Although Anaheim is home to Disneyland, being involved in a motorcycle accident here is no walk in the park. A motorcycle rider can be seriously injured in a collision with a passenger vehicle, a commercial truck or a fixed object. Some injury victims are unable to return to work for extended periods of time while others may wonder if they will ever ride again. At times like these, it helps to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.
J&Y Law handles motorcycle accident cases in Anaheim and throughout Orange County. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our legal team will offer you knowledge, compassion and exceptional personal service. We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes, whether inside the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
How to prove negligence in an Anaheim motorcycle accident?
Proving that the other party was responsible for causing a motorcycle accident means overcoming the public bias against motorcycle riders as being dangerous thrill seekers. Indeed, inexperienced and careless riders do cause motorcycle accidents, however, most collisions between motorcycles and passenger vehicles, trucks or buses are the fault of the other driver.
Through the years, the experienced personal injury attorneys at J&Y Law have helped motorcycle riders injured by negligent and and reckless motorists in Anaheim. It is important to remember that all drivers in Orange County have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and avoid causing injuries to motorcycle riders. To have a successful claim, it is necessary to demonstrate the following elements of negligence:
- The other motorist had a duty to operate his or her vehicle in a safe manner
- The other motorist breached this duty
- The actions of the other motorist caused the accident
- Your injuries or monetary losses were directly caused by the accident
Our attorneys believe that motorcycle riders have a right to be on the road as much as other motorists. We are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping our clients obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. As you know, Anaheim is connected to the rest of Orange County by a complicated system of highways. When motorcycle accidents are caused by potholes, gravel, oil spills, other foreign objects on the road, malfunctioning traffic signals or defective street lights, injury victims can also seek justice through a municipal liability lawsuit against the government agency responsible for road and highway maintenance.
What are some of the challenges in an Anaheim motorcycle accident claim?
As with most accident cases in Anaheim, a motorcycle accident often involves dealing with an insurance company. Insurers are notorious for paying as little money as possible, while relying on teams of powerful attorneys to deny claims outright. At J&Y Law, we will leverage our legal knowledge to make sure that you obtain a robust settlement, one that considers all of your future financial and medical needs. If an insurer refuses to cooperate, our tenacious litigators are prepared to fight in the Orange County courts.
Motorcycle Safety Laws
A number of state laws are in place aimed at reducing the frequency of motorcycle accidents in Anaheim and lessening the risk of rider injuries. All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet in Orange County, for example, and helmet speakers are limited to a single earpiece.
In addition, all motorcyclists must obtain a license and abide by traffic and safety laws. In this regard, it is worth noting that lane splitting — riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between the lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light — is currently legal in California, provided that it is done in a safe and prudent manner. Rider education by a state-authorized training center is also required for all riders in Anaheim under the age of 21.
Moreover, motorcycles must have certain safety equipment. All motorcycles must be equipped with side view mirrors, turn signals, seats and footrests for both riders and passengers and a muffler that complies with decibel limits under state law. Motorcycles built after 1978 are required to have daytime headlights, although modulating headlights are permitted.
Finally, motorcycle owners must have liability insurance coverage — a minimum of $15,000 per person, $30,000 for those involved in an accident and $10,000 for property damage. In the event of an accident, a rider must be prepared to show proof of insurance or other financial responsibility.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries and fatalities in an accident because they not protected by the structure of a vehicle as the occupants of other motor vehicles are. For this reason, a biker can sustain all types of injuries in a motorcycle collision, including:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Road rash
- Facial fractures and disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Motorcyclists can reduce the risk or severity of injuries by riding safely, abiding by all applicable traffic laws, and wearing protective gear — helmets (mandatory), leather jackets, heavy pants, boots, and gloves.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Anaheim?
At J&Y Law, we have the knowledge and skills that are essential for pursuing successful motorcycle accident claims. We have a proven track record of helping our clients obtain compensation to cover lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we can help you seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. J&Y handles all personal injury claims on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win your case. Above all, we will stand by your side on the long road to recovery and provide you with caring, efficient service. Call our office today or fill out the convenient contact form on our website to set up a free consultation.