Ontario Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Ontario boasts a variety of captivating landmarks, such as the Planes of Fame Air Museum, Prado Regional Park, and Phillips Mansion, frequently enticing travelers to explore the city while behind the wheel. However, mastering its hilly terrain and bustling streets can be challenging, even for seasoned drivers.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the city’s picturesque routes, with the irresistible allure of cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or meandering through the Michael D. Antonovich Trail. 

What starts as an exhilarating ride can quickly become a nightmarish scenario when accidents happen, resulting in life-altering injuries.

Motorcycle accidents in Ontario often involve a convoluted legal process encompassing insurance claims, medical expenses, and legal disputes. Seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an accident can be daunting, especially for individuals unfamiliar with accident laws and procedures.

An Ontario Motorcycle accident attorney is your advocate, dedicated to safeguarding your rights and helping you secure compensation for the damages you suffered during a motorcycle accident in the area.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Why You Should Choose Our Ontario Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Conveniently located near Foothill Boulevard, just off I-10, Banderas Law is a fully bilingual law firm with over 20 years of dedicated legal service in California. 

You can trust our Ontario personal injury attorneys. We understand the legal side of your situation, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

We offer comprehensive legal support, including:

• Investigating the accident: We gather evidence to establish the negligent driver’s fault and maximize your compensation.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: We tirelessly work to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
• Taking your case to court: If necessary, we’re prepared to go to court to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

So, let’s discuss your legal options and get started on the road to recovery with your compensation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Ontario Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, but some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Inattention: Inattentive car or truck drivers often fail to notice motorcycles in their vicinity, leading to collisions. Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the radio, can contribute to this problem.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a rider’s ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of accidents.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: When cars change lanes without signaling or checking their blind spots, they may collide with motorcycles in adjacent lanes.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can severely affect a rider’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Left-Turning Vehicles: Accidents frequently occur when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The car driver may misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it at all.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, wet or slippery roads, and uneven road surfaces can be particularly hazardous to motorcyclists, causing them to lose control.
• Motorcycle Maneuvering Errors: Inexperienced or untrained riders may make errors in handling their motorcycles, leading to accidents. This can include over-braking, under-braking, or taking turns too sharply.
• Reckless Riding: Aggressive or reckless riding behavior, such as weaving between cars or performing stunts on public roads, can increase the risk of accidents.
• Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, making it more challenging to control a motorcycle.
• Failure to Wear Protective Gear: Not wearing appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, and protective clothing, can result in more severe injuries in a crash.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues or equipment malfunctions, like brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals and signs can result in collisions at intersections.

To reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists and other road users must practice safe driving habits, stay attentive, and be aware of their surroundings. 

What Kind of Injuries Can You Get in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening.

Some common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Road Rash: When a rider slides along the road surface after a crash, it can lead to abrasions and skin injuries, known as road rash. Depending on the speed of the accident, road rash can range from mild to severe, potentially requiring skin grafts and leading to scarring.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a motorcycle collision can cause fractures and breaks in various bones, including the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and collarbones.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, even when riders wear helmets. Helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries, but they may not prevent them entirely. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, with long-term cognitive and physical consequences.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The extent of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the spinal cord damage.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause internal injuries, such as damage to internal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys), internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained, sprained, or torn in motorcycle accidents, causing pain and limited mobility. Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury in rear-end collisions.
• Facial Injuries: Facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental damage, can occur due to impacts on the ground, other vehicles, or debris.
• Burns: If a motorcycle catches fire or there is contact with hot surfaces, riders can suffer burn injuries, which can be particularly severe and require extensive medical treatment.
• Amputations: In catastrophic accidents, riders may sustain injuries so severe that amputation of limbs is necessary.
• Psychological Trauma: Motorcycle accidents can lead to psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, affecting the mental well-being of the injured party.

What is Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident?

Numerous motorcycle accidents occur as a result of negligence, which refers to the failure of an individual to exercise the level of caution and care that the law deems appropriate for a specific situation, thereby resulting in harm to another person.

California law outlines that such negligent behavior is a breach of responsibility, theoretically making the offending party legally accountable for any consequences.

In the context of motorcycle accidents, negligence can take various forms, such as inadequate visibility (for instance, when a driver neglects to check their blind spot before changing lanes), colliding with a motorcyclist, or a municipality’s failure to address road conditions, ultimately resulting in a motorcycle collision.

Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident involves four factors:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care.
• The defendant breached this duty of care.
• The breach was the cause of your accident and the injuries you sustained.
• You suffered quantifiable damages from the accident.

Proving all these aspects of negligence might feel confusing and scary, especially after a harrowing accident. But it’s crucial to get the compensation you deserve.

At Banderas Law, our lawyers handle this complicated job well. We know all about negligence laws for motorcycle accidents and with this knowledge, we build a strong case to prove the other party’s negligence and ensure you get the compensation you should.

Should I Hire a Lawyer if I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident?

Hiring a legal pro to help you get through the justice system in your injured state is always a good idea. 

There are myriad reasons, including:

1. Complexity of the Case: If the accident involved multiple vehicles, disputed liability, or complex legal issues, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney. They can help navigate the complexities and protect your rights.
2. Serious Injuries: If you sustained severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or any injuries requiring long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or resulting in permanent disability, it’s generally in your best interest to hire an attorney. They can help you seek appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
3. Insurance Disputes: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. If you encounter difficulties with the insurance company, an attorney can negotiate and help ensure you receive fair compensation.
4. Liability Disputes: Legal representation can be crucial in proving your case and protecting your rights when fault or liability is contested in the accident.
5. Navigating Legal Procedures: The legal process involves paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations. An attorney can guide you through these procedures and ensure you meet all requirements.
6. Settlement Negotiations: If the insurance company offers a settlement, having an attorney review and negotiate the offer can help you secure a fair and just settlement amount.
7. Peace of Mind: Hiring an attorney can provide peace of mind during a stressful time. They can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Consulting a motorcycle accident attorney for a free initial consultation is wise. They can assess the specifics of your situation and provide guidance on whether legal representation is necessary. 

Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Cases

If you were the victim of a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer to calculate everything you deserve. 

The compensation in a motorcycle accident lawsuit can cover economic and non-economic losses due to the accident.

• Medical Expenses: This covers current and future medical expenses resulting from the accident. Whether it’s immediate medical care, ongoing therapy or rehabilitation, or medical needs in the future, you have the entitlement to pursue compensation.
• Lost Income: If your injuries cause you to miss work or affect your future earning capacity, you can claim for lost wages, earnings, and loss of future income.
• Property Damage: You can seek compensation for damage to your motorcycle or other belongings due to the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: These are non-economic damages to compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries. They also cover loss of enjoyment of life due to physical limitations caused by the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If the motorcycle accident results in death, the surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

Getting comprehensive compensation demands a strong understanding of the law and a robust representation of your case. 

At Banderas Law, we assure you that your claim covers all possible avenues of compensation. We get you the maximum amount to help you reclaim control of your post-accident life.

The Statute of Limitations in California

Every state has a mandated timeline to file an accident claim, known as the Statute of Limitations. 

In California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to meet the deadline leads to dismissal of your case and the forfeiture of your compensation rights.

It’s Time to Fight for What’s Yours

Gaining back control of your life and seeking financial restitution following the aftermath of driver negligence is of utmost importance. At Banderas Law, our team always prepares to provide the essential assistance you need during this difficult time, offering you a compassionate and seasoned team of attorneys.

Take the first step toward justice and call (909) 600-0000 to arrange a complimentary consultation with us. You won’t need to make any payments unless we effectively secure a favorable outcome for your case. Choose Banderas Law to obtain the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.

Our Ontario Location

Banderas Law, PC
3401 N Centre Lake Dr #470
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: (909) 707-0000