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A motorcycle crash in Costa Mesa can leave you trying to manage pain, find medical care, get your bike repaired, and figure out why an insurance adjuster is already asking detailed questions. Riders often get blamed early, even when a driver clearly caused the collision. We understand that pressure, and we know how to respond to it with facts and documentation.
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we help injured motorcyclists across Orange County pursue compensation after serious crashes. We offer free consultations, and we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Costa Mesa has a mix of heavy surface-street traffic, constant merging near freeway entrances, and busy intersections where drivers make quick decisions. We often see motorcycle collisions tied to:
If you were hit near Newport Boulevard, Harbor Boulevard, Bristol Street, 17th Street, 19th Street, Fairview Road, or close to the 55/405/73 connections, you already know how quickly traffic patterns can change. Those are the moments when a rider’s space disappears.
Even “low-speed” motorcycle crashes can cause injuries that take time to show up and even longer to heal. We commonly see head injuries, neck and back injuries, fractures, ligament injuries, and road rash that can lead to infection or scarring. If you hit your head, feel dizzy, have numbness, or notice worsening pain over the next day or two, getting checked is a smart move for your health and your records.
You do not need to gather every detail at the scene. Still, a few practical steps can protect you later, especially when fault is disputed.
If you can do so safely, try to:
Also, keep your helmet and riding gear. Damage to a helmet or jacket can help show the force and direction of impact.
Insurance companies often focus on motorcycle-specific laws to argue that a rider was careless. Two issues come up repeatedly:
Helmet law. California law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a safety helmet.
Lane splitting. California Vehicle Code defines lane splitting, and the California Highway Patrol provides motorcycle safety information and educational guidance. Lane splitting does not automatically decide fault, but it can become a major point of debate in settlement talks.
We take these topics seriously, because they shape how insurers frame the case from day one.
Many motorcycle crashes involve a driver who failed to yield, drifted into a lane, or turned without seeing what was already there. Even then, insurers often argue the rider shares responsibility.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means fault can be divided and compensation is typically reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured person, rather than barred completely.
That rule matters in real-world situations like a left-turn crash where the driver claims the rider was speeding, or a lane-splitting collision where the driver claims the rider should have anticipated a merge. Our job is to focus the discussion on evidence, not assumptions.
Every case is different and outcomes are never guaranteed. When we evaluate a motorcycle injury claim, we look at both the immediate costs and what the injury may mean for your next year, not just the next week.
Compensation in a successful case may include:
Motorcycle injuries can be severe, and insurance limits can be surprisingly low.
Minimum liability limits. California’s minimum auto liability limits increased to $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Those limits can still fall short in a serious motorcycle injury case.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). UM/UIM coverage is designed for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. We often review all available coverage early, because it affects strategy, timing, and what settlement ranges are realistic.
There are a few deadlines that catch riders off guard.
DMV accident report (SR-1). The California DMV explains that an SR-1 must be submitted within 10 days if anyone is injured (even minor injury) or property damage exceeds $1,000.
Lawsuit deadlines. California Courts lists a 2-year deadline for most personal injury cases and a 3-year deadline for most property damage claims. Some situations can involve different timing rules, so it is smart to get legal advice early.
A strong motorcycle case is built with prompt evidence preservation and careful documentation. When we represent you, we handle the insurance communications and work to develop a clear liability and damages picture. Depending on the case, that may include obtaining the collision report and 911 records, locating witnesses, securing video, reviewing vehicle damage, organizing medical records, and documenting lost income.
We also prepare the claim for settlement negotiations and, when needed, litigation. Our goal is to position your case so the insurer has to deal with the facts.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Costa Mesa or nearby Orange County, we are ready to listen and explain your options. Contact the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell for a free consultation. We take motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Costa Mesa, contact the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell today. We offer free consultations and do not charge any fees unless we win your case.