Motorcycle accidents tend to be some of the deadliest. According to the National Highway Transportation Association (NHTSA), in 2017, they comprised 14% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States and caused the deaths of 5,172 motorcyclists. California roadways, with heavy traffic and sharp turns, can be unforgiving to these riders. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact The Javid Trial Firm today for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Most motorcycle accidents involving crashes with passenger vehicles happen as a result of the negligent actions of the other vehicle drivers. Despite this, motorcycle riders suffer the majority of injuries incurred in those crashes.
Because motorists don’t have the same amount of physical protections as a car rider would, their injuries tend to be more severe. Some common injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Road rash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Arm injuries
- Spinal damage
- Torso and pelvis trauma
- Death
- Internal bleeding
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, call The Javid Trial Firm for a free consultation. Our attorneys have extensive experience with cases involving motorcycle accidents. We’ll help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle vs. Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents involve unique circumstances and issues and should be handled by attorneys who have experience with these types of cases. For example, since motorcycle riders are nearly 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other vehicle drivers per vehicle mile traveled, this type of case tends to involve more wrongful death claims than typical car accident cases. Other unique facts and issues that arise in motorcycle accident cases include:
- Right–of-way violations. Motor vehicle drivers often cause accidents by failing to give the right-of-way to motorcyclists.
- Shorter stopping times. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than passenger vehicles. If a passenger vehicle fails to maintain a safe distance behind a motorcycle, it can easily rear-end a motorcyclist.
- Juror perceptions. Judges and jurors tend to perceive motorcycle riders as being risky drivers, which could bias their thinking and cause them to wrongly believe that all motorcyclists engage in unsafe driving practices.
- Special experts. You need experts capable of explaining to jurors who don’t ride motorcycles the differences between driving a motorcycle and a car (i.e. speeding to maintain the bike’s balance).
- More severe injuries/greater damages. Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious injuries and death than occupants of passenger vehicles, which offer more protection. As a result, there may be more damages at issue in these types of cases as the motorcyclist could be entitled to additional compensation for medical bills and time off work (or due to being permanently disabled) than a victim of a car crash.
- Aggressive insurance companies. The higher the claim, the more likely an insurance company is likely to aggressively fight it. In addition, adjusters consider juror bias against motorcycle riders when deciding whether and if so, at what amount, to settle a claim.
Motorcycle Accident Results
The Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at The Javid Trial Firm have extensive experience with cases involving motorcycle accidents throughout the state of California. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, we will fight to make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.