Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, it’s important to seek legal representation right away. The physical and financial damages involved in a motorcycle accident can be truly devastating, and the road to recovery can be long and stressful, especially without the help of a personal injury lawyer. When you work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, you can rest assured that you’ll have legal guidance every step of the way.
In the state of California, motorcycle accidents account for 14 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths. As the preferred law office in San Bernardino, Westphal Law Group has one mission: to fight for your motorcycle accident claims so you can receive the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys also specialize in auto accidents, commercial trucking accidents, construction accidents, and more.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in San Bernardino
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, in fact, research suggests that 98 percent of motorcycle accidents result in them. Even though motorcycles tend to go slower than cars, bikers are much more vulnerable to the external environment, making them more susceptible to injuries and even death in the event of a crash.
- More than 400 people are killed on motorcycles in California each year.
- Roughly ¾ of motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents that involve the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment.
- Roadway defects like potholes and pavement ridges cause about two percent of all motorcycle accidents.
- Almost ½ of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve the use of alcohol.
- The act of speeding can increase the probability of a fatal motorcycle crash by 36 percent.
What Are The Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
No matter how safe you are on a motorcycle, there are many factors that can lead to accidents on the road. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may want to reach out to the attorneys at Westphal Law Group for legal assistance.
Cars Making Left-Hand Turns
One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists occurs when cars try to make left-hand turns. In fact, this type of collision accounts for 42 percent of all accidents that involve a motorcycle and a car. More often than not, the turning car will strike the motorcycle when the motorcyclist is:
- Passint the car on the road
- Going straight through an intersection
- Trying to race the car before they turn
In most cases, an automobile that hits another vehicle while making a left-hand turn will be found at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist was speeding or driving in the wrong lane, they may be partly at fault for the accident.
Lane Splitting
In the state of California, lane splitting, also known as lane sharing or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic. California Vehicle Code 21658.1 defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads and highways.”
To avoid accidents that involve lane splitting, there are some guidelines set forth by the California Motorcycle Safety Program that should be followed. Some of these guidelines include:
- Motorcyclists should travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than traffic. The faster a motorcyclist drives on the highway, the greater potential they have for an accident. When driving at a slower speed, the driver will have better reaction time, especially when it comes to lane changing and other hazards on the road.
- Avoid splitting lanes if traffic is moving at 30 MPH of faster. While lane splitting can be a great way for a small motorcycle to move through heavy traffic, you should not split lanes if you’re driving at a speed of 30 mph or faster.
Road Hazards
It probably comes as no surprise that motorcycles face higher dangers from road hazards than cars do. Due to a motorcycle’s small size and somewhat unstable nature, motorcyclists are much more prone to accidents when driving over potholes, slick pavement conditions, and other irregularities on the road.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, speaking with an attorney will be in your best interest. Once an accident occurs, there are a few things you should do, including:
Escape Immediate Danger
Did you know that 62 percent of motorcycle wrecks involve fuel leaks and spills that can result in dangerous fires and explosions? This is why it’s so important to move to a safe place after an accident has occurred.
Seek Medical Care
If you’re lucky enough to walk away from a motorcycle accident unscathed, consider yourself very fortunate. Most motorcycle wrecks result in serious injuries, and if you find yourself injured, it’s critical that you seek medical care right away. Head and chest injuries are among the most common injuries to be aware of because they are the primary cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek medical attention.
Westphal Law Group: Motorcycle Accidents Attorneys in California
At Westphal Law Group in California, we’re passionate about helping victims of motorcycle accidents get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our personal injury attorneys have a strong knowledge in motorcycle accident laws and protocols, and we have established a respected reputation within the California court system. Schedule your free confidential consultation today!