As personal injury lawyers fighting for countless motorcycle accident victims, we know the pain and anguish suffered by the rider, by others involved in the accident, by their family, and by their friends. Knowing more about accidents from an Antelope Valley motorcycle accident lawyer and preventing them produces safer drivers while lessening the risk.
Imagine yourself cruising down the open road. The feel of a rumbling engine and the tires gripping the road. Wind whistling by on a beautiful sunny day.
That perfectly describes a great day of motorcycling in beautiful California.
Unfortunately, motorcycle use can call up less pleasant images. Rubber burned into the road. The wail of an ambulance. A serious injury, or even worse.
If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle accident recently, and the accident was the fault of another motorist, you may be struggling to get the compensation you deserve for damaged property, medical bills, or lost wages. This is why many people turn to a motorcycle accident lawyer.
If you need help with an insurance settlement or think you may need to go to court following a motorcycle accident in Lancaster or the Antelope Valley, reach out to Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers today for assistance. You can call us 24/7 at 661-945-6969, or use our easy message form to schedule a free consultation right away.
Important Motorbike Safety, from Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers, Your Antelope Valley Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are more common than we’d like in Southern California, and we have been fighting motorcycle accident cases for years.
Thousands of motorcycle, truck and car accidents happen every day. We have handled many cases on injuries sustained, medical assistance required, damages, and wrongful death arising from motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accident victims need a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer that understands all aspects of injury law, insurance companies, and local courts so we can make sure you get financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering and property damage. Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers has collected over $900,000,000 ($900 million) in settlements and verdicts for our clients since 1971 as a result of auto accidents, and victims of motorcycle accidents can rest easy knowing we have proven results and will fight for the compensation owed to our clients.
Call Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers Right Away For a Free Consultation! (661) 945-6969
Motorcycle Accidents: High Rate of Fatalities
In the state of California and nationally, motorcycle accidents have a much higher rate of fatalities than other types of vehicle accidents. In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in crashes across the US.
One reason fatalities are so high in motorcycle crashes is the size of a motorcycle compared to other vehicles, even small automobiles. If a motorcycle collides with an SUV, truck, or van, the impact of the crash will be felt more by the motorcycle due to the laws of physics.
Additionally, motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle around them. They can easily be struck in an accident or be thrown from their bike. Some motorcyclists still don’t wear helmets, which puts them at increased risk of head injuries and death.
Leading Reasons For Motorcycle Accidents In California
There are multiple factors that typically contribute to motorcycle accidents in California, often in combination with each other:
- Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for conditions (weather, slippery roads, construction, etc.)
- Distracted driving, such as cell phone talking or texting
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or sedating prescription medications
- Bad road conditions or debris in the road
- Weather that affects road conditions and visibility
- Failure to follow the California Vehicle Code Rules of the Road (tailgating, not signaling, not stopping at traffic lights, etc.)
- Lane splitting
Other than lane splitting, which is only done by motorcycles, drivers of both motorcycles and other vehicles can be guilty of the list above.
In most cases, motorcycle accidents involve the front end of the motorcycle. No other type of motorcycle accident causes as much harm as when one strikes another object head-on.
Important Recent Changes In the Law
Since 2018, California has served as the only state in the union to legalize lane splitting. Lane splitting refers to the practice of riding between two cars driving the same direction on a four or more lane highway.
Lane splitting was legalized to mitigate traffic congestion and to reduce emissions. The federal government and others, however, still regard it as a dangerous and unsafe practice, although the California Highway Patrol currently conducts classes on how to split lanes more safely.
That said, one of the most significant dangers in lane splitting comes when drivers do not see the approach of the motorcycle, especially if it drives at excessive speeds.
We recommend that motorcycle drivers take the official state safety course before attempting this risky maneuver.
Best Ways to Avoid Accidents and Injuries
No one can entirely avoid the risk of accidents and resulting injuries regardless of which motor vehicle you operate. You can, however, take steps to reduce the chance that you will have an accident or suffer injuries or death as a result.
First, wear all approved safety equipment. This includes a helmet designed to provide optimal protection. We also recommend that you wear proper boots, gloves, jackets, pants, or full-length suits. These will help to prevent road burns and other problems should you fall from your bike.
Eye protection is also a must because pebbles and other debris can fly into your eyes, which will likely result in an accident.
Also, make sure to wear lighter colors or even high visibility vests at night. Cars already have difficulty seeing motorcycles during the day. At night, the risk is even greater for accidents and injuries.
Finally, follow the same safety precautions recommended to other drivers. Always maintain safe speeds. Drive courteously and without aggression. Pay attention to all sights and sounds around you relevant to driving. Do not allow distractions by mobile devices, food, or music.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the AV
If you are in a motorcycle accident, follow these steps to stay safe and protect your rights:
- While it’s tempting to want to leave the accident scene as it is to show law enforcement what happened, it may be safer to move out of the flow of traffic. Use your judgment. If your bike isn’t operable, do your best to move it so it doesn’t cause another accident.
- Call 911 for assistance, even if the accident seems minor and you don’t feel hurt.
- Get medical treatment for any injuries. Assist others at the scene until help arrives. If you are injured, let bystanders help you.
- Exchange information with the other party involved: names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
- Take photos of the accident scene, weather, property damage, and the like for future reference.
- Report the accident within 10 days to the California DMV and to your insurance carrier.
- Call a motorcycle accident lawyer if you think you need help, either right after the accident or in the days that follow.
Call The Experienced Motorcycle Injury Lawyers in the Antelope Valley
Insurance companies are notorious for not wanting to pay after accidents. If another motorist was at fault and you are not getting the proper insurance settlement, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you negotiate this. You may also decide you wish to go to court if you need to sue for:
- Emergency treatment
- Medical bills
- Ongoing health issues
- Long-term care or disability
- Lost work wages
- Damaged property
- Emotional distress
An experienced motorcycle attorney like Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers has the resources and knowledge to do what is otherwise an aggravating and time-consuming process. We can gather medical records, talk to accident inspectors, and compile law enforcement information. We represent our clients in court and have won millions for them, so they can get on with their lives after an accident.
If you need help after a motorcycle accident in Lancaster or the Antelope Valley, get in touch with Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers today. Call us 24/7 at 661-945-6969, or reach out online to schedule your free consultation right away.
FAQs
Why is lane splitting dangerous?
Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding between vehicle lanes, is allowed in California to reduce traffic congestion and emissions. However, it can be hazardous because it often involves weaving in and out of traffic. Other vehicle drivers may not see a motorcycle in these scenarios, resulting in an accident. We recommend taking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) class in lane splitting before attempting it on the highway.
Where do most motorcycle accidents occur?
Statistically, most motorcycle accidents happen when cars are turning left across oncoming traffic and fail to yield to the motorcycle going straight.
What are some tips for avoiding motorcycle accidents and injuries?
Besides avoiding lane splitting and being careful when cars are turning left, use these tips to increase safety while on a motorcycle:
- Always wear a helmet and protective clothing.
- Wear highly visible clothing, including reflective clothing at night or in inclement weather.
- Don’t operate a motorcycle under the influence.
- Don’t speed. Go slower than the speed limit if conditions are bad.
- Don’t race or engage in other unsafe behavior.
- Obey the law when it comes to traffic signals and giving other motorists distance.
- Use directional signals to alert other motorists before turning or changing lanes.
- Be courteous and avoid road rage.
- Ride defensively, assuming other motorists will make mistakes.
Should I say something to a law enforcement officer if I think I’m at fault in an accident?
No, do not admit to fault, even if you think you are right. Let law enforcement officers draw their own conclusions. You may not be correct about who is at fault. If you are in shock after an accident, you may not have the best judgment.
Can I wait a few years to sue someone after a motorcycle accident?
There is a statute of limitations on suing another party after an accident in California. This means you have a relatively narrow window in which to go to court. If you think you have a legal case, it’s best to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney immediately so you don’t miss the opportunity to take action.
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