Irvine Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Millions in Compensation Recovered for Clients 

Motorcyclists face some of the highest risks on Irvine’s busy streets and freeways. A single careless driver, blind-spot mistake, or unsafe merge can cause catastrophic injuries. When a crash happens, riders are left to face insurance companies that routinely undervalue motorcycle cases and try to shift blame.

At United Attorney Group, we fight to make sure riders have a strong legal advocate on their side. Our attorneys have recovered over $429 million in verdicts and settlements, including millions of dollars in compensation for victims injured in motorcycle and motor vehicle accidents. Some examples of our results include:

• $2.7 Million – Recovery for a victim struck from behind by a commercial truck on a California highway.
• $1.2 Million – Jury award for a client with a traumatic brain injury sustained in a moderate-impact crash.
• $1.1 Million – Settlement for a severely injured bicyclist.

If you or someone you love were injured in a crash, our Irvine motorcycle accident attorneys can help. We proudly serve clients across the OC and beyond and offer FREE consultations. Call (949) 210-9477 or contact us online to request yours.

Why Riders Choose United Attorney Group

• Proven Injury Litigation Firm. With more than $429 million recovered, our record shows we know how to take on insurers and win serious injury cases.
• Trial Experience Matters. Insurers track which firms actually try motorcycle cases. Our willingness to go to court helps drive better results.
• Client-Focused Representation. We offer direct communication, step-by-step guidance, and support through every stage of the process.
• Accessible, Bilingual Support. Free consultations, no fees unless we win, and Spanish-speaking assistance for families throughout Irvine and Orange County.

How Motorcycle Accident Cases Work in California

Motorcycle crashes often involve more contested liability than standard car accidents. Insurance carriers frequently argue that the rider “was going too fast” or “was lane splitting unsafely,” even when the driver was clearly at fault. Understanding how California law handles these cases is essential.

Key principles include:

• California Allows Lane Splitting. Lane splitting is legal when done safely. Insurers often misunderstand this, and we push back on attempts to use it unfairly against riders.
• California Uses Pure Comparative Negligence. Even if a rider is found partially at fault, they can still recover compensation. Their recovery is simply reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
• Drivers Owe Motorcyclists the Same Duty of Care. This includes checking blind spots, using turn signals, and yielding properly — failures that often lead to serious crashes.

Our firm investigates quickly, secures evidence, and builds strong cases to counter common defense tactics.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes 

Motorcycle collisions are often the result of identifiable and preventable conduct. In California, a driver is legally negligent when they fail to use the level of care that a reasonably careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. When that lapse leads to a crash, the injured rider has the right to pursue compensation.

Below are the types of conduct most frequently associated with actionable motorcycle accidents:

• Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind-Spot Errors. Many motorcycle crashes stem from drivers merging or changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots. These maneuvers violate safety responsibilities and often provide clear evidence of negligence.
• Left-Turn Collisions. A substantial number of serious motorcycle injuries occur when a driver turns left across a rider’s path. California law requires drivers to yield when making left turns; failing to do so is a breach of that duty.
• Distracted Driving. Distraction from mobile phones, navigation systems, or other in-vehicle tasks remains one of the leading contributors to preventable collisions. When distraction interferes with a driver’s ability to observe a motorcyclist, liability typically follows.
• Following Too Closely and Rear-End Crashes. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles. Drivers who follow too closely or fail to maintain a safe stopping distance may be held responsible for resulting rear-end collisions.
• Failure to Yield or Follow Traffic Rules. Accidents frequently occur when drivers overlook right-of-way rules at intersections, ramps, or multi-lane turns. These violations often align directly with negligence.
• Hazardous Road Conditions. Debris, uneven pavement, potholes, and construction areas can cause riders to lose control. In these scenarios, liability may extend to the party responsible for maintaining or managing the roadway.

Identifying the specific cause of a motorcycle crash is not merely factual; it is central to proving legal responsibility. To establish liability in California, an injured rider must show:

1. A duty of care existed
2. The driver (or other party) breached that duty through unsafe conduct
3. The breach caused the collision
4. The collision resulted in compensable harm

The causes outlined above directly correspond to these legal elements, which is why prompt investigation and documentation after a crash are essential.

Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Liability in motorcycle cases depends on identifying which party failed to act with reasonable care. Examples include:

• Negligent drivers who fail to check blind spots or make unsafe left turns
• Commercial drivers in trucks, vans, or delivery vehicles
• Rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) operating carelessly
• Government entities responsible for unsafe roads or poor maintenance
• Manufacturers of defective motorcycle or vehicle components

Our Irvine motorcycle accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations, review camera footage, work with accident reconstruction experts, and uncover every potential source of compensation.

Compensation Available to Injured Riders

Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries requiring long-term medical care. Compensation may include:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Motorcycle property damage
• Wrongful death damages if the crash was fatal

We work closely with medical and financial experts to calculate the full impact of your injuries.

What to Expect During the Claims Process

1. Investigation – Collecting police reports, scene evidence, medical records, and witness statements.
2. Claim Filing – Presenting a detailed demand to the insurance company.
3. Negotiations – Fighting for a settlement that reflects the true extent of your injuries.
4. Litigation – Going to court when insurers refuse to make a fair offer.

Irvine Motorcycle Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Claims involving government entities have shorter deadlines and formal notice requirements, which may be as short as six months. Speaking with an attorney early helps preserve evidence and prevent missed deadlines.

Can I recover compensation if I was lane splitting at the time of the crash?

Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California when done safely. However, insurers often try to use lane splitting to argue partial fault. Even if you are assigned some responsibility, California’s comparative negligence system still allows recovered damages to be reduced rather than eliminated.

Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident case?

Motorcycle cases often involve disputed fault, aggressive insurance tactics, and higher-stakes injuries. An attorney can investigate the crash, establish liability, manage communications with insurers, and pursue full and fair compensation. Legal representation also reduces the risk of a low settlement that does not reflect long-term needs.

What if the other driver claims they “didn’t see” me?

This is a common defense, but it does not excuse negligence. Drivers are required to check mirrors, blind spots, and oncoming traffic before turning or merging. A failure to see a motorcyclist often indicates insufficient attention or unsafe maneuvering, both of which support liability.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (949) 210-9477

At United Attorney Group, we stand up for riders who deserve fair treatment under the law. With millions in compensation recovered, we have the experience and resources to take on tough cases involving motorcycle collisions and serious injuries.

Call (949) 210-9477 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.