Should I get a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Riders are especially vulnerable on California’s roads, with nothing shielding them from the direct impact of distracted, drunk, or impaired drivers.
Risk Factors that cause Motorcycle Accidents and Fatalities
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), riding a motorcycle is inherently riskier than driving a car.
Motorcycles are harder for drivers to spot, less stable than cars, and lack the protection of an enclosed occupant compartment, leaving riders more vulnerable in crashes.
Some motorcycles, like supersports, are particularly dangerous. Built on racing platforms with high-horsepower engines, supersport drivers have significantly higher death rates. A 2010 IIHS study found their death rates were four times higher than those who rode cruisers and standard motorcycles, per 10,000 registered bikes.
The average motorcycle owner’s age has also risen, from 28 in 1985 to 50 in 2018. Riders aged 50+ now account for over one-third of motorcycle fatalities, compared to just 3% in 1982.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in California
While each motorcycle crash is unique and requires thorough investigation to determine fault, there are a few common crash types:
Head-on collisions
Sideswipe accidents
Lane-splitting incidents
Fixed-object crashes
Road hazard-related accidents
Riders are also more vulnerable to crashes caused by infrastructure issues, such as inadequate road lighting or poorly maintained roadways.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to life-altering or fatal.
Common injuries include:
Cuts and lacerations
Back or spinal injuries
Head and brain trauma
Nerve damage
Skin damage
Bone fractures
Disfigurement
Paralysis
Loss of limb(s)
Death
The recovery process is often challenging and may involve additional damages such as emotional trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress or anxiety.
Consulting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to securing compensation for medical bills, repairs, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
When do you need a motorcycle accident attorney in California?
Motorcycle accidents without immediate injuries may not require a lawyer, but stress and adrenaline can mask injuries or their severity.
It’s essential to visit an ER for a professional evaluation, as unnoticed injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and costly treatments.
When seeking legal help, it’s crucial to choose an attorney experienced in representing motorcyclists. Inexperienced attorneys may struggle to maximize compensation or address jurors’ biases against motorcyclists effectively.
Motorcycle Accident and Injury Statistics
The NHTSA's 2022 fatality data highlights the risks faced by motorcyclists:
6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities—over 1 in 8 road deaths.
35% of motorcyclists killed were driving without valid licenses.
In states without universal helmet laws, 54% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders not wearing helmets, compared to only 11% in states with such laws.
Motorcyclists faced fatality rates nearly 22 times higher than car drivers per vehicle miles traveled.
44% of fatal crashes with another vehicle occurred when the motorcycle was going straight at an intersection and the other vehicle was turning left, causing 1,439 deaths, or 23% of all motorcycle rider fatalities.
The CDC's WISQARs database adds:
Over 218,000 motorcyclists were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries in 2022.
Fatal motorcycle injuries resulted in $65 billion in lifetime medical, work, and quality-of-life costs.
Tips to avoid motorcycle accidents
Road hazards like debris, street cracks, impaired drivers, and mechanical failures increase the risk of motorcycle crashes.
NHTSA data shows that most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when other drivers fail to see the motorcycle, particularly during left turns. To reduce risks, riders should maintain proper spacing, wear bright clothing, and use a DOT-certified helmet for optimal protection.
In California, a separate motorcycle license is required to operate a motorcycle. Even with a license, riders should practice handling and speed control, especially with a new motorcycle.
What should you do after a motorcycle accident?
Call the police immediately to report the accident and document any injuries, even if they seem minor.
Dial 911 for emergency help if serious injuries are suspected, and move to a safe location away from immediate danger, such as intersections or freeways.
Exchange contact information with all drivers involved and gather witness information for potential testimony.
Take photos or videos of property damage, injuries, road conditions, and the accident scene to support your case.
Seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records are crucial for validating injury claims.
Consult an experienced attorney, like those at Win Nguyen Law, for guidance and representation to secure rightful compensation.
Even if a driver feels partially at fault, an attorney can clarify how fault impacts compensation and investigate the true cause of the accident.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, be wary of fake lawyers that will sabotage your case for a quick payday. To learn some tips on how to spot a fake lawyer, click here
With a decade of experience, the attorneys of Win Nguyen Law are proud to serve the motorcyclists of Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton, Long Beach, Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Cypress, Cerritos, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Tustin, and more with their legal expertise and strong guidance. Don’t wait to win, and book a free consult now if you have been involved in a motorcycle crash!
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