Due to the high speeds involved and lack of protection for the driver, motorcycle accidents are considered to be the worst type of accident there is. The chance for extreme injury and death is high, with motorcycle riders being 26 times more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes and five times more likely to be injured than passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The path to recovery is a long and arduous one for those who have suffered grave injuries in a motorcycle accident. If you have been involved in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, it’s imperative to secure the services of a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. You need a professional with not only a deep understanding of the legal process necessary in these types of cases, but also someone who isn’t afraid to consistently go after the compensation you’ll need to overcome your injuries.
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Tips for Motorcyclists
Staying safe on the road is a two-way street, with both motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists responsible for respecting each other on the road. Sometimes, a motorcycle accident is unavoidable, especially when weather is a factor. But there are many steps you can take to avoid these accidents as much as possible. Here are some tips for you as a motorcyclist:
- Operate as though no car can see you: While it’s true that many motor vehicle drivers are indeed distracted behind the wheel, often times, it’s simply that they just can’t see you due to blind spots. To play it safe, assume no one can see you and operate defensively at all times. Keep away from potential blind spots by staying in front of or behind the nearest car. If you see a car backing up, assume they can’t see you and just let them go. If you see a car merging into your lane, give them enough space to get by. This isn’t the time to get territorial!
- Keep an eye out for obstructions in the road: From other cars to rocks to debris, it’s important to be hyper-vigilant about what’s around you. By doing this, you can better avoid anything that may enter your space. These can include patches of gravel, oil slicks, puddles, branches and parked cars.
- Check your mirrors – A LOT!: Being aware of your surroundings relies on continued use of your mirrors. Complacency leads to accidents. Being aware will alert you to speeding drivers who come up quickly behind you or decide to change lanes by turning on their blinker. These subtleties are too important to miss. The most common type of crash is one where cars turn left into an unsuspecting motorcyclist. Give those cars plenty of breathing room.
- Don’t ride between cars: It can certainly be tempting to swerve between cars in traffic to save time, but this is a disaster waiting to happen. The danger goes up even more when you’re driving between an active lane of traffic and a lane that’s parked. Someone could suddenly open their door and hit you, a driver could cut in front of you, or a driver could merge into another lane unexpectedly.
Why Accidents Occur
There are many contributing factors as to why motorcycle accidents occur. From faulty equipment and poor weather to driver error and distractions, staying safe can be like navigating a mine field. Here are some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Driver Error: The most common accident arises when a car turns in front of a motorcycle and hits it when trying to change lanes. Another common one is running into a biker at a stop sign. Common reasons include inattention, distractions and blind spots.
- Faulty Equipment: This can happen through no fault of the driver, when safety equipment fails to work properly. In this case, lawyers may pursue a products liability case.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Cars and bikes these days come equipped with many safety features that help protect us, such as anti-lock braking systems and traction control. But even these features designed to keep us safe are no match for driving in rain, oil slicks on the road, and poorly maintained streets.
Bottom line is that accidents involving motorcycles are much more dangerous and costly than those involving just cars. Studies show that severe injuries are 10 times more likely to happen with motorcycle crashes, which cost about twice as much as car accidents to treat during the first two years post-collision. According to Reuters, the average cost associated with motorcycle crashes is approximately $4,500 compared with about $2,350 for car accidents.
Injuries commonly associated with motorcycle accidents include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and back and neck injuries. These injuries can be long lasting and extremely expensive over the long term. Getting what you deserve financially can help you get back on the road to recovery.
Contact Kuzyk Law
Despite all our precautions, motorcycle accidents unfortunately continue. If you have been a victim of a motorcycle accident and need help securing fair compensation for your injuries, contact Kuzyk Law at 661-945-6969 to speak to a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Lancaster.