What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California?

California is easily one of the best states for motorcyclists, boasting coastal views, sprawling open roads, and a huge community of motorcyclists. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that the accident rates are any better than they are elsewhere in the country. From the busy streets of Southern California’s major cities to the winding roads near the coast, motorcycle accidents are a tragic reality for riders.

As we explore the main causes of motorcycle crashes in this state, find out how Pisegna & Zimmerman can help you if you are hurt in a motorcycle accident. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers in Southern California can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve after a crash caused by a reckless driver. Give us a call at 818-888-8888 to set up a consultation with our team right away.

Distracted Driving and Attentiveness

Distracted driving is an issues that has ramped up significantly in recent years, as smartphones have become more affordable, more widespread, and more irresistible to drivers. Of course, distracted drivers can injure anyone— but when they hit a motorcyclist, they are far more likely to cause a severe or fatal injury. Drivers who are texting or scrolling social media while driving are unlikely to see a motorcyclist that merges into their lane or is stopped at the traffic light ahead of them. If they hit that motorcycle at full speed, there’s a very real possibility that the rider will be thrown from their bike into traffic. While drivers are trained to notice cars, trucks, and other large vehicles, many simply do not see motorcyclists quite as quickly.

This extends beyond distracted driving. Consider changing lanes—a driver may give a cursory check over their shoulder as they begin merging. That look may be enough to see a car, truck, or van, but not enough to see a much smaller motorcycle. When this happens, either the car will cause a side-impact crash with the motorcycle or the motorcyclist will be forced to take evasive action and potentially put themselves into an even more dangerous scenario.

Top Four Common Catastrophic injuries Victims Experience in Motorcycle Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):

• Traumatic brain injuries can occur in motorcycle accidents when the rider’s head impacts the ground, another vehicle, or a stationary object.
• TBIs can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities.
• If another party’s negligence, such as a negligent driver or poor road conditions, contributed to the accident and resulting TBI, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Spinal Cord Injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries can occur in motorcycle accidents when the rider’s spine sustains significant trauma, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• These injuries can result in significant medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation needs, and a diminished quality of life.
• If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a reckless driver or a defective motorcycle part, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages.

Broken Bones and Lacerations:

• Motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones, fractures, and lacerations due to the lack of protection for riders.
• If another party’s negligence, such as a driver who violated traffic laws or a road authority that failed to maintain safe conditions, contributed to the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Death:

• Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can result in fatalities. If a loved one has died in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
• Wrongful death claims seek compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Driver Negligence and Carelessness

A significant number of accidents are a direct result of negligent, reckless drivers. Drivers should take the same care and caution around motorcyclists as they do around bicyclists and pedestrians. While motorcyclists enjoy slightly more protection than bicyclists and pedestrians, it isn’t that much—especially when compared to the multi-ton force of a standard passenger vehicle. Some have suggested focusing more heavily on motorcyclist safety in driving school to ensure that drivers are able to navigate safely around motorcyclists, while others have suggested stiffer penalties or more extensive public safety efforts.

Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Pisegna & Zimmerman Today

If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to find out if you can pursue compensation. Let our personal injury attorneys help you navigate your personal injury claim. Set up a consultation by reaching out online or calling us at 818-888-8888.

Mike

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