Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable not just because they lack the protection, but because they are smaller. This disadvantage makes motorcycles more difficult for other drivers to see on the road. It also means that motorcycles and their passengers are more likely to be thrown farther in the event of a wreck.
Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to an accident because other drivers do not keep a close enough eye out for them. Just 8% of households possess a motorcycle, which gives us a rough estimate of just how common motorcycles are on US roadways. Since motorcycles aren't as common as regular passenger cars, motorists may be less likely to watch out for them.
For example, a motorcycle riding in a motorist's blind spot or crossing through an intersection at a 2-way stop might be less likely to be seen by a motorist that is only watching for other passenger vehicles.
Because motorcycles are more difficult to see than other vehicles, motorcyclists must always drive defensively. Bikers can never presume that other drivers can see them, particularly the motorists of cars in front of them. Motorcycle accidents typically occur when drivers:
A motorcycle gives you little protection in a crash. This means your body ends up taking the full force of the impact with another vehicle.
Often, this results in serious and life-altering injuries to motorcycle accident victims. In fact, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in just one recent year.
While motorcycles only comprise 3 percent of registered vehicles, motorcycle crashes result in 15 percent of all vehicle accident deaths. Not every motorcycle accident will result in death, yet it shows the seriousness these types of collisions cause.
Some usual injuries are:
That's not to say that survivors can never return to a normal life, but it may take some time and effort, including physical therapy. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation needed to pay for those treatments.
As these facts suggest, motorcyclists hurt in accidents are commonly the victims of negligence. Every negligence claim is comprised of four major elements: a duty, a breach of that duty, an injury caused by the breach, and injuries suffered by the plaintiff. Drivers of motor vehicles owe a duty of care to everyone else that uses public roads. That includes bicyclists, pedestrians, and various other drivers-- including motorcyclists.
When a driver violates that duty by being careless, inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and ends up causing a crash which results in injury or even wrongful death to another person, the motorist might be held civilly liable to the victim. They can pursue a negligence claim with the help of a motorcycle crash lawyer in San Fernando.
A motorcyclist wounded in an accident may have a claim if he can prove that another motorist was at fault. When a motorcycle driver has followed all of the traffic laws however is still involved in an accident, chances are that it has been caused by the driver of another vehicle. It could be not seeing the motorcyclist, speeding, being inebriated, or a combination of the three.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, immediately contact the authorities to file a report if they are involved in a crash. This is particularly true if there is an injury or fatality.
If urgent medical aid is necessary, provide what aid you can, seek assistance, and call emergency medical assistance. If you are the one who is hurt, you should seek immediate medical assistance. Even if your injury appears minor and you do not need immediate help, it is a good idea to get medical care, as some injuries are not immediately apparent.
Furthermore, at the scene you need to get the contact and insurance information for the other parties. And you also want contact information for independent witnesses, as investigating law enforcement don't always collect that info.
Call a motorcycle crash attorney soon after the accident. We strongly advise that you do this before talking to any insurance company.
After your accident, aside from talking to the police and receiving any necessary medical attention, you should contact a qualified and knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience dealing with motorcycle crashes. Serving victims throughout the San Fernando area, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Tim D. Wright can assist you.
Too often, accident victims think that an insurance carrier-- either their own or the other motorist's-- will properly compensate them for any injuries they have sustained. However, lots of insurance providers are unwilling to pay, even when liability and injuries are obvious. This is especially true when the damages are significant.
Even when an insurer seems liable, beware. Lots of insurance adjusters will try to settle claims quickly. They will urge you to sign an agreement that will let them close the case-- and thereby reduce their exposure. Even if the offer appears sufficient or even generous, it is important to make sure your rights are defended. Speak with a lawyer and be sure you comprehend the consequences of the agreement.
The reality is, not all injuries are immediately apparent. And for some major injuries, even if you anticipate complete recovery, you can not be certain that the full recovery you hope for will happen. In those situations, signing a release of claims too soon can reduce your settlement to an amount that is significantly less than what you need or what you legally have a right to recuperate. And, of course, some motorcycle crashes are fatal. If somebody you love has been killed in a motorcycle collision, speak to a lawyer to find out whether there's a wrongful death action to pursue against a negligent motorist.
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