. As a law firm specializing in personal injury, including motorcycle accidents, they offer a range of services designed to protect the rights and interests of their clients. Here’s how the Razavi Law Group can help with a motorcycle accident case:
Expertise and Experience: The Razavi Law Group has experienced attorneys who specialize in motorcycle accident cases. They possess in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws, insurance regulations, and the complexities involved in such cases.
Investigating the Accident: The attorneys at the Razavi Law Group will conduct a thorough investigation of the motorcycle accident to gather evidence, assess liability, and build a strong case. They will collect police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other relevant documentation to support their client’s claim.
Establishing Liability: Determining fault and liability in a motorcycle accident can be challenging. The attorneys at the Razavi Law Group will carefully analyze the circumstances of the accident to identify responsible parties, which may include other drivers, road authorities, or product manufacturers.
Handling Communication: Dealing with insurance companies and other parties involved can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially when recovering from injuries. The Razavi Law Group will handle all communication on their client’s behalf, protecting them from unfair tactics or pressure to accept inadequate settlements.
Negotiating Settlements: The attorneys at the Razavi Law Group are skilled negotiators. They will work to secure the maximum compensation possible for their client, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Pursuing Litigation: If necessary, the Razavi Law Group is prepared to take the case to trial. They have trial experience and will vigorously represent their client’s interests in court.
Guiding Through the Legal Process: Navigating the legal system can be complex and confusing for those unfamiliar with it. The Razavi Law Group will guide its clients through every step of the legal process, providing them with expert advice and support.
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