Suppose you or someone you love is involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained severe injuries. In that case, you should call Golian Law Group to guide you through and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Many people own and ride motorcycles in the United States for various purposes. With the considerable number of motorcyclists on the road comes high statistics of motorcycle crashes in the U.S.
Research reveals that motorcyclists represent only 3% of all registered vehicles but 14% of yearly traffic-related deaths. In comparing accident rates between cars and motorcycles, studies show motorcyclists are twenty-seven times more likely to die in a crash than those driving cars.
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury from a motorcycle accident, contact Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney for a free case evaluation.
There are several reasons motorcycle accidents occur, but we will look at the most common causes:
Left-hand turns are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), forty-two percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen when a motorcycle passes directly through an intersection or passes a vehicle. At the same time, another car makes a left turn. Specifically, this occurs since car drivers find it difficult to see an oncoming motorcyclist and do not even expect them to be on the road before making a left turn at intersections.
Traveling way above the speed limit is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Further, this applies to both motorcyclists and other passenger vehicles that do not abide by traffic laws. Motorcyclists stand an even greater risk if an accident occurs caused by over-speeding. Specifically, this is because the structure of a motorcycle lacks an external protective barrier, seatbelts, and airbags, unlike cars and other vehicles. Hence, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer catastrophic or even fatal injuries should a collision occur.
Driving under the influence of toxic substances, like drugs or alcohol, on the motorcyclist or passenger vehicle driver’s part contributes to causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles. Also, driving while distracted by both drivers, whether due to fatigue or a phone call or text message, is a significant cause of road accidents, and motorcycle accidents are no exception.
Most roads are not made with motorcyclists in mind, making them more susceptible to crashes and accidents. Examples of hazardous road conditions leading to motorcycle accidents can include uneven pavement, slippery surfaces, debris on the road, or loose gravel on the pavement.
A head-on collision is one of the most dangerous causes of motorcycle accidents. Research shows that 78% of motorcycle-motor vehicle accidents result from head-on collisions, sometimes leading to death. The impact of the force from the crash between the motorcycle and the other vehicle can result in severe and life-altering injuries, if not death.
As mentioned earlier, motorcycles do not have enough protective features, such as doors, seatbelts, or airbags, making riders more vulnerable and susceptible to severe injuries if an accident occurs. Such injuries include:
Knowing the at-fault party is the first step to ensuring you can recover the maximum compensation you deserve. In most motorcycle accidents, liability is determined based on the principle of negligence.
If they find one party has behaved carelessly or thoughtlessly on the road and caused another person harm in consequence of that, they would be held responsible for the accident based on negligence. In most cases, the driver of another vehicle is usually found negligent and liable for the accident.
Also, motorcycle accidents resulting from lane splitting may make a motorcyclist partially responsible for the crash if they discover negligence on the rider’s part. Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist weaving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction.
Lane splitting can indeed contribute to motorcycle accidents. In California, though, lane splitting by a motorcyclist is legal, and this law protects the motorcyclist if an accident occurs.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) released safety tips that should adhere to motorcyclists to make lane splitting safer for motorcycle riders and other parties on the road. Some tips recommend a lane-splitting motorcyclist:
In determining fault for a lane splitting accident, riders who do not follow safety tips may be considered negligent and partially responsible for the accident.
Even though lane splitting is legal in California, most insurance companies quickly blame motorcycle riders. Filing an injury claim is usually a complex matter. It can overwhelm you mentally and emotionally, but the good news is that you do not have to go through the hassle alone.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries from a motorcycle accident, an expert attorney at Golian Law Group can help. We will help lift the burden off your shoulder by maximizing your compensation after your motorcycle accident.
The best part is that you do not pay us unless we win; so, you can rest assured knowing that we will represent you and fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
To get started, schedule a free case evaluation with us today!