If you ride, the Los Angeles area is a great place to do it. The beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery make getting out on your bike extremely inviting any time of the year. In fact, every year, more and more motorcyclists take to our roadways, which also means that the frequency of motorcycle accidents is increasing. In this article, we review some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents here in Southern California.
If another motorist leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today. Call Blair & Ramirez LLP at (213) 568-4000 for a free consultation.
Common types of motorcycle accidents
Every motorcycle accident has its own unique set of circumstances, but several types of accidents that occur most frequently in Los Angeles include:
- Head-On Collisions
- Left-Hand Turn Accidents
- Lane Splitting Accidents
- Accidents Caused by Impaired Drivers
- Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers
- Accidents Caused by Road Hazards
The fact is that, when you are on your bike, the only protection you have from the impact of an accident is your helmet and safety gear. The substantial size and weight differential between your motorcycle and the cars all around you makes you extremely vulnerable to serious injuries in any kind of traffic accident.
The unfortunate fact is that motorcycle accidents are often caused by motorists who simply do not bother to look for motorcycles when changing lanes, stopping, accelerating, or turning. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you protect your rights after an accident.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions between cars and motorcycles are one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents here in Los Angeles. These extremely dangerous accidents are often the result of a negligent driver of a car or truck who veers into an oncoming lane. The impact of a head-on collision is incredibly powerful, and a rider fatality is often the result of such accidents.
Left-hand turn accidents
Many motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles occur at intersections, and they are typically caused by motorists who are making left-hand turns while not paying careful attention to the traffic all around them. Accidents caused by drivers making inattentive left-hand turns pose a danger to everyone on our roads, but motorcyclists—because of the relatively small size and low visibility of their bikes—are most vulnerable to these extremely serious accidents. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver making a left-hand turn into your lane, a motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation.
Lane-splitting accidents
While lane-splitting—motorcyclists who drive alongside cars in the same lane—is illegal in most states, it is legal in California. When drivers fail to pay careful attention to motorcycles sharing their lanes, lane-splitting motorcyclists often pay the price. Distracted driving is a frequent cause of lane splitting accidents. You have the legal right to split the driving lane with other vehicles, and the drivers of those other vehicles are responsible for sharing the lane safely with you.
Accidents caused by impaired drivers
Every driver on the road understands exactly how dangerous driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is, but many continue to engage in this risky practice. When a motorist gets behind the wheel of his or her vehicle while impaired, that driver endangers everyone who shares the roadway. Again, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Accidents caused by distracted drivers
Distracted driving is reaching epidemic proportions, and distracted drivers are among the most dangerous drivers on the road. With the meteoric rise in smartphone usage, drivers are engaging in more and more dangerous distractions, including texting behind the wheel, which puts everyone at risk. Because motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see in the first place, distracted drivers pose an even greater risk for motorcyclists. When a driver is distracted, he or she isn’t looking for nearby motorcycles.
Accidents caused by road hazards
Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to accidents caused by hazards on the road. Such hazards include roads made slippery by weather, spills, and/or debris. Poorly maintained roads also present a danger. While bikers are responsible for riding safely in relation to the road’s condition, sometimes these accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence. For example, when potholes are not safely marked or remedied, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held accountable for any ensuing motorcycle accidents. Similarly, if a trucker loses cargo that leads to a motorcycle accident, the trucker or trucking company may be responsible.
Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a motorcycle accident attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence, you may be facing extensive physical, financial, and emotional damages. At Blair & Ramirez LLP, we’re committed to helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve. To schedule your free consultation with a lawyer, call our office today at (213) 568-4000 or contact us online.