Rancho Santa Margarita Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents in Rancho Santa Margarita could have a devastating impact on bikers regardless of the nature of the crash. Whether a collision involved another motorist or a fixed object, a motorcycle crash could lead to permanent – or even fatal – injuries.

If you have suffered injuries from a serious motorcycle crash, you have the right to pursue compensation from the person or entity responsible. While taking on the challenge of litigation might be concerning for many, a Rancho Santa Margarita motorcycle accident lawyer could simplify the process. Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today.

Risk Factors in Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the size disparity between motorcycles and other vehicles on the road, the risks facing bikers are higher compared to other motorists. According to the NHTSA, many factors contribute to a motorcycle crash. Over half of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a car or truck, for example. Many crashes occur when a motorcycle is attempting a left turn. The size disparity between motorcycles and cars often result in motorists overlooking riders turning on or off roadways.

Collisions with fixed objects also play an essential role. Many bike crashes occur due to a collision with guardrails, signposts, or abutments. If a motorcycle accident lawyer in Rancho Santa Margarita establishes that a crash resulted from a poorly designed or maintained roadway, they could seek compensation against the government entity in charge of that roadway.

Compensation Available in a Rancho Santa Margarita Motorcycle Crash Lawsuit

If the victim of a motorcycle crash prevails at trial, their attorney must next demonstrate to a Rancho Santa Margarita jury that they are entitled to damages. The damages available in every crash vary. Some collisions are relatively minor and involve little more than damage to the motorcycle. Other crashes are far more severe, resulting in potentially life-threatening injuries. A plaintiff in a motorcycle accident could recover damages related to these injuries from the responsible party.

There are two general categories that damages fall into: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate an injury victim for any expenditures related directly to their injury. These expenses are tangible, meaning that a plaintiff could establish their exact value with a receipt or invoice. Examples include vehicle repair costs or emergency room bills.

Non-economic damages do not relate to the tangible expenses related to a motorcycle crash. These damages compensate a motorcycle accident victim for things like physical pain and suffering.

The Personal Responsibility Act

The distinction between economic and non-economic damages could be significant in certain motorcycle accident lawsuits. According to California Code 3333.3, a plaintiff may not recover non-economic damages from a vehicle accident lawsuit if they were uninsured at the time of the crash. Known as the Personal Responsibility Act, this state law could significantly reduce the potential recovery of an injured motorcyclist.

It is important to note the Personal Responsibility Act only applies to non-economic damages. While it prevents an uninsured plaintiff from recovering compensation for pain and suffering or the loss of consortium, it does not bar recovery of economic damages like medical bills.

Call a Rancho Santa Margarita Motorcycle Accident Attorney Right Away

The potential for recovering compensation following a motorcycle depends primarily on the facts surrounding the accident. Having the backing of a Rancho Santa Margarita motorcycle accident lawyer could also go a long way towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Your attorney could evaluate the facts surrounding your motorcycle crash and advise you if you are in a strong position to recover compensation. To learn more, schedule your initial consultation right away.