Irvine Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle can be one of the most exhilarating and exciting vehicles on the road because of the sense of speed it provides to the rider. It can also be among the most practical, as anyone who has been stuck in a traffic jam and watched enviously as a motorcycle rider weaves through the immobile cars can attest. Of course, a motorcycle can also be among the most dangerous vehicles because it offers no protection to the rider in the event of a crash. That means a motorcycle rider could suffer serious injuries if they get into an accident.

If the accident was caused by the negligent behavior of another driver, then the rider does not have to pay for their expenses out of their own pocket. That is because they can file an injury claim against the insurance company of the at-fault to get the compensation that they need to cover the expenses caused by accident. However, they will need the help of a personal injury lawyer to do so. Motorcycle riders in Irvine, CA should contact Timothy J. Ryan & Associates if they end up in an accident.

The reason is that Timothy J. Ryan has nearly 40 years of experience helping personal injury victims in California. That means he is adept at every stage of a personal injury case; from helping the victim file their injury claim to gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company. He and his associates can give injured motorcycle riders the best chance they have of receiving the compensation that they need. So if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Irvine, CA, then contact Timothy J. Ryan & Associates as soon as possible to find out how they can help you.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles can be dangerous because they face dangers that are unique to those vehicles. The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Left Turn Accidents – These accidents happen when a driver making a left turn does not notice an oncoming motorcycle. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), left turn accidents account for 36% of motorcycle accidents, making them the most common cause of motorcycle accidents.

Lane Change Accidents – A motorcycle is one of the smaller vehicles on the road and often ends up in a driver’s blind spot. That means a driver changing lanes might not realize that a motorcycle is in the adjacent lane and sideswipe them. That could lead to an accident for the motorcycle rider.

Dooring – This is what happens when the driver or passenger of a parked vehicle opens their door as a motorcycle approaches. If the motorcycle collides with the door, then the rider could get launched onto the road, suffering serious injuries in the process.

Bad Weather – Poor weather conditions are a hazard to everyone on the road. But they are especially bad for motorcyclists. The reason is that they have less protection against the weather than people in enclosed vehicles do, and if they get into an accident, then they will likely suffer more serious injuries.

Defective Parts – There are some cases where a defective component on a motorcycle can cause the whole machine to malfunction. That can cause the rider to lose control and get into an accident. This cause of motorcycle accidents is relatively rare compared to some of the others, but it can occur.

Types Of Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Since motorcycle riders have very little protection besides a helmet, they are particularly susceptible to serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries when they get into an accident.

Broken Bones – A motorcycle rider could suffer broken or fractured bones when an accident causes them to forcefully hit the pavement, another vehicle, or some other hard surface.

Traumatic Head Injuries – Even if they are wearing a helmet, a motorcycle rider can still suffer head injuries like concussions. Skull fractures and brain hemorrhages are also possible, but their chances decrease somewhat if the rider wears a helmet, which is why helmet wearing is the law or is strongly recommended in some states.

Abrasions – Road rash is the colloquial term for when a motorcyclist skids across the pavement after falling from their bike. However, it can be more serious than the term indicates since those abrasions could cause bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage to the rider.

Spinal Cord Injuries – Motorcyclists are also susceptible to spinal cord injuries, which can happen when their back or neck hits a hard surface with great force. This could result in temporary or permanent paralysis.

Internal Injuries – Not all injuries are visible because some of them could happen inside of the body. Internal injuries like punctured lungs or internal bleeding may not be immediately noticeable, which is why anyone who was injured in a motorcycle accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they seem unhurt on the outside.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

There are some important steps that anyone who was in a motorcycle accident should take. These steps would help to keep them safe and help to increase their chances of receiving compensation if someone else was at fault for the accident.

1. Do Not Remove Your Protective Gear – That gear could be what is preventing any injuries from getting worse, so they should not be removed until the paramedics arrive to take care of you.
2. Call Emergency Services – If it is possible, then you should call 911 so that you can get medical attention and so that they can cordon off the scene to prevent other people from getting hurt.
3. Record The Scene – Again, if it is possible, you should take pictures of the accident scene, including the location and the damage done to each vehicle.
4. Get Medical Attention – You should allow the paramedics to look after you even if you do not think that you have any injuries. You should also get an evaluation from a medical professional afterward to make sure that you do not have any lingering injuries. This is important for your health and for your injury claim.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney – If the accident was caused by the negligence of someone else, then a personal injury attorney can help you to get the compensation you need to cover the expenses caused by the accident. And if a lawsuit becomes necessary, then the attorney can help with that as well.

Contact Us If You Were In a Motorcycle Accident

At Timothy J. Ryan & Associates, we will do everything that we can to help anyone who was in a motorcycle accident in Irvine, CA. We will help them to gather evidence that proves the culpability of the at-fault party. We will help them to calculate the amount of compensation that they need, and we will help them to file their injury claim. Once all of that is done, we will negotiate with the insurance company of the at-fault party to make sure that they offer a fair settlement.

Insurance companies will always try to lowball the victims of accidents, and we will fight to make sure that they provide the accident victim with compensation that can cover their expenses. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, then we will be right by our client’s side throughout the whole process. So if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Irvine, CA, then get in touch with us for a free review of your case. We will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.