Orange County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
From Ortega to PCH — Fighting for Riders Across the OC
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Orange County — or if you lost a loved one on two wheels — your life may feel flipped upside down right now. Between hospital visits, time off work, and the emotional toll of the crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re here to change that.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we’re proud to be known as California’s motorcycle law firm. We represent riders and their families — and we do it with one goal in mind: to get you justice, peace of mind, and the full compensation you deserve. We’re not just another injury law firm. We’re riders, too. We know what it feels like to see a bike down and a family shattered. That’s why we built this firm — for you.
Motorcycling in Orange County: A Lifestyle with Real Risks
From the canyon runs in Silverado and Santiago to the breezy curves along Pacific Coast Highway through Newport and Laguna — riding in the OC isn’t just about getting around. It’s a way of life. It’s freedom, therapy, and community all in one.
But anyone who rides in Orange County knows: we’re riding in hostile territory. Between congested freeways, impatient luxury drivers, and distracted commuters glued to their phones, riders in the OC face serious risks every time they throw a leg over the saddle.
And when crashes happen, insurance companies love to paint the rider as the problem — reckless, speeding, or just “too hard to see.” We don’t let that stand.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Are So Common in Orange County
Orange County has some of the highest motorcycle traffic in the state — and some of the most dangerous conditions. Here’s why:
1. Congested Freeways
The 5, 405, 91, and 55 are some of the busiest highways in California. Lane-splitting is legal, but drivers don’t always respect it — and many have no idea how quickly a collision can happen when they drift into your lane without signaling.
2. High-End Cars, Low Attention
From Teslas to lifted trucks, drivers in Orange County often treat motorcycles like obstacles, not vehicles. Add in tinted windows, loud music, or a text message, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
3. Tourist and Beach Traffic
Huntington Beach, Newport, and Laguna draw out-of-towners year-round. They don’t know the roads. They don’t expect bikes. And they don’t drive like they care.
4. Canyon Roads
Ortega Highway (SR-74), Santiago Canyon Road, and Live Oak Canyon are beloved by riders — and notorious for accidents. Between blind curves, high speeds, and careless drivers crossing double yellows, crashes are far too common.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle in Orange County
We’ve represented riders across OC in just about every kind of crash you can imagine. Some of the most common include:
Left-turn crashes at intersections – especially on streets like Beach Blvd., Harbor Blvd., and PCH.
Rear-end collisions – often caused by drivers not seeing stopped riders at lights or on-ramps.
Lane-splitting crashes – when a driver suddenly swerves.
Merge zone crashes – especially dangerous on the 5/405 interchanges or at the 91 and 55.
Drunk and distracted driving crashes – often late at night or near bar-heavy areas like Downtown Fullerton or the Newport Peninsula.
Dooring and bike vs. car in beach towns – riders clipped while cruising near parked vehicles in Laguna or Huntington.
We also handle hit-and-runs, uninsured motorist crashes, and wrongful death claims when a rider doesn’t make it home.
The Injuries Are Serious — And So Is Our Response
Motorcycle crashes are never minor. If you were in one, you probably didn’t just walk away with a sprain. These crashes change lives. We regularly represent riders who suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — even with a helmet
We also work with the families of riders who died in crashes, bringing wrongful death cases on their behalf.
What You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Injury or Wrongful Death Case
We fight to recover:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish and emotional trauma
Property damage to your bike and gear
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages for family members
And if the driver who hit you was drunk, distracted, or outrageously reckless? We may be able to pursue punitive damages to hold them fully accountable.
How We Prove Fault — Even When They Try to Blame You
We know how fast the narrative turns against riders. That’s why we dig deep from day one. We’ll work with investigators, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts to:
Pull surveillance, traffic cam, or dash cam footage
Analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage
Use helmet and gear evidence to show impact forces
Challenge police reports that get it wrong
Interview witnesses who actually saw what happened
We know how to show that you weren’t reckless — you were riding responsibly in a world that doesn’t watch out for bikers.
We Know the OC Roads Where Riders Go Down
We’ve ridden and worked cases all over Orange County. The most dangerous roads for motorcycle crashes include:
Ortega Highway (SR-74) — from San Juan Capistrano through Lake Elsinore
Santiago Canyon Road — winding, scenic, and deadly when drivers cross the line
PCH through Newport and Huntington — distracted tourists and dense traffic
Harbor Blvd., Chapman Ave., and Katella Ave. — urban roads where drivers often make careless lefts
Interstate 5 and 405 interchanges — heavy traffic, short merge lanes, and speed variance
If you crashed on one of these roads, you’re not alone. And you’re not to blame.
Orange County Cities We Serve
Whether you live, ride, or crashed in:
Anaheim
Santa Ana
Irvine
Fullerton
Orange
Costa Mesa
Newport Beach
Huntington Beach
Laguna Beach
Mission Viejo
San Juan Capistrano
Yorba Linda
Garden Grove
Lake Forest
— we’ve got your back. From the beach to the mountains to the canyon runs, we serve riders across all of Orange County.
Who We Are — And Why That Matters
We’re California’s Motorcycle Law Firm for a reason. McCarthy Motorcycle Law is led by trial attorney John McCarthy — a Caifornia native, experienced rider, and relentless advocate for motorcyclists. After losing people he loved to motorcycle crashes, he made it his mission to help others navigate the aftermath of life-changing injuries and senseless loss.
We don't hand you off to paralegals. We don’t hide behind voicemail. We don’t settle cheap just to move cases. We go the distance — and insurance companies know it.
Our Fees — No Win, No Fee. Period.
We work on a contingency fee basis:
30% pre-filing
33% after filing a lawsuit
40% if trial is imminent or a dispositive motion has been filed
You don’t pay anything up front, and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. We front all the costs and only get paid if you do.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Orange County
Even if your crash happened weeks ago, it’s not too late. But if the crash just happened:
Get medical care immediately — don’t try to “tough it out”
Don’t speak with the other driver’s insurance (and watch what you say to your own) — they’ll twist your words
Save your helmet, gear, and damaged bike
Take photos of your injuries and the crash site if possible
Contact us — Fill out our case evaluation form
You’ve Been Through Enough. Let’s Win This Fight Together.
You didn’t ask for this. You were just riding. And now you’re dealing with a mountain of pain, bills, and uncertainty. You don’t have to face it alone.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we help injured riders and grieving families across Orange County get justice — and rebuild. Because we’re not just lawyers. We’re riders who know what this fight means.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Now
Fill out our confidential case evaluation form. It goes directly to John’s inbox. He’ll review it personally and get back to you — usually same day. If we can help, we’ll schedule a free consultation. If we can’t, we’ll point you in the right direction. No judgment. Just real help.
You’ve already survived the crash. Now let’s win the battle.