Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration that cars simply can’t match. Unfortunately, it also comes with far greater risk. The consequences of a motorcycle accident are often catastrophic.
With little protection against impact, motorcyclists commonly face severe or life-threatening injuries. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Costa Mesa can be critical. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash in Costa Mesa, you may be facing intense physical pain, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long, uncertain road to recovery.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in serious collisions and other incidents. Schedule a free case review with one of our Costa Mesa personal injury lawyers today.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Costa Mesa to Help Prove Fault
Establishing liability is one of the most critical steps in any personal injury claim, especially in motorcycle accidents where bias often plays a role. Insurers and opposing attorneys may unfairly portray motorcyclists as reckless or irresponsible, even when the facts say otherwise. A dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer tells your story and defends your rights.
Your attorney will begin by investigating the scene of the crash, reviewing police reports, gathering medical records, and consulting experts in accident reconstruction if necessary. In many cases, more than one party may bear legal responsibility for your injuries. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- A negligent driver who failed to yield, made an unsafe lane change, or was distracted behind the wheel
- A mechanic or repair shop that performed faulty maintenance on your motorcycle
- The manufacturer of a defective helmet, tire, or motorcycle component
- A local or state government agency that failed to maintain a safe roadway
- Another driver who was not directly involved in the accident but whose actions caused the crash to occur
After identifying the responsible parties, your attorney will build a strong case in support of your claim, file all required documentation, and ensure everything is submitted within California’s personal injury statute of limitations deadlines.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer You Receive
Following a motorcycle accident, it’s common for insurance companies to approach victims with a quick settlement offer. These can seem generous at first, but they are almost always far lower than what your case is worth. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts and close claims quickly, often before the full extent of your losses is known.
Accepting an early settlement means you forfeit your right to pursue more compensation later. If complications arise or you require long-term treatment, you’ll be left paying the difference out of pocket. Before signing anything or speaking to the insurance company, consult a personal injury attorney. They can calculate the true value of your compensatory damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays and medications
- Future medical care and physical therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf and only recommend accepting a settlement if it truly reflects your current and future needs. Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair deal, your attorney will be fully prepared to take your case to trial.
California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule and Motorcycle Accidents
In California, personal injury claims are governed by a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation as long as you were not solely to blame for the accident. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, suppose that a jury finds that your damages total $100,000 but determines you were 30% responsible for the accident. The maximum compensation available would then be 70% of the value of your damages, or $70,000.
While this system allows for more flexibility, insurance companies often exploit it by trying to assign an unfairly high degree of blame to motorcyclists. A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney serving Costa Mesa will work diligently to challenge these tactics and ensure fault is distributed accurately based on solid evidence, not bias or assumption.
How to Protect Yourself When Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash
Communicating with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident comes with potential pitfalls. The adjuster may seem polite, but their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your best interests. They may attempt to shift blame onto you or downplay your injuries. Some common tactics used by insurers include:
- Delaying responses or denying coverage based on technicalities
- Asking misleading or vague questions designed to get you to admit partial fault
- Misrepresenting the terms of your insurance policy
- Offering a quick but inadequate settlement in the hopes that you’ll accept before understanding your full damages
The best way to safeguard your rights is by avoiding discussing your case with any insurer until you’ve retained legal counsel. Once you hire an attorney, all communication must go through them. This not only protects you from manipulation but also ensures your claim is managed professionally and strategically from start to finish.
In situations where the insurance company acts in bad faith, such as by unreasonably denying a valid claim or failing to investigate properly, recourse may be available. You could be entitled to additional compensation through a bad faith insurance claim lawsuit.
Talk to a Trusted Costa Mesa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
The decisions you make in the days and weeks following a motorcycle accident can have a lasting impact on your financial and physical recovery. One of the most important steps you can take is to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
At Omega Law Group, we are proud to represent injured motorcyclists throughout Costa Mesa. We recognize the unique vulnerabilities riders face on the road and are passionate about holding negligent parties accountable.
Your journey to justice starts with a free consultation. During this meeting, we’ll review your case, answer your questions, and provide a clear strategy for moving forward. Let our family take care of your family.