Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

However, liability is not always clear. As a result, we always encourage you to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible since different statutes of limitations may apply in the case of government agencies.

Motorcyclists deserve to share the road safely with other vehicles. Unfortunately, motorcycles tend to get a bad reputation. They are often considered reckless, dangerous, unsafe, and irresponsible. Most people automatically place blame on motorcyclists for causing accidents. But this is not true. Motorcyclists take great care while riding because of the implied risk. Motorcycle riders understand they are at higher risk of injury in accidents and recognize that other vehicles frequently overlook or fail to see motorcycles on the road.

When injured in a motorcycle accident, the victim will want to determine who is responsible for their injuries and how to seek the proper compensation for their pain and suffering. A driver or other parties partially or fully responsible for an accident that caused personal injuries or death to a motorcyclist may be liable for damages.

Possibly liable parties may include:

Negligent Drivers

A negligent driver is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. There are many ways a driver can endanger motorcyclists on the road. Drivers can fail to notice a motorcycle riding near their vehicle, especially if they are texting while driving, making a phone call, playing with the radio, or doing other activities. Especially in Southern California, where lane splitting is legal – when a motorcycle can legally ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. Cars can make last-minute lane changes without signaling and easily miss a faster-moving motorcycle, cutting off or crashing into a motorcyclist.

Traffic violations are another common way negligent drivers cause accidents. A motor vehicle speeding or tailgating might be unable to avoid colliding with a motorcycle from behind. Running red lights or stop signs, making unsafe lane changes, or failing to give the right of way can all cause significant accidents and catastrophic injuries. Drunk or intoxicated driving is one of the most dangerous acts of negligence someone can commit. Intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, an at-fault driver will experience blurred vision, poor judgment, impaired coordination, and slow reaction time. This deliberate, negligent choice can lead to a serious injury or wrongful death.

Parts Manufacturers  

Many motorcycle accidents happen because of the failure of car and motorcycle parts. If a vehicle's brakes fail or a tire pops, this can cause the driver to lose control and crash with a motorcycle. If a piece of the car breaks off, the debris can hit the rider or cause the bike to crash. Defective parts of a motorcycle can also lead to motorcycle crashes. An accident will likely occur if the tires do not provide proper traction or the engine gives out. In these cases, a mechanic who did not install parts correctly or a manufacturer who made a defective product may be liable.

Local or State Governments 

California motorcycle accidents can occur due to dangerous or unkempt freeways, highways, and roads. If an intersection has irresponsible design features like blind spots or other issues that block visibility, this may lead to a serious crash. A motorcycle rider might also crash because of damaged roads, unfilled potholes, and missing pavement. In these cases, government organizations responsible for maintaining and designing safe roads may be liable, especially if they were aware of the issue that led to the motorcycle crash.

Motorcycle riders who suffered internal injuries – or families of those who have died from their severe injuries – can best protect themselves by working with a Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney. After a motorcycle crash, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate your personal injury case, gather evidence to prove liability, and hold the responsible party responsible. We can help you navigate motorcycle accident claims and insurance adjusters to seek compensation for your injuries and recovery.

Although there are many types of injuries motorcycle riders can sustain, the most common injuries can include:

Traumatic Brain and Head Injuries

Head and brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries that a motorcyclist can suffer, and this is why motorcycle helmet laws are in place. Even with a proper motorcycle helmet and gear, a head injury can range from mild to severe. They can cause permanent physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. These painful injuries can result in death in the worst motorcycle accident cases.

Some common injuries riders suffer in motorcycle accidents include concussions, traumatic brain injuries, coma, brain hemorrhaging, brain swelling, seizures, paralysis, and immobility. Injured motorcyclists might also experience confusion, brain damage, disorientation, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and loss of coordination and motor skills. In addition, speech and vision problems can frequently occur after an accident.

Neck and Face Injuries

Motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents also risk suffering significant facial and neck injuries due to their exposed skin and bodies to the elements. Common face injuries include broken noses, jawbones, eye sockets, and teeth. In addition, road rash can cause a rider permanent scarring and disfigurement, emotional trauma from such a life-changing event, and difficult recovery.

Motorcycle accidents can cause broken bones and damage the neck's muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The neck is susceptible and fragile. Any damage can affect a person's ability to control their head and neck movements, which may be permanent. Severe neck injuries can even cause damage to the spinal cord and cause partial or total paralysis.

Neck injuries often lead to nerve damage. Nerve injuries can radiate and cause pain in various places, such as the jaw, legs, arms, and hands. Nerve pain can also affect a person's equilibrium and cause ongoing vertigo.

Additionally, motorcyclists can suffer whiplash when struck from the rear. Whiplash occurs when a driver's neck is "whipped" back and forth after an impact. Although whiplash is often associated with vehicle crashes, motorcyclists are also vulnerable to this injury.

Injuries to your back and spine can result in various forms of paralysis, including quadriplegia, which is total paralysis from the neck down. Paralysis of different body parts can interfere with the body's primary functions. A motorcycle accident victim who becomes paralyzed may lose the ability to breathe independently and may require a ventilator for the rest of their life.

Other spinal injuries may result in respiratory problems, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, damage to a spinal cord cannot be reversed. Treatment depends on the extent of the injury. The primary goals of treatment are to prevent further injury and enable a return to a fulfilling, productive life. However, that is not always possible. Motorcycle riders with these injuries often suffer chronic pain and are unable to return to work.

Arms and Legs

Road rash caused by motorcycle accidents can seriously impact a rider's arms and legs. While the proper protective equipment – such as long-sleeved clothing and pants – can protect a motorcyclist from the elements, it can only do so much in a serious crash. Even at low speeds, road rash can result in severe, burn-like abrasions that require skin grafts and hospitalization. Road rash injuries are excruciating and can result in infections, sepsis, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

In many accidents, motorcycles eject the riders. As a result, motorcyclists who experience a hard landing in an accident are likely to suffer shoulder injuries and torn rotator cuffs. Broken arms, elbows, and fingers are also common, as well as broken legs, pelvis, and ribs. Injured motorcyclists might experience permanent nerve damage to the upper and lower body due to the impact of the ground.

All motorcycle accident injuries usually require extensive hospitalization, rehabilitation, and life-long treatment and lead to future medical bills that are too expensive for an average person to afford, especially since these medical expenses come unexpectedly as a result of a severe accident.

That is why keeping track of your medical records and accident-related expenses is extremely important. If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, these records will help strengthen your motorcycle accident case. The money you receive from your personal injury claim can cover past, future, and ongoing medical expenses.