An injury crash involving a motorcycle and a gray sedan was reported on Friday afternoon, September 6, 2024, on the southbound side of Interstate 5 in South Orange County.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 12:38 p.m. near the El Toro off-ramp in Lake Forest.
An officer at the scene reported that the motorcyclist was “on the ground.” The crash caused traffic to back up for six miles on the southbound side of the freeway.
No further details were immediately available as the investigation continues.
Call Our Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Orange County
It is common for riders and their families to suffer emotional distress and financial hardship due to motorcycle accidents. These types of accidents usually result in severe injuries and higher recovery costs.
Motorcycle accident victims and their families are entitled to compensation for their injuries or deaths. Our seasoned legal team will thoroughly examine your case before taking legal action.
You can rely on the legal advice of our dedicated Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to help you with the insurance claim or effectively represent you in court proceedings.
Our firm has recovered over $500 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its experience and success as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Accident in Orange County
After a motorcycle accident, you may feel confused and uncertain, with many important questions. No matter the circumstances, you can speak with one of our California motorcycle accident lawyers right away about your injuries and any damage to your belongings. Consulting a legal expert as soon as possible is highly beneficial.
Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident in Orange County:
- Get to a safe location. If you can, move to the side of the road and wait for the police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should place it on the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Wait for the police and a tow truck if you cannot move it.
- Stay calm. It’s normal to feel worried after a crash or get very angry at the other parties involved. But remember, things you do and say right after the accident might not help you later. Stay calm, and don’t say it was your fault.
- Check for injuries. Check for apparent injuries like cuts or fractures on yourself and others. Your legal duty is to remain at the scene until you know no one has been injured or requires assistance. Call for an ambulance immediately. Severe injuries may include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
- Call the police. Ensure that you inform the police about the accident so that they can have an official record. They can gather crucial details about the other driver, road conditions, and what witnesses say.
- Gather information. Even if the police officer takes notes, writing things down yourself is a wise choice. Get info like the other driver’s name and insurance, especially if you’re not hurt. If you need to go to the hospital, have a friend or family member collect the information.
- Take photographs. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road, and your injuries. If there’s anything else important, like a hidden stop sign or something in the road, take pictures of that, too. The more details you have from your accident, the better it is if your case goes to court.
- Seek medical attention. Head to the hospital quickly after an accident; you may have overlooked significant injuries. Motorcycle accidents can harm your head or brain, and these injuries might not be immediately apparent. Hospital tests can detect such injuries before it’s too late.
- Keep documents organized. Make a folder with all the documents about your accident. This can include photos, medical records, a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses, and information about the other driver. Organizing your documents before negotiating compensation with the other party’s insurance company or pursuing legal action is helpful.
- Contact our trusted motorcycle accident firm. You have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a personal injury claim. However, promptly consulting one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers can help protect critical evidence and uphold your legal rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss the details of your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive coverage across the entire state of California.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020, despite making up only 3% of registered cars and 0.6% of vehicle kilometers traveled. Helmet use affects motorcycle death trends.
Motorcycle fatalities rose 11% from 2019 to 2020, while the rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers driven rose 23%. The death and mortality rates have risen by 20% and 27% in 10 years. The rate is 31.64 per 100 million vehicle kilometers, with 5,579 deaths.
In 2020, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had the highest percentage of alcohol impairment (27% vs. 23% for automobiles, 19% for light vehicles, and 3% for trucks).