Riding a motorcycle in California is a treat for any rider. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the twisting rounds up and down the Sierras, California’s roads provide plenty of space to enjoy the experience of riding on two wheels. The numbers confirm this, as California has more registered motorcycles than the last seventeen states combined and more permissive laws regarding riding motorcycles than other states. With so many motorcycles, it’s no wonder that California also has some of the highest numbers of motorcycle accidents in the country.

Has a motorcycle accident injured you or someone you love in Oxnard? Was this accident caused by another driver’s negligence, resulting in severe injury or financial loss? If so, call the Oxnard personal injury attorneys at OnderLaw right away to learn about filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit to obtain compensation for your injuries. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to get the outcome you need to move on after a motorcycle accident. Call today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back in the saddle.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident?

With most personal injury claims, an attorney will assist you in filing a claim against the responsible party’s insurance company to pursue compensation for your losses. In some cases, your attorney will also help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party directly. Attempting either course of action without the help of an attorney can not only make the process more difficult than it needs to be, but it may also decrease the amount of compensation you may obtain.

Your lawyer will help you by explaining the claims process and precisely what is necessary to get the compensation you need. We will investigate your accident, gather documentation, and speak to eyewitnesses to compile enough evidence to support your claim, leaving you and your family to rest and recover from your injuries.

We will also deal with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Insurance adjusters use certain methods and tactics to keep from paying claims, and they will work hard to get their desired outcome. Your attorney will act as your advocate and representative when dealing with these companies and work to protect your rights.

Hiring an attorney signals to the insurance companies that you intend to get the full compensation you’re owed and that you’re willing to take your claim to court by filing a lawsuit if need be. Reputation matters in personal injury cases, and when an adjuster sees a demand letter with our name on it, they know you won’t be satisfied with a low settlement offer.

Your lawyer will also help you accurately determine how much to demand for your losses. You may be compensated for several different types of losses, financial, physical, or mental, and an experienced lawyer can examine previous cases for comparison to help you reach a number that fully restores your well-being.

Motorcyclists are at a disadvantage when seeking compensation for their injuries because of the stereotypes associated with motorcycle riders. Some see bikers as reckless or undeserving of any compensation because they accept the inherent risk when riding. Your lawyer will make sure that this bias does not affect your settlement or award.

Why Hire OnderLaw to Represent Me?

Since 2002, OnderLaw has helped clients all over the country to get the compensation they deserve. Our team has experience handling a wide variety of claims, from defective product lawsuits worth hundreds of millions of dollars to motorcycle accident claims with minor injuries. We know what it takes to get the results our clients demand.

As well as providing top-tier legal counsel, we believe in providing the support and guidance our clients need during this difficult time. No one should go through a motorcycle accident alone, and our experience makes us uniquely qualified to help you and your family through this ordeal.

We will treat you with the dignity and compassion you deserve. We will take whatever time is needed to explain the process, keep you up to date on progress, and make sure you’re comfortable and in control of your claim.

We don’t just treat our clients with compassion. We believe that giving back to the people and communities that have helped us grow is essential, which is why we donate time and money to charitable organizations and causes, such as MADD, Lupus Foundation of America, and Toys for Tots.

The primary reason you should choose us is our proven record of success. We aren’t shy about it: we’ve obtained over $4 billion in awards and settlements, and the same team that got these great results will work hard for you.

Head over to our Testimonials page to learn more.

Motorcycle Laws in Oxnard

California’s motorcycle laws are different from some other states, most notably in that California allows the practice of lane-splitting. Here are some other laws and regulations about motorcycling in Oxnard:

  • All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet while riding.
  • Motorcycle handlebars must be no higher than six inches above the rider’s shoulders.
  • Motorcycles are required to have at least one side-view mirror.
  • If you’re under 21, you must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for six months before applying for a license.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents happen fast. California’s lane-splitting law means that motorcyclists are susceptible to an accident type that is not common elsewhere: dooring accidents. Some of the other accident types we see frequently include the following:

  • Lane change accidents
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • Failure to yield accidents
  • Left and right turn accidents
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Broadsides
  • Blindspot accidents
  • Reversing accidents

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The cause of a motorcycle accident can be as simple as another motorist not checking their blind spot before changing lanes. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than passenger vehicles, and their lighter weight means they are more susceptible to road imperfections like potholes. Some other common causes include:

  • Impaired driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Inclement weather
  • Bad road conditions
  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Inadequate surveillance
  • Left turns

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

The plain fact is that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than riding in a car or truck. Motorcycles have little or no outward safety protection other than the rider’s helmet and gear. Unlike in an accident while riding in a car or truck, a motorcyclist is far more likely to be ejected from the seat when they hit something, leading to more severe injury when they strike the ground. Motorcyclists are more likely to incur a variety of serious injuries, such as:

  • Broken bones
  • Abrasions (road rash)
  • Amputation
  • Lacerations
  • Burns
  • Scarring
  • Internal injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Hip and knee injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Coma
  • Death

Who Is Responsible for My Motorcycle Accident?

To obtain compensation for your injuries, you and your attorney must compile enough evidence to show that the party responsible for your motorcycle accident was negligent in their responsibility to keep from harming other motorists. If we can show the responsible party acted without regard for the safety of others, caused an accident, and that accident caused your injuries, we should have a strong claim.

California’s comparative negligence doctrine can complicate matters for injury claimants. In California, a judge or jury may hold you partially responsible for your accident if it’s discovered that you haven’t done all you should to ride legally and safely. For example, if you’re struck by a drunk driver while riding your motorcycle in Oxnard and it’s discovered that your registration was expired, a judge or jury may find you partially liable. If they place that liability at 15 percent, any monetary settlement or award you receive would be reduced by 15 percent.

Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Claim

The majority of motorcycle claims are resolved with a settlement from the responsible party’s insurance company. Determining the amount of compensation to demand is best handled with the help of your attorney.

You can be compensated for a wide variety of economic and noneconomic losses or damages, depending on the circumstances. Examples of these damages include:

  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of enjoyment

Talk to your lawyer to see which losses apply to your claim.

California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Here are some data and statistics for motorcycle accidents in California and elsewhere:

  • Male riders ages 15-34 comprise almost 45 percent of accident victims.
  • Fatal and severe motorcycle accident injuries in California increased 18 percent between 2011 and 2015.
  • The majority of motorcycle crashes in California are broadside
  • The most dangerous time for motorcyclists is 3-6 pm on weekend days.
  • Motorcycle fatalities decreased by over 9 percent between 2018 and 2019.

Call OnderLaw Today

Your first consultation with us is absolutely free, so call us today and let us review your case to determine whether you’re eligible for compensation. California’s statute of limitations places a two-year limit on the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, so don’t delay. Let us help you get back on the road after a motorcycle accident. Call OnderLaw today.