Assisting Injured Victims Throughout California
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating — because motorcycles offer fewer protections for riders than cars and other vehicles, collisions often result in extensive injury. Unfortunately, these types of accidents occur all too often as car and truck drivers fail to pay attention to motorcyclists on the road. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in bodily injury, emotional distress, or even death, our firm is here to help.
At BD&J, our team of skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys has helped thousands of injured victims fight for the fair compensation they are owed. When another person’s careless or reckless behavior causes an accident that leaves you injured, you shouldn’t have to suffer on your own. Let our firm stand up for your rights.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are often the fault of other drivers. Motorcycles are smaller and faster than cars, and drivers do not always look for motorcyclists before changing lanes, turning, or stopping at red lights. Additionally, debris and unsafe road conditions are typically far more dangerous for motorcyclists than the average auto driver.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Sudden stop collisions – This occurs when a vehicle rear-ends a motorcycle rider from behind. This can cause the rider to be catapulted off their bike, leading to severe injuries.
- Collisions with cars and trucks – Anytime a vehicle collides with a motorcycle.
- Single motorcycle accidents – Whether you’re an experienced or novice bike rider, you are susceptible to any form of accident. These accidents can happy anytime, anywhere, and riders should always be ready in case an accident does occur.
- Open door accidents – Many drivers do not keep an open eye out for motorcycle riders who are lane-splitting or riding normally through traffic. When you lane-split between vehicles, a random vehicle opening their door in the middle of the road and hitting you is a possibility. This type of accident can send riders flying off their bike, or worse, dying from severe injuries.
- Road rage and aggressive maneuvering– Oftentimes, road rage occurs because motorists grow impatient or because one wants to intimidate the other for petty reasons. This can occur when motorists try to intentionally block motorcycle riders from passing by.
- Hazardous weather and highways – Rain, snow, sleet, hail, fires, oil slicks, potholes, and debris on the road are all contributors to motorcycle accidents.
Nearly all motorcycle accidents are serious. You may be suffering not only from painful physical injuries, but also financial stress due to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an inability to return to work. These are all compounded by the emotional trauma of suffering a devastating accident.
Safety Reminders for Motorcyclists
- Stay vigilant at all times and always wear bright noticeable gear
- Don’t become overzealous with your motorcycle and start trying to do dangerous maneuvers in traffic
- When at a complete stop, make sure you are paying attention to approaching vehicles
- Do not cut off vehicles while in moving traffic — you may get clipped in the rear and spin out of control, or worse
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries than other types of collisions. This is usually due to the lack of protection bikes offer compared to other vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Road rash: This happens when the rider slides across the pavement, causing severe skin abrasions that can lead to infections and scarring.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs and ribs, are caused by impact with other vehicles and the road.
- Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries. These can have long-term effects that require costly therapy.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in catastrophic injury, including partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim’s life.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a crash can cause internal bleeding and/or organ damage, which almost always require immediate medical attention.
Determining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
It can be difficult to determine fault in motorcycle accidents. This affects how your case is resolved and whether you can get the compensation you deserve for an accident you didn’t cause.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you through the process by investigating the facts of your case. They’ll gather information about your version of the events and help you secure the compensation necessary to cover medical bills and lost income from the accident.
Lane Splitting in California
One of the more unique aspects of motorcycle law in California is the legality of lane splitting. Lane splitting allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While this is generally legal, there are times when it can affect your claim.
If you’re involved in an accident while lane splitting, the circumstances surrounding the maneuver will be closely examined to determine fault. This is why you need an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer in California to help navigate these complexities and ensure your rights are protected.
What Compensation Is Available for Motorcyclists?
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various kinds of compensation. Knowing what these are can help you recover financially after an accident.
The best injury lawyers work to secure these types of compensation for their clients:
- Medical expenses: This includes all current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation and potentially expensive prescription medication.
- Lost wages: If the injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to claim compensation for lost income and any future earnings you may be unable to earn.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Reimbursement may be available for repairs or replacement of the motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Loss of consortium: This compensation is for the impact the injuries have on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family.
Motorcycle law is complicated, even by the standards of accident investigations and car crash lawsuits. If you want to increase your chances of receiving compensation after a motorcycle crash, you may need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. It’s essential to look for an attorney with a proven track record of success with cases like yours.
How Our Firm Can Help
At BD&J, we believe that you shouldn’t have to suffer on your own. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to take on the liable insurance companies to work towards recovering the full, fair amount you are owed.
While financial reparation won’t negate your suffering, it can help you in your recovery by allowing you access to the medical treatments you need. At our Los Angeles office, we provide our outstanding legal services on a contingency-fee basis in order to ease the financial burden you are facing.
