It’s hard to compare driving a car and riding a motorcycle. While both tasks will get you from point A to point B, there’s just nothing like the rush that comes with a motorcycle ride. However, it’s impossible to ignore the sad reality of motorcycle riding—the risk of motorcycle accidents in Huntington Beach is high, and motorcyclists often suffer the most in these collisions.
You don’t have to go through it alone if you’ve been involved in a crash. Call a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer at Hicks Law Firm at 949-541-9944 or submit a contact form now to set up a consultation right now.
*Learn about our $600,000 motorcycle v. Mercedes settlement in October 2023 here.
What to Do After a Collision
There is a lot at stake after a motorcycle accident, and you have to make the right choices to protect yourself. After an accident, you should:
- Call the police. The Huntington Beach Police Department can help investigate the accident and provide an accident report. The accident report will be a crucial part of your personal injury claim.
- Check yourself for injuries. Before you move, check yourself quickly for any obvious injuries. You can let the police know whether or not you need an ambulance. Avoid getting up or walking around until you’re certain that you are stable enough to do so safely.
- Gather evidence. This is your one and only chance to gather evidence at the crash scene. If you forget to take photos and video footage now, that chance is gone—the scene will be cleaned up by the time you come back to it. Get as much video footage and as many photographs as you can.
- Exchange information. You and the other driver should exchange contact and insurance information before leaving the scene.
- Get checked out by a doctor. Local facilities like Huntington Beach Hospital and Reddy Urgent Care are great resources after a car accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in Huntington Beach, CA
California has several laws and regulations in place that make the roads safer for motorcyclists and drivers alike, and the Orange County Register reports that Huntington Beach has been actively trying to make local streets safer since 2013.
Riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet, and the state’s official stance is that drivers of all ages should wear a helmet. Lane splitting is legal in California, and the state goes one step further in its efforts to give motorcyclists full rights on the road—it is illegal to block or impede a motorcyclist intentionally.
This is important, since drivers have been known to irritate or antagonize motorcyclists for no apparent reason.
In general, motorcycle accident rates in California are headed in the right direction. From 2018 to 2019, deaths caused by not wearing a helmet dropped a full 18%. In that same year, overall motorcycle fatalities dropped over 9%.
Recent Motorcycle Accidents in Huntington Beach
- October 2023: A crash between a car and a motorcycle took the life of a Costa Mesa man Sunday night in Huntington Beach on Magnolia Street and Hamilton Avenue (read).
- July 2023: A motorcyclist was injured in an accident involving a car in Huntington Beach on Beach Boulevard near Taylor Drive (read).
- April 2023: A 38-year-old Riverside man is dead after a traffic accident in Huntington Beach on Warner Avenue and Brightwater Drive (read).
Are You Entitled to Compensation?
After a motorcycle accident, it’s common to worry about the expenses coming your way. You may know that medical bills are on their way, have to take time off of work, and need to replace or repair your motorcycle. If you can prove that someone else was responsible for the accident and your subsequent losses, you may be able to demand compensation. Potential liable parties include the other driver, the municipality that maintains the roads, and the manufacturer of the motorcycle. Compensation may be available for:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Lost wages
- In severe accidents, lost future income and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Keeping track of your accident-related expenses is an important part of your personal injury claim. The more completely you track your expenses, the stronger your case is.
Why You Should Choose Hicks Law Firm
Having an experienced attorney on your side is critical when you’re seeking fair compensation. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to keep accident victims from getting the compensation they deserve. They may try to blame the accident on you, point the finger at preexisting injuries, or downplay the severity of your injuries. This leads many victims to accept a much lower settlement than they deserve.
The team at Hicks Law Firm knows how to combat these tricks and fight for full compensation. Having proven ourselves both in negotiations and in the courtroom, we have the experience needed to represent you during this difficult time.
Reach Out Today—We’re Here to Support You
Don’t wait too long to start your personal injury claim. The sooner you start, the easier it is for your attorney to get access to important evidence. Call us at 949-541-9944 or send us a message online to schedule a consultation now.
