Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, significant medical expenses, and permanent disabilities.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision, you have rights. Pursuing a motorcycle accident claim is complicated, so you need a skilled Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you. Attorney Mark Robinson has decades of personal injury experience and can help you pursue a claim against the party responsible for your injuries.
Our legal team is dedicated to providing our clients with the best representation. Our Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorneys treat all our clients with compassion and respect, and we understand what a stressful and emotional time this is for you and your family.
Contact us online or call (949) 720-1288 for a free case evaluation to learn how we can help.
Why Retain Mark Robinson, Esq. as Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is home to numerous personal injury attorneys. You might be wondering why you should hire us as your Newport Beach motorcycle injury lawyer.
Here are a few things that set us apart from other firms in Orange County:
- Attorney Mark Robinson has more than five decades of experience litigating high-exposure cases, earning some of California’s largest personal injury verdicts;
- We have the skills and necessary resources to pursue a claim against any defendant, whether it’s a person or a large corporation;
- We know how to build the strongest case possible and won’t resolve your claim for less than it’s worth to keep from going to trial; and
- You are not responsible for any legal fees or costs unless we win compensation on your behalf.
When choosing a Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorney, you want an attorney who isn’t afraid to stand up to any defendant. Not all cases will go to trial, but it’s best to have an attorney who can handle your case from start to finish. Some personal injury firms push to resolve claims prior to litigation so they can close their file and move on to the next one.
These “settlement mills” care about case volume. They can take on a high volume of cases because they avoid litigation. If a case doesn’t resolve during settlement negotiations, they might refer it to another firm that will handle litigation or settle it for less than you deserve.
Attorney Mark Robinson isn’t afraid to take any case to trial. Some of our historic verdicts were against global corporations and auto manufacturers.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Riding a motorcycle is a common pastime and transportation option for commuters in Orange County. Motorists don’t always exercise proper care despite a significant presence of motorcycles on the roads and highways here.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Someone turning left in front of an approaching bike;
- A motorist speeding or violating other traffic laws;
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Opening a car door onto a passing motorcycle;
- Splitting lanes;
- Vehicle stopping suddenly;
- Adverse weather, road construction, or hazards; and
- Changing lanes into a motorcycle.
It’s important to point out that California law allows motorcycle riders to split lanes. However, there are some limitations to splitting lanes, and motorists must take extra care around motorcycle riders. It is illegal to internationally block a motorcyclist or impede them in a way that could cause harm. Inexperienced riders should not partake in this activity as it could lead to a deadly accident. Accidents involving splitting lanes are complicated. You need to speak with a Newport Beach motorcycle attorney lawyer right away.
Does California Have a Helmet Law?
Yes, California has a universal helmet law. That means every rider must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. Failure to wear a helmet means you could be pulled over and cited by the police. The universal helmet law can impact your accident claim as well.
California is a pure comparative negligence state. A failure to wear a helmet means the defendant’s insurance company can argue you contributed to your own injuries. You could still be entitled to collect a portion of your damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 10% at fault for not wearing a helmet, you will collect 90% of your damages.
If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, it’s crucial to retain a skilled motorcycle accident crash lawyer in Newport Beach. It would be best if you had someone who is a strong negotiator. The defendant’s insurance company will vehemently argue that you are primarily at fault for your injuries because of no helmet. Without a legal advocate, you could wind up receiving far less money than your case is worth.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Even if a motorcycle rider is wearing top-of-the-line safety gear, it won’t prevent all injuries in a collision. Many motorcycle accidents result in severe or catastrophic injuries because the rider’s body directly impacts the other vehicle or truck.
It’s not uncommon for our firm to see the following injuries in a Newport Beach motorcycle accident collision:
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Broken or fractured bones,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Internal organ damage,
- Severe lacerations,
- Road rash and burns,
- Whiplash,
- Concussion,
- Crushed limb,
- Internal bleeding, and
- Death.
Motorcycle injuries require immediate medical care following a collision. Many victims need years of treatment and may have permanent damage or lifelong pain. Getting compensation for future medical treatment and lifelong disability requires a savvy legal advocate.
Recoverable damages in a motorcycle collision differ in each case. The amount you could receive depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your damages, who is liable, and the amount of available liability coverage.
The two main categories of damages in a motorcycle accident claim are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent your tangible financial losses, such as property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, etc. Your non-economic damages are subjective because there is no associated financial loss. These damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more. When you hire Mark Robinson, Esq. as your Newport Beach motorcycle injury lawyer, we will sit down with you and explain what your case could be worth and why.
California Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycle accidents can involve severe injuries, it’s not uncommon for your case to go on for more than a year. California law requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. In some cases, that deadline could be shorter.
If you miss the deadline, the court could bar you from collecting any money in your case. Don’t risk missing the statute of limitations because you try to represent yourself. Speak with a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the deadline that applies in your case.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Newport Beach Can Help Your Case
Building a solid case in any personal injury matter can be complicated. Insurance companies rely on the fact that you have no legal background or experience negotiating accident claims. The claims adjuster for the other driver might lead you to believe they are looking out for you. Please remember they are not. In fact, their priority is to place as much blame on you as possible, thereby reducing the insurance company’s exposure. Without an attorney to protect your rights, the adjuster will allege you are the only at-fault party or try to extend a lowball settlement offer.
When you hire a Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer like Mark Robinson, Esq. to represent you, the insurance company cannot take advantage of your legal inexperience. We will conduct a thorough investigation and collect all evidence to support your version of the accident and your resulting damages.
Our firm will also handle all communication with the defendants, insurance companies, and lawyers. You will not need to speak with the claims adjuster or a defense attorney who might try to intimidate you into taking a low settlement offer. We will handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf. Attorney Mark Robinson is an aggressive and skilled negotiator who knows what your case is worth.
If necessary, we will hire industry experts who can prepare a report on the cause of the accident or discuss whether your treatment was reasonable and necessary. In catastrophic injury cases, it’s common to bring in experts who will testify as to what a permanent disability or disfigurement could be worth.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Newport Beach, CA
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact Mark Robinson, Esq. today to schedule an initial case evaluation.
With over 50 years of experience in California personal injury accidents—many of them involving catastrophic injuries—attorney Mark Robinson stands ready to help. You need a lawyer who will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation while treating you with the compassion and understanding you deserve. We know what a confusing and stressful time this is.
Let us handle all the complex legal issues while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call (949) 720-1288 or fill out our short form today for a free consultation.