Santa Ana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles can be enjoyable to ride, but they are some of the most inherently dangerous vehicles on the road for several reasons. They are fast and highly maneuverable, which unfortunately tempts some riders to perform risky maneuvers. They are also smaller and harder to spot than most other vehicles, opening the possibility of accidents when they remain in other drivers’ blind spots for too long. Motorcycles also do not include safety features found in enclosed passenger vehicles, nor do they offer any physical protection to riders or passengers when an accident occurs.

Suppose you own and operate a motorcycle in California. In that case, it’s essential to understand these risks and do your best to minimize your risk of experiencing an accident while riding in the Santa Ana, CA, area. However, despite your best efforts, it is always possible to experience an accident due to another driver’s negligence. If you or a loved one experiences a motorcycle accident because of the actions of another driver, a Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer is the best asset to have on your side when it comes to holding them accountable for your damages.

Easton & Easton offers decades of experience to every client we represent. Our firm understands the legal challenges facing motorcycle accident victims and their families. Our goal is to help our clients recover their damages to the fullest extent possible under California law. Our team can help you explore your available compensation channels and confidently work through your legal proceedings after a motorcycle accident in the Santa Ana, CA, area.

You may wonder whether you need to hire a Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorney to represent your claim. You might think you can settle the matter with an insurance claim or handle your personal injury case against the at-fault driver, saving yourself money on legal fees. However, the reality of this situation is that navigating any civil claim while managing your recovery from painful motorcycle accident injuries is incredibly difficult. You would need to meet various court filing deadlines and perform extensive research to successfully navigate your case on your own and do so while struggling with your injuries.

Even claimants who successfully navigate their cases without legal representation face significant challenges. For example, they may have trouble securing a fair insurance claim settlement from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier. They could also unintentionally overlook available compensation and settle for much less than they rightfully deserve under California law.

Hiring a skilled Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to ensure the fullest recovery possible from a motorcycle accident. Your legal team can handle every procedural requirement your case entails and allow you to recover with peace of mind. Ultimately, you are more likely to succeed with your claim when you have legal counsel you can trust and more likely to maximize your compensation with the help of an attorney.

Motorcycles are vulnerable to many of the same risks as other motor vehicles. However, due to their small size and lack of safety features, motorcyclists face many additional risks that other drivers do not. Some of the most commonly reported causes of motorcycle accidents in the Santa Ana, CA, area include:

• Distracted driving. All drivers have a duty of care to pay attention to the road while operating their vehicles. Unfortunately, even a few seconds of distracted driving can easily cause a devastating accident. Distracted driving is the top cause of motor vehicle accidents across the country.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Any driver who causes an accident because of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs faces criminal prosecution as well as liability for victims’ civil damages. In addition, an intoxicated driver is more likely to engage in risky driving, exceed speed limits, and cause accidents at high speeds that are likely to result in catastrophic or fatal injures to motorcyclists.
• Speeding and moving violations. All drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and follow traffic signals at all times. However, exceeding speed limits, performing illegal lane changes, and running red lights or stop signs are just a few of the possible moving violations that can easily lead to devastating motorcycle accidents.
• Poor visibility. All drivers must use extra caution when visibility is poor. Severe weather, night driving, and congested traffic are just a few examples of circumstances that can limit visibility and make it difficult for nearby drivers to notice a motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision.
• Vehicle or part malfunctions. Some motorcycle accidents occur because of defects in vehicles or vehicle parts. A product manufacturer can face a liability claim when a defective part results in injury. It’s also possible for a mechanic or service center to face liability if they fail to perform appropriate maintenance on a customer’s vehicle.

These are just a few examples of how motorcycle accidents can happen in Santa Ana, CA. Ultimately, while motorcyclists face the same risks as all other drivers, they are in greater danger of suffering injuries in accidents due to the inherently dangerous nature of their vehicles.

If you believe that another driver is responsible for your recent motorcycle accident, the first step in securing compensation for your losses is establishing their liability for the accident. Your Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer can be instrumental in this process, helping you obtain physical evidence from the scene of the accident, digital records like cell phone data and traffic camera footage, and statements from eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen in realtime.

Once you have identified the driver or drivers you believe responsible for causing your motorcycle accident, your Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer can help you begin the recovery process. Typically, this begins with an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. California state law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. However, the at-fault driver’s policy may not provide enough coverage to fully cover your damages. If this is the case in your motorcycle accident claim, you will need to file a personal injury suit to recover the remainder of your damages.

A Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer will help their client recover all damages caused by the defendant’s actions. This can include immediate and future medical expenses, lost income during the victim’s recovery and their lost earning potential if they cannot return to work, and pain and suffering compensation that reflects the severity of the victim’s injuries and the long-term medical complications they face. In addition, an injured motorcyclist can also claim the cost of repairing or replacing their bike and may even qualify for punitive damages if the defendant was egregiously negligent or acted illegally in any way that contributed to the accident.

It’s natural to have many questions about your legal options after experiencing a motorcycle accident in Santa Ana. Below are some of the questions the team at Easton & Easton hears most often from prospective clients.

Q: Is It Worth Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
A: Hiring reliable legal counsel is the best way to ensure your recovery after a motorcycle accident. Your legal team can not only manage your case on your behalf while you focus on your recovery but also assist you in gathering the evidence you need to hold the defendant accountable and prove the full extent of your claimable damages.

Q: Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Motorcycle Accident?
A: If another driver directly caused your recent motorcycle accident due to negligence or intentionally harmful action, you have the right to file a civil claim against them to recover your damages. A knowledgeable Santa Ana personal injury attorney can help you file an initial insurance claim to start the recovery process and then proceed with your civil suit against the at-fault driver.

Q: What Happens If I’m Partially at Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?
A: California enforces a pure comparative negligence law. This means a plaintiff loses a percentage of their case award equal to their percentage of fault for causing their claimed damages. Therefore, if you are partially responsible for causing your motorcycle accident, you still have the right to claim compensation for your losses, but you should be prepared to lose a percentage of your case award.

You probably have many other questions more specific to your unique situation. The team at Easton & Easton can provide the detail-oriented legal guidance you need to navigate your case successfully and provide the answers to your most pressing legal questions.

Economic pressure can build tremendously after an accident due to expensive medical bills and financial strain at home due to the inability to work and earn income. Therefore, it’s vital to work quickly to secure compensation for your losses to offset this pressure. Easton & Easton can help you approach your motorcycle accident claim with confidence. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with a Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer, contact Easton & Easton today to schedule your consultation with our team.