Looking for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Northridge?
The year-round warmth in Southern California draws many people in Northridge and the surrounding areas to the roads to enjoy riding their motorcycles. Motorcycles allow people to experience a feeling of freedom while they ride, and they are also more economical choices than other types of vehicles for commuting. Despite the benefits of riding motorcycles for transportation or pleasure, motorcyclists have much higher risks of suffering serious injuries or fatalities in accidents. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, or you have lost your loved one in a collision, you may need legal help. An experienced Northridge motorcycle accident attorney might help you to recover damages for your losses if the accident was caused by the negligent actions of other individuals or entities.
Why motorcycle accidents are different than regular auto accidents
Motorcycles are much lighter and smaller than other vehicles and are harder for motorists in larger vehicles to see. While motorists in cars, trucks and SUVs are afforded some protection in accidents because of the steel frames that surround their cabs, motorcyclists do not have this layer of protection to absorb the physical forces that are released when collisions happen. This means that the motorcyclists themselves will absorb these forces, and they are much likelier to suffer catastrophic injuries or to be killed when they are involved in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also much more susceptible to road defects such as potholes and debris than are heavier, larger vehicles with four or more tires.
Motorcycle accident statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in 2015 alone, which is the most recent year for which data is available from the agency. Of those who were killed, 4,684 were riders and 292 were passengers. In addition, another 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2015 in the U.S. The NHTSA reports that motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be killed in accidents and 5 times likelier to be injured for every mile traveled than were occupants of passenger vehicles.
Fault in motorcycle accidents in Northridge
Because motorcyclists are commonly perceived as risk-takers, many people assume that they are at fault when they are involved in accidents. In a majority of cases, however, other drivers are at fault in accidents involving motorcycles. For example, one study in Florida that was conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation and that examined 10 years of data found that motorists were at fault in 60 percent of the accidents with motorcyclists. Another study that was conducted by the University of Southern California found that motorists were at fault in two-thirds of the cases.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen as a result of many different factors, and a majority of the accidents are preventable. Many of these factors are driver-related, including the following:
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Inattentive driving
• Impaired driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Aggressive driving
• Dooring
• Failing to obey traffic control devices
• Following too closely
A majority of motorcycle accidents happen when cars collide head-on into oncoming motorcyclists. These types of accidents happen when motorists pull out to pass other vehicles on two-lane roads, colliding with motorcyclists who are traveling in the opposite direction. Other very common accident scenarios happen when motorists on side streets fail to notice oncoming motorists and pull out in front of them to turn left onto the roadway.
Common types of injuries in motorcycle accidents
Injuries that are sustained in motorcycle accidents may be severe, leaving the victims with lifelong disabilities. Some of the most common injuries include the following:
• Road rash
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head, neck and facial injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Thoracic injuries
• Abdominal injuries
• Pelvic injuries
• Injuries to the extremities
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Disfigurement
The location and types of injuries may depend on the speed of the collision, the angle at which the collision happened and the size difference between the motorcycle and the larger vehicle. In some cases, motorcyclists may suffer numerous injuries and may die.
When should you contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Northridge?
It is important for you to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer anytime that an injury has happened in a motorcycle accident. Insurance companies are aware of the types of biases that juries have about motorcycle riding, and they may take advantage by disputing liability of their insureds. It is common for insurance companies to attempt to place blame for the accident on the motorcycle rider even when the liability of the motorist seems clear. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney may investigate the accident and build strong evidence of liability for the victim. Contact an experienced Northridge motorcycle accident attorney today to schedule your consultation so that you can learn about the rights that you might have in your case.
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If you or a loved one has been injured, you will want a top rated San Fernando Valley personal injury attorney that understands how to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our pledge is to be your partner, and provide passionate, yet skillful legal representation needed to win your case. Contact our highly trained personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
