Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles
With miles of gorgeous coastline, many different types of landscapes, and beautiful weather year round, it comes as no surprise to many that California is one of the most popular states in the country for motorcycles. However, with an increased number of motorcycles on the road also means an increased number of accidents and injuries. Because of the lack of protection that a motorcycle provides compared to other vehicles on the road, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be devastating for the victims. The experienced personal injury attorneys at the GP Law Group are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Due to their smaller size compared to other vehicles on the road, the unfortunate fact is that motorcycles often go unseen by other motorists until it is too late. In California, motorcycle accidents are caused by a number of different situations on the road. Some of the most common causes include the following:
Left Hand Turns
Cars making left hand turns without checking first for motorcycles commonly cause motorcycle accidents. Left hand turn accidents occur when a motorcycle is passing the vehicle on the left and the car makes the turn without looking, as well as when a car makes a left hand turn without checking for a motorcycle coming toward it in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist often broadsides the vehicle, ejecting the motorcycle driver but causing relatively little injury to the car driver.
Distracted Driving
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving by the driver of another vehicle. Playing with the radio, talking to passengers, texting while driving, and other distracted driving behaviors distract drivers from checking for motorcycles and other vehicles on the road. Distracted driver accidents are quite common and can cause devastating injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cause many motorcycle accidents in California every year. Drivers operating a car or truck under the influence lack the cognitive ability to recognize motorcycles on the road and the response time to avoid striking motorcycles while driving. This type of accident is particularly devastating to motorcycle accident victims because the driver of the other vehicle is often going full speed when the accident occurs.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Cars and trucks making unsafe lane changes also cause motorcycle accidents in California. This state is one of the few that allow lane splitting, where a motorcycle can travel between lanes of traffic going in the same direction. When the driver of another vehicle makes an unsafe lane change without signaling, he or she can run right into a motorcycle traveling the same direction on the road.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Given the lack of protection a motorcycle provides for its riders, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often severe. While California law requires that motorcyclists wear a helmet and protective clothing while riding, it is often not enough to avoid serious injuries when in an accident on the roadway. Some of the most common injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents include head and facial trauma, traumatic brain injury, neck injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, nerve damage, road rash and lacerations, burns, internal organ damage, spinal cord injury, paralysis, and death. Many of these injuries ultimately cause permanent damage or require a lifetime of care, so it is critical that an experienced personal injury attorney gets you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Compensation for Motorcycle Injuries
Compensation for injuries caused by a motorcycle accident include payment for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to compensation for out of pocket expenses like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages cover the intangible harms caused by the accident such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. In the worst cases in which a motorcycle accident victim dies as a result of his or her injuries, the family can also seek additional compensation for wrongful death. This includes payment for funeral and burial expenses, final medical expenses, and the loss of love, security, income, and companionship.
Call or Contact Us Today
To learn more about your legal options in California after a motorcycle accident, call the office or contact us at the GP Law Group today to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about your case for free.