Whether commuting to work every day or taking long scenic routes to enjoy what California has to offer, getting on a motorcycle always comes with its own set of risks.
Motorcyclists are more exposed when riding and are much more likely to die or recieve extreme injuries in an accident than those in a regular passenger vehicle. Aside from potentially losing a limb or a life, coping after an accident can be challenging as medical bills pile up and time off work is taken.
Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Jose, CA will negotiate with insurance companies and get you the maximum amount of compensation for your injury to help while you heal.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding the leading causes of accidents allows you to be hypervigilant in avoiding dangerous situations and how to stay safe as a motorcyclist.
Errors Made by Other Drivers
Motorcycle accidents often are caused by automobile drivers, and occur because a driver is unaware of the motorcyclist when making left turns, changing lanes, or coming on to a roadway.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles offer a handbook for guidance when riding a motorcycle that recommends riders to:
- Avoid riding in automobile’s blind spots, and maintaining visibility to others
- Communicate with other drivers with hand signals and lights
- Increase visibility by keeping headlights on at all times
- Give adequate spacing when passing or lane splitting
- Be a defensive driver and act quickly to avoid other vehicles
Negligence of the Rider
Negligence when riding means engaging in risky, dangerous, and sometimes illegal activities when on a motorcycle. When motorcyclists have been at fault in accidents, the cause was usually:
- Speeding
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Improper turning
- Ignoring signals
- Improper lane positioning
These accidents are typically avoidable by simply obeying traffic laws and riding safely. Experience is a major part in most motorcycle accidents, and those with less experience can find themselves in trouble without the basics of safety while riding. It’s advised to attend a safety course before riding on streets with other traffic, and to make sure your motorcycle meets your level of experience.
Motorcyclists are also able to reduce their injuries by wearing the appropriate protective gear when riding. Helmets are obviously the best way to avoid having head and face injuries in an accident. It’s advised to wear other eye protection, boots with steel-toe protection, riding gloves, fitted clothing with full body coverage, and bright or reflective colors to make yourself more visible.
Poor Road Conditions
It’s important to always keep your eyes on the road ahead to avoid any potential road hazards. Potholes, debris in the road, poor road conditions, construction zones, or animals in the way can lead to an accident if you’re not watching your speed or paying attention. If you are aware of extreme weather conditions, avoid riding if you can to lessen your chances of running into storms, slick roads, or potential dangerous situations.
Motorcycles are on two wheels that makes maintaining control on uneven or hazardous roads much more difficult than when riding in a car or truck. In the event of getting caught up in bad weather, pull off the road and try to take shelter until you can safely continue.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure can have dire consequences for a motorcyclist, especially if you do not have proper training or knowledge of how to steer and maneuver while experiencing a tire blowout or brake failure. Any faulty mechanics on your motorcycle can make riding much more dangerous.
California law states that all motorcycles require brakes, tires, a rear view mirror, and horn in operating condition, a multi-beam headlight to remain on at all times, and a tail light with a license plate light. Inspect your motorcycle before and after riding to avoid a crash from mechanical failure in the future.
Defective manufacturer parts also can be a part of a motorcycle accident, and being injured in a crash that has been caused by faulty parts may allow you to seek out compensation from the manufacturer of the part that was defective.
Seeking Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
Even if you are the safest rider in the world, it is not a matter of “if” you get into an accident, it is a matter of “when”. If you or someone you love have been injured by another person’s negligence during a motorcycle crash, you have the right to seek compensation for damages and injuries caused by the accident.
At Hann Law Firm, you and your case matter to us and we will work tirelessly to compensate you for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Contact us today and let us defend you and protect your rights. You do not need to stand alone against the ones who have caused you harm.
