Riding a motorcycle can bring great joy to a person’s life, but it can also bring many risks. One of the main risks associated with motorcycles is not having an outer layer of protection from trees, pavement, and other vehicles. However, motorcyclists should still be treated with the same level of fairness as any other driver, regardless of the type of vehicle they decide to drive.
At Simmrin Law Group, our Burbank motorcycle accident lawyers work hard to protect motorcyclists’ rights. We do not believe motorcycle accident victims should be required to pay for accidents that were not their fault. Therefore, we do everything to help these victims win fair compensation from the responsible parties to cover their past and future losses.
How Common Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities Are in California
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 864,494 motorcycles registered in California in 2020. That same year, over 10,000 motorcyclist injuries and more than 500 motorcyclist fatalities were reported around the state. Regarding helmet use, around 91 percent of these individuals were wearing helmets, 6 percent were not, and 2 percent were unknown.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Burbank, call (310) 896-2723
The Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Burbank, California
Motorcycles are smaller, slimmer, and less visible than automobiles. That said, automobile drivers must take the time to constantly check their surroundings when driving on roads, interstates, or highways. However, many people fail to do this, often leading to severe or fatal consequences for motorcyclists.
The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes around Burbank, California, including unsafe turns, improper lane changes, driving while intoxicated, inclement weather, and defective parts.
Unsafe Turns
When an automobile driver makes a turn, they may fail to check their mirrors or blind spots properly. This can cause them to think that it is safe and clear to make a turn, which may lead to a motorcycle accident.
The most common type of turn that causes accidents are left turn. This is because motorcyclists may not know that the driver is planning to turn and may decide to pass them, which can cause a devastating motorcycle crash within seconds.
Improper Lane Changes
If an automobile driver decides to switch lanes, it is highly recommended that they check their surroundings at least twice before doing so. This is because there could be a motorcyclist in their blind spots.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is lane splitting, a maneuver motorcyclists do. This is when the motorcycle weaves in and out of traffic to pass other vehicles.
Driving While Intoxicated
When automobile or motorcycle drivers operate a vehicle after taking drugs or consuming alcohol, an accident is likely to occur. This is because these substances can cause your reaction times to slow down tremendously, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand, driving.
Inclement Weather
When inclement weather is present, motorcyclists are at risk of accidents. Rain, fog, snow, or icy conditions are more dangerous for motorcycles than automobiles, as they only have two wheels to balance. Therefore, when the weather is hazardous, it is best to avoid riding a motorcycle if possible.
Defective Parts
While automobile drivers cause many motorcyclist accidents and fatalities, it is not uncommon for motorcycles to have defective parts. This can lead to motorcycles malfunctioning, causing a wreck. When this happens, the motorcycle manufacturer or part manufacturer can be held liable for the motorcyclist’s damages.
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Typical Injuries that Emerge from Motorcycle Accidents
While automobile drivers can experience the same type of injuries as motorcyclists, the injuries are much more traumatic and severe for motorcyclists because of their lack of protection. Here are several of the different types of injuries that emerge from motorcycle accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull or head injuries
- Spinal cord or back injuries
- Road rash or burns
- Amputations
- Cuts or lacerations
- Severe bruising
- Broken or fractured bones
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Disability
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
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How to Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident
Even though motorcyclists should aim to drive as carefully as possible around other vehicles, that does not mean that other drivers do not owe them the same level of respect and caution. That said, when an automobile driver crashes into a motorcyclist and causes serious harm, they should be held accountable for their actions. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Burbank, CA, can help you prove that a person’s negligence led to your accident by establishing these four factors:
- Duty of Care: The automobile driver must act reasonably while driving on the roads near you. This means they were required to keep you safe by following traffic laws, using signals, and driving within the speed limit.
- Breach: The automobile driver breached this duty by not acting reasonably and causing you unnecessary harm.
- Causation: Their behavior or actions directly caused your accident.
- Damages: As a result of the accident, you suffered injuries and losses.
Motorcycle accident cases can become complicated and frustrating quickly. That is why you need our Burbank motorcycle accident attorneys standing behind you every step of the way. We will listen to your experience, gather the evidence needed, and prepare to advocate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
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The Deadline to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Burbank
According to California’s statute of limitations, you have a two-year deadline to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the responsible parties. While this may seem like a decent amount of time, you must seek assistance from a motorcycle accident attorney in Burbank, CA, as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity to get assistance.
Let Our Lawyers Handle Your Case While You Focus on Recovery
Reach out to Simmrin Law Group if you have any questions or concerns regarding California motorcycle laws or if you have a motorcycle accident case. Our team will gladly review your case and determine which legal options you should pursue. We understand how stressful and overwhelming these accidents can be, so we strive to be the best legal professionals you can turn to during hard times like these.
Contact us today to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form