Agoura Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Protecting the Rights of Victims
A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries, property damage and other damages that can leave a serious financial and emotional impact. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the risk of suffering injuries is much higher than the occupants of the motor vehicle due to the rider’s level of exposure on a motorcycle.
A motorcyclist has very limited protection in the event of an injury, and even a motorcyclist wearing a helmet and fully padded motorcycling gear is at risk of injury. If you have been injured in the greater Los Angeles area, call our firm.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycle accidents don’t necessarily occur more frequently than car crashes, they do result in more severe and fatal injuries. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that, per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash. As a result, it's important to understand the causes behind these dangerous accidents.
Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Even the most defensive motorcycle riders who obey all the rules can still be injured because of reckless car drivers. Drivers who willfully disregard traffic laws and engage in unsafe driving practices are putting motorcycle riders in danger. Some common reckless driving behaviors include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Weaving between lanes
- Not using turn signals
Left-Hand Turn Accidents
The single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists occurs when cars are making left-hand turns. These accidents occur when a driver misjudges how far a motorcycle is to them or fails to see them altogether, then turns left in front of the oncoming motorcycle rider. This leaves the motorcycle rider insufficient time and space to avoid colliding with the vehicle.
These collisions account for 42% of all motorcycle/passenger vehicle accidents. In almost all of these cases, the vehicle driver will be the one at fault for the accident.
Road Hazards
What normal vehicles may be able to avoid or simply drive over can cause motorcycles to literally be thrown to the ground. Road conditions that can be potential hazards for motorcycle riders include:
- Potholes
- Slippery or wet roads
- Oil spills
- Uneven pavement
If a road hazard causes a motorcycle crash, many different parties may be at fault, including the city, county, public agency, or private business that failed to properly maintain the roadway.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcyclist has little protection in the event of an accident, which exposes him to the risk of a variety of injuries. In a typical accident, a motorcyclist may suffer from the following injuries:
Fractures
Fractures or broken bones are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. Typically, the motorcyclist may suffer fractures of the lower extremities, including:
- Leg
- Knee
- Ankle
- Foot fractures
Fractures can also involve the arms and hands.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are not the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents, but they have some of the most catastrophic consequences. A head injury can lead to a brain injury, even when there has been no penetration of the skull. These injuries typically have a long-term impact, and may impair the person’s mental, emotional, psychological and cognitive functioning.
Road Rash
Road rash refers to abrasions that occur when the skin comes into contact with the road asphalt. These injuries may result in cuts and open wounds, and these injuries can become infected with debris from the road. These injuries have the potential to leave scars behind.
All of these injuries have the potential to keep a person off their feet, in bed, and in recovery for many months. There are also some injuries like head injuries that have the ability to affect a person's earning potential in the years ahead.
Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Crashes
When it comes to motorcycle safety, motorists and other drivers have a legal obligation to take the steps necessary to ensure motorcycle riders stay safe. To help reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident, drivers should:
- Wear a helmet
- Use side and rear-view mirrors
- Check blind spots when changing lanes
- Avoid distractions, such as texting and driving
- Drive at the speed limit
- Constantly look and listen for motorcycles nearby
- Only drive when sober and alert
Compensation Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
It is very important to contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Your attorney will conduct investigations of the accident scene and your motorcycle, perform an assessment of the traffic and road conditions at the time of the accident, identify any negligence by the motorist, and go through other pieces of evidence to identify liability.
You could be eligible for compensation that includes the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost potential earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
Contact Our Firm
Failure to account for any of these damages could prove expensive as it exposes you to the risk of economic losses in the future. To identify all of the parties liable in your claim and discuss what types of compensation you are eligible for, speak to a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at our firm today. We offer our services for residents throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, and all surrounding counties.
Call (818) 222-9720 to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.
