Arcadia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycles can be a fun and fuel-efficient alternative to riding in a passenger car. Motorcycles are smaller, cheaper, and riders are able to skip traffic jams by moving in between slow or stopped cars. Unfortunately, motorcycles can also be extremely dangerous. Without the protective metal shell of other vehicles, motorcyclists are directly exposed to any impact from other cars or the street. As a result, motorcycle accidents tend to be much more serious than other traffic crashes. In fact, motorcycle riders are a full 26 times more likely to die in a car crash than passenger car occupants. Motorcycles may be fun, but they carry risks.
Regardless of whether motorcycles are dangerous, motorcycle riders have rights. Bikers who are injured by negligent drivers deserve compensation for their injuries just as any other motorist would. At the Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez, II & Associates, our Arcadia law firm is dedicated to helping the people of Southern California recover compensation for the damages they have suffered due to traffic crashes caused by the negligent or reckless actions of other people. We represent all injured parties, regardless of the type of vehicle they were driving at the time of the crash. From our offices in Arcadia, we serve clients throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Southern California, call our dedicated personal injury attorney for advice and representation to get the recovery you deserve.
Motorcycle Fatalities are on the Rise in California
Nationwide, California has the second-highest number of motorcycle fatalities every year, second only to Florida. Motorcycle-related deaths have been on the rise over the last 22 years, particularly in Southern California. In the last ten years, the number of accident-related motorcycle deaths has more than doubled. The statistics compiled by federal and state safety experts show that motorcycle accidents remain a serious problem in California and across the country.
There were 16,505 motorcycle accidents in the State of California in 2017, causing 15,527 injuries and 547 deaths. The lion’s share of serious accidents happened in Los Angeles County. Nearly 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. Inexperience and lack of training is a huge factor in motorcycle accidents: Nearly 25 percent of riders in fatal accidents did not have a valid license at the time. However, other vehicles are generally involved: 75 percent of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle. 22.8 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involve an intoxicated rider. The type of bike matters, too: Super-sport riders are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
A variety of factors may lead to a motorcycle accident, including some that are the fault of the biker, some the fault of other drivers, and some that are merely environmental but which should raise the attention of any motorists. Some of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents in California include the following:
- Alcohol or drug use, by drivers and bikers
- Inattentive drivers
- Speeding
- Inexperienced riders
- Aggressive maneuvers such as weaving in and out of traffic or lane-splitting
- Distracted driving such as texting, emailing or eating
- Tailgating
- Poor weather or road conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or ice
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash, you have the right to recover for your damages. A seasoned California personal injury lawyer can help.
Injuries and Damages After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle crashes are much more likely to be serious and even fatal than accidents involving other types of vehicles. Motorcycle riders can suffer a variety of injuries from a crash, including the following:
- Head or brain trauma
- “Road rash,” leading to severe skin lacerations and scarring
- Loss of limb
- Broken bones
- Back or spinal injuries
- Death
If you were injured by a negligent driver while riding your motorcycle, you deserve compensation for whatever injury you have suffered. You may be entitled to coverage of your medical costs, both present and future, as well as any income you lose as a result of missing out on work, and payments for any disability or loss of life enjoyment you suffer. You may also recover for emotional and psychological damage for your pain and suffering, as well as for wrongful death if your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash.
A dedicated California motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine what damages might be available to you after your motorcycle accident.
Reach Out to a Dedicated Arcadia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After a Southern California Motorcycle Crash
For seasoned, talented, and passionate help with a motorcycle crash claim in Southern California, contact the Arcadia Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez II & Associates for a free consultation at 626-357-3303.
