Huntington Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When a motorcycle wreck leaves you with catastrophic injuries, you need to make certain that you get treated fairly by the insurance and receive a full settlement. Find out what your claim is worth by working with a Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer.

A Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer understands that while riding along Pacific Coast Highway offers an unmatched sense of freedom, that freedom can be shattered in an instant by a negligent driver. Being injured in a motorcycle accident can make it impossible to work, lead to significant financial losses, and incur expensive medical bills.

Injured motorcyclists often face an uphill battle, as insurance companies unfairly try to shift blame. Regardless of whether your injury was minor or disabling, a skilled attorney from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is essential to fight back. We are passionate advocates for the riding community and can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. We work to overcome biases, hold careless drivers accountable, and secure the maximum payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Feel free to contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

When you’re an injured rider in Huntington Beach, you need a law firm that understands the unique challenges you face. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we are that firm. Our proven record of verdicts and settlements for riders includes millions of dollars recovered for those unfairly blamed in accidents. We remove any financial barriers with our simple promise: you pay no fees unless we win your case. This allows you to access elite legal representation without any upfront cost or risk. From the moment you hire us, we are dedicated to protecting your rights, fighting the insurance company’s biases at every turn. The powerful testimonials sharing what our past clients say about us are a testament to our unwavering commitment to achieving justice for the riding community. Choose a firm that truly fights for you.

Critical Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash

In the chaotic moments after a motorcycle accident, the actions you take are critical. What you do at the scene can significantly impact your physical recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation for your injuries. While your first instinct may be shock or anger, staying as calm as possible and following these steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Call 911

If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Your top priority is to avoid being struck by another vehicle. Then, call 911 immediately. This is crucial for two reasons: it dispatches emergency medical services to provide immediate care and ensures that law enforcement will create an official police report. This report is a vital piece of objective evidence that documents the facts of the crash and often includes a preliminary finding of fault.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you think you are not seriously hurt, you must get a professional medical evaluation. The adrenaline from a crash can mask severe injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage that may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking immediate medical care ensures you are properly diagnosed and treated. It also creates an official record that documents your injuries, providing crucial evidence that links them directly to the accident.

3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

If you are physically able, use your smartphone to gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos and videos of everything: the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle, your injuries, skid marks, debris on the road, and the overall scene from multiple angles. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their testimony could be crucial.

4. Contact an Experienced Huntington Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Before you speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or sign any documents, it is essential to protect your rights by consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters will try to get you to provide a recorded statement they can use against you. The legal team at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can handle all communications on your behalf, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Understanding Motorcycle Accidents in Huntington Beach

Riding along the Pacific Coast Highway or through the bustling streets of Huntington Beach offers an unparalleled experience. However, this freedom comes with significant risks. Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road, lacking the protection of a passenger vehicle. When a crash occurs, it is almost always due to the carelessness of other drivers who fail to share the road safely.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

The most common and dangerous phrase an injured rider hears is, “I just didn’t see them.” This is not an excuse; it is an admission of negligence. Most motorcycle accidents in Huntington Beach are caused by inattentive car and truck drivers. Common scenarios include:

• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers failing to check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes directly into a motorcyclist. 
• Left-Turn Accidents: A driver turning left directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection, one of the most frequent causes of serious motorcycle crashes. 
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting their GPS, or are otherwise not paying full attention to the road around them. 
• Following Too Closely: Car drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s braking distance and cause a devastating rear-end collision. 

Navigating Huntington Beach Roads Safely

While any road can be dangerous, areas with heavy traffic and tourist activity, like Pacific Coast Highway, Beach Boulevard, and Goldenwest Street, pose a heightened risk. Intersections are particularly hazardous. Even the most cautious and experienced riders can be victimized by a negligent driver. The attorneys at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys understand that safe riding is not always enough to prevent a serious accident.

Proving Negligence After a Motorbike Wreck

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident is often more complex than in a standard car crash due to the unfair biases riders frequently face. Insurance companies may try to argue that the motorcyclist was driving recklessly, even when their client was the one who was negligent. Successfully establishing liability requires a thorough investigation, a deep understanding of California law, and the ability to effectively counter these false narratives.

How We Prove Fault by Developing a Compelling Case

To win your claim, it is not enough to say that the other party caused the accident; we need to prove it by developing a compelling case that shows they were negligent. This means demonstrating that they failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure directly caused your injuries.

To prove negligence, your Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate the crash and gather all of the available evidence. For example, we might conduct depositions to ask the other party questions while they are under oath. We will also review all of the following crucial elements:

• Accident reports from the police. 
• Photographic evidence and videos from the scene. 
• Medical records to document the full extent of your injuries. 
• Witness statements from anyone who saw the crash. 

Using California’s Lane-Splitting and Right-of-Way Laws

California is unique in that it is one of the few states where lane-splitting is legal. However, insurance companies often use this against riders, unfairly claiming they were weaving recklessly through traffic. An experienced attorney knows how to defend a rider’s legal right to lane-split safely. Furthermore, many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers violating a rider’s right-of-way, most commonly by making a left turn into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. We use these specific laws to build a strong case for the driver’s liability.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing an Injury Claim

You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after a motorcycle accident. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this strict deadline, you will lose your right to pursue compensation forever. This is why it is essential to contact the legal team at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys promptly. Acting quickly ensures that your rights are protected and that we have ample time to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Overcoming Anti-Motorcyclist Stereotypes

One of the greatest injustices an injured motorcyclist faces is the immediate and unfair stereotype of the “reckless biker.” Insurance companies and their attorneys are often quick to blame bikers for causing their own wrecks, leveraging this preconceived notion as a powerful tool to deny responsibility and avoid paying fair compensation. Your Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will understand this and know how to expose this tactic for the baseless attack that it is. We will stand up for your legal rights and ensure that you are not treated unfairly just because you are a motorcycle rider.

How Insurance Companies Unfairly Blame Riders

From the moment a claim is filed, the insurance adjuster often operates from a position of bias. They will look for any opportunity to shift blame onto the rider, leveraging the stereotype that motorcyclists are inherently risk-takers. They will argue that you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or lane-splitting unsafely, even with no evidence to support these claims. Their goal is to use California’s comparative negligence rule to assign you a percentage of the fault, which directly reduces their payout. This is why you must assume that the other party’s insurance company will attempt to use what you say to prove that you were the one at fault rather than their client.

Using Evidence to Overcome Preconceived Notions

The only way to defeat a bias is with irrefutable facts. Our legal team immediately launches a comprehensive investigation designed to gather objective evidence that dismantles the insurance company’s false narrative. This includes:

• The official police report and officer testimony. 
• Statements from credible eyewitnesses who saw the other driver’s negligence. 
• Surveillance or dashcam footage that captures the accident. 
• Analysis from accident reconstruction experts who can scientifically prove the driver’s speed and actions. 
• The at-fault driver’s cell phone records to check for distracted driving. 

By building a case based on hard evidence, we leave no room for stereotypes.

Our Commitment to Telling Your Side of the Story

It is critical that your case is handled correctly from the beginning so that the other side isn’t able to secure an unfair advantage. Beyond the physical evidence, we believe it is our duty to tell your story. We work to humanize you in the eyes of the insurance company, the judge, and the jury. We present you not as a stereotype, but as a real person—a parent, a dedicated employee, a safety-conscious enthusiast—whose life was turned upside down by someone else’s carelessness. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we are more than just your lawyers; we are your powerful advocates, committed to ensuring your voice is heard and that you are treated with the fairness and respect you deserve.

Common Mistakes That Can Devalue Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can unintentionally harm your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies are experts at capitalizing on these errors. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you protect the value of your claim from the very beginning.

Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster will likely contact you very soon after the crash, acting friendly and asking for a recorded statement. This is a trap. Their goal is to get you on record saying something they can use against you. They are trained to ask leading questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries (“You’re feeling okay, right?”) or inadvertently admit some level of fault (“Were you going a little over the speed limit?”). You are not legally obligated to provide a statement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment

Your health is the top priority, but seeking immediate medical care is also crucial for your legal claim. Adrenaline can mask the symptoms of serious injuries. Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor gives the insurance company an opening to argue that your injuries are not that serious or that they were caused by something else that happened after the accident. A prompt medical evaluation creates a direct, documented link between the crash and your injuries.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers, hoping you are under financial pressure and will accept it before you understand the true, long-term cost of your injuries. Their first offer is almost never their best offer and rarely accounts for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or the full extent of your pain and suffering. Never accept a settlement or sign any documents without first having your case reviewed by an experienced attorney.

Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney

Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Witnesses’ memories fade, surveillance footage is deleted, and the physical evidence at the scene is cleared away. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can begin a thorough investigation to preserve this crucial evidence. Furthermore, waiting too long risks missing the strict two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in California. Contacting a firm like Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys right away ensures your rights are protected from day one.

Proving Negligence After a Motorbike Wreck

To prove negligence, we will investigate the crash and gather all of the available evidence and witness testimony. It is not enough to say that the other party caused the accident; we need to prove it by developing a compelling case.

For example, your Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer might conduct depositions to ask the other party questions while they are under oath. We will also review all of the following elements:

• Accident reports
• Photographic evidence
• Medical records
• Witness statements

Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

• Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating, and riders are twenty-seven times more likely to die in a crash than people riding in passenger cars or commercial trucks. Without the protection of airbags and a steel frame, a motorcyclist’s body absorbs the full impact of a collision, leading to a high probability of severe and catastrophic harm, even when wearing a helmet and protective gear. Recovering from these injuries won’t be inexpensive, which is why it’s so important to make certain that the settlement you receive covers all of your current and future medical needs.These are just a few of the common injury types that your Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to assess the value of:
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, a rider can suffer from Concussions and other brain injuries that can have lifelong cognitive and physical effects. 
  • Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord is a catastrophic outcome, often resulting in permanent paralysis. This covers injuries categorized as Spinal damage. 
  • Severe Road Rash: This goes beyond simple scrapes, often causing deep tissue damage, severe pain, permanent scarring, and a high risk of infection. 
  • Multiple Bone Fractures and Amputations: The force of an impact can easily cause multiple Broken bones or, in the most severe cases, lead to a necessary Amputation. 
  • Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma of a crash can cause Internal bleeding and organ damage, which are life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery.

Financial Compensation for a Motorcycle Wreck

Any financial expense or non-economic damage that results from your motorcycle accident or your injuries should be compensated by your settlement. For an injured motorcyclist, this is not just about paying a few bills; it’s a lifeline for the future. The catastrophic nature of most motorcycle accidents means that victims face a lifetime of consequences. Securing maximum compensation is essential, but insurance companies will fight to minimize their payout. A comprehensive personal injury claim must account for every single loss you have suffered.

Your financial damages will obviously include anything with a direct dollar value, while your non-economic damages will cover all of the intangible ways that your quality of life has been affected.

Economic Damages (Medical Bills, Lost Wages, Bike Repairs)

Economic damages are the foundation of your claim, representing the direct financial costs of the accident. A thorough accounting must include:

• All Medical Expenses: This covers Medical bills (current and future), from the initial ambulance and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, rehabilitation, Medications, mobility equipment, and any anticipated future medical needs. 
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: You are entitled to compensation for the Lost wages and income you lost while unable to work. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your former job or limit your earning potential, you can also claim damages for this loss of future income. 
• Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, as well as any damaged custom parts, riding gear, helmet, and other personal property. 

Non-Economic Damages (Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma)

While financial costs are significant, they do not tell the whole story. Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the immense physical and emotional toll of the accident. This can include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering: This compensates for the excruciating pain from injuries like road rash, broken bones, and nerve damage. 
• Emotional distress and Trauma: This includes compensation for PTSD, anxiety, the fear of getting back on a bike, and the cost of necessary Physical and emotional therapy. 
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement. 
• The loss of enjoyment of life and the freedom that riding once provided. 

Because these damages are subjective, insurance companies aggressively try to devalue them. The experienced attorneys at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys know how to build a compelling case that clearly communicates the true extent of your suffering to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Consult with a Huntington Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Don’t let an insurance company try to tell you what your accident claim is worth. Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can help you discover your claim’s true value so that you can receive a comprehensive settlement that meets your medical needs.

To discuss your case with a Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer during a free consultation, give our office a call at 949.535.1341 or reach us through the online contact form at the bottom of this page.