California offers motorcycle riders some of the best views in the United States. Perhaps that is why California has the largest number of motorcycle riders in the country. The California Highway Patrol estimates that there are over 1.4 million motorcycle riders in the state.
However, motorcycle riders in California are often the victims of accidents and suffer injuries as a result of a negligent driver failing to notice a motorcyclist and causing an accident.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, contact an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The California Highway Patrol has instituted mandatory training for motorcycle drivers under the age of 21 and has opened this course to drivers of all ages. In addition, the California Highway Patrol has a special program called “Survive the Ride” which designates May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
However, despite all of these measures, estimates from the Governors Highway Safety Association, California was second in the nation for motorcycle fatalities, behind Florida, with 489 fatalities in 2015.
Common Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. Motorcycle drivers and their passengers face a unique risk of injury even at low speeds.
The differences in size between a motorcycle and another automobile often result in motorcyclists sustaining traumatic injuries including:
- Bone fractures
- Road rash (including first, second, and third-degree road rash)
- Neck injuries
- Injuries to the chest
- Leg and knee injuries
According to a study conducted by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, one of the most severe injuries sustained by motorcycle riders are head injuries.
If a motorcycle driver or passenger has been involved in an accident, it is crucial to contact an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney to discuss what types of compensation they may be entitled to receive.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles present unique problems for both their drivers and for others on the road. After a motorcycle accident, motorists will commonly state that they did not see the motorcycle and instances where vehicles struck motorcycle drivers have become increasingly common. Other factors, other than visibility, that can lead to a motorcycle accident include:
- Reckless driving
- Inattentive drivers
- Road hazards
- Speeding
It is important for motorcycle riders to exercise caution while operating a motorcycle because other drivers cause many accidents. A California motorcycle accident lawyer can help an injured motorcycle driver or their passenger hold negligent drivers responsible for their reckless and careless driving behavior, and can help injured motorists recover financial compensation for this injuries.
Potential Damages
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious personal injury as well as serious property damage. A motorcycle driver or their passenger who has been injured in an accident can choose to file a claim through their insurance company or may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
A personal injury claim filed through an insurance company will involve the victim’s insurance provider as well as the at-fault driver’s insurance provider examining the case and having an insurance claim adjuster offering a certain amount of money.
However, many motorcycle drivers are not satisfied by the insurance companies’ offers and may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While both a personal injury claim filed through insurance as well as a personal injury claim filed through the courts allow motorcycle drivers to recover for their injuries, many people turn to personal injury claims filed in the court system because a lawsuit will fully consider all injuries and damages. In both cases a motorcycle driver and their passenger may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing therapy
- Property damage
- Missed time from work
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Regardless of whether an injured motorcycle driver wants to file a personal injury claim or a personal injury lawsuit, an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer can help gather evidence, prove damages, and work with insurance companies to ensure that they receive the compensation they are due.
How a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced and dedicated California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
A California motorcycle accident lawyer can help you and your passengers determine your damages and whether it is beneficial to file a personal injury claim through an insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit.
