Dana Point Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A Skilled Dana Point Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are a great way to experience freedom on the road. The speed and wind in your face can be exhilarating, giving you the agility that only a motorcycle can offer. But motorcycles can also be dangerous. In the blink of an eye, riders can be thrown over the handlebars, hit by another vehicle, or go into an uncontrolled slide when their bike unexpectedly hits gravel. When this happens, a Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Motorcycle crashes often result in serious injuries and death because the rider is so unprotected, wearing only a helmet and boots. A motorcycle lacks the crashworthiness and protection of an automobile, which has door beams, airbags, seat belts, and a roof. A car is also more stable because it has four wheels compared to a two-wheeled motorcycle. An experienced car accident attorney can provide insight and assistance when navigating the aftermath of such incidents.

Motorcycles, which weigh about 700 pounds, are significantly smaller than passenger cars, weighing in at 2,000 – 4,000 pounds. When they collide, it is the motorcycle rider who sustains the greatest injuries. Additionally, it can be difficult for other drivers on the road to see motorcycles in their rearview and side mirrors, and drivers of parked cars sometimes open a door without seeing an oncoming motorcycle, causing a collision. Just as victims in these accidents might seek compensation, those who experience slip and fall incidents often consult a slip and fall lawyer to understand their rights. If you’ve been injured in any such mishap, you could be entitled to financial damages.

Why Choose Us as Your Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

At Neale & Fhima, our Dana Point motorcycle accident attorneys are among the smartest in California. We have an outstanding record of success in handling claims for our clients! Attorney Aaron Fhima possesses years of experience in aggressively representing motorcycle accident victims. He has secured many settlements for motorcycle accident victims, including into the seven figures range ($1,000,000 +). He is supported by a compassionate and detail-oriented legal team that will keep you informed throughout every step of the legal process. We receive outstanding testimonials from our many satisfied clients.

How We Can Help: A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Fights for Your Rights

A Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer at Neale & Fhima will spend significant time explaining the law to you in layman’s terms that you can understand. We do not speak in legalese. We will fight to get the maximum payout possible in your case. We will:

1. Explain your legal rights and your options for compensation
2. Meticulously gather and preserve evidence
3. Conduct an accident scene investigation
4. Make sure you get the medical care you need and use medical records to prove your case
5. Interview witnesses
6. Handle all communication with insurance companies and shield yourself from harassment
7. Build a powerful lawsuit on your behalf
8. Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and argue your case in court, if necessary.

The quality and skill of your Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer can boost the amount an insurance company offers in a settlement. Make sure you have a fierce lawyer on your side. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys give you an edge over your opponent.

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Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Our Dana Point motorcycle accident attorneys have handled hundreds of cases, and we hear a lot of the same questions over and over from clients. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

• Are a lot of people killed in motorcycle accidents?

  There are more than 5,000 fatal motorcycle accidents annually in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute. Among all age groups, riders 50 years old and older are the most likely to die in a motorcycle accident (36%).

• How many people are injured in motorcycle accidents each year?

  More than 83,000 motorcycle riders are injured in crashes annually in the United States.

• Are motorcycle helmets required by law in California?

  All motorcycle riders and passengers are required per California Vehicle Code §27803 to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant safety helmet. The state also recommends a plastic shatter-resistant face shield to protect riders from wind, rain, pebbles, insects, dirt, and other debris. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) publishes a Motorcycle Handbook that details additional state requirements for motorcycle riders.

• How much does a Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

  At Neale & Fhima, our Dana Point motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency, which means the defendant’s insurance company pays your legal fees and case expenses in successful claims.

• When do most fatal motorcycle accidents happen?

  Most fatal motorcycle crashes happen between 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays and between 6 PM and 9 PM on weekends. July and August are the deadliest months for motorcycle crashes in America.

• Is alcohol a problem in motorcycle crashes?

  Statistics show that 32% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol impairment. These include accidents in which the motorcyclist or driver of the other vehicle was drinking.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. A Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer at Neale & Fhima can explain your legal rights.

Motorcycle Fatality Trends

The National Safety Council (NSC) gathers data on crash statistics and publishes key motorcycle fatality trends each year. According to NSC, the majority of motorcyclist fatalities occur:

• On urban roads (60%)
• In good weather (78%)
• During daylight conditions (50%)
• In crashes involving two vehicles (52%)
• When wearing helmets (58%.)

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. But only 18 states and the District of Columbia require helmet use by all riders.

There were about 8.6 million on-road motorcycles licensed in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). That is double the number registered in 2002 (4.3 million), demonstrating that motorcycle riding has become increasingly popular. In 2021, there were 952,977 motorcycles registered in California.

Potential Damages in a Dana Point Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you are injured in a Dana Point motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These include:

Economic

• Doctor, hospital, and rehabilitation bills
• Lost wages and loss of future earnings potential
• Cost of future medical care
• Wrongful death
• Property damage.

Non-Economic

• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium.

In some cases, a judge can also award punitive damages when a defendant’s disregard for the safety of others is particularly uncaring and senseless. This is something a truck accident lawyer would be well-versed in.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

• Cars making left-hand turns
• Bad weather like rain, sleet, ice, and snow
• Hazardous road conditions including potholes, loose gravel, and roadway debris
• Railroad tracks
• Motorcycle lane splitting
• Speeding
• Distracted driving among other motorists
• Car doors opening
• Alcohol
• Sudden stops by other drivers.

These are just a few of the many hazards and impediments that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Common injuries in motorcycle crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Degloving injuries
• Burn injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash
• Contusions.

Essential Elements in a Motorcycle Accident Case

There are a handful of essential elements in a personal injury claim. These will impact the outcome of your case.

1. Fault/Liability

California is a pure comparative fault state, which means you can seek damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Any compensation you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of liability that is yours. For example, if you are 20% at fault and the total award is $200,000, then you’ll receive $160,000 (the total reduced by 20%).

2. Negligence

To prove negligence in a motorcycle accident case, your lawyer must prove four elements of negligence, including:

• Duty – the defendant had a “duty of care” for the safety of others.
• Breach – the defendant breached or failed in that duty.
• Causation – the defendant’s actions, or inaction, caused your injuries.
• Damages – the injuries you suffered can be compensated financially.

3. Damages

Damages are the calculated financial payout meant to compensate for your economic and non-economic setbacks suffered as a result of your injuries.

Your Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer will explain to you how each of these elements is established in your case. To find out more, call us at 888-407-2955 for a free consultation.

Statute of Limitations in California Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle injuries can arise from collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. When this happens, you need a Dana Point motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Do not delay in hiring one. The statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California is two years from the date the injury happened. If you miss the deadline, a judge can dismiss your case and you will be barred from recovering financial damages.

4 Reasons to Choose Neale & Fhima

1. WE HAVE A HISTORY OF PROVEN RESULTS.

Our office and attorneys have maintained a successful track record of winning. We have secured more than $50 million in compensation for our clients.

2. YOU RECEIVE PERSONALIZED ATTENTION.

We believe that a personalized approach is the best way to provide quality legal representation for our clients. We want to get to know you and your family so we can fight for what matters most.

3. WE OFFER CONTINGENCY REPRESENTATION.

In motorcycle injury cases, we are paid on contingency, which means your opponent’s insurance company pays our attorney’s fees and case expenses in successful legal claims.

4. WE FIGHT FOR MAXIMUM RECOVERY.

Simply put, we do what it takes to win. We do not want you to settle for anything less than the maximum compensation.

Contact a Dana Point Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, your entire life is turned upside down. Medical bills, lost income, and severe trauma can make you feel overwhelmed and depressed. And your family’s future suddenly seems uncertain. At Neale & Fhima, we understand how life-altering a serious motorcycle accident can be. You do not have to face it alone. Our Dana Point motorcycle accident attorneys can fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. While this will not eliminate your injuries, it can help pay medical bills and provide for your financial future. To find out more about how we can help, call us for a free consultation at 888-407-2955. You are under no obligation, so what do you have to lose?