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 seen as being reckless, dangerous, unsafe, and irresponsible – in fact, most people automatically place blame on motorcyclists for causing accidents. But this is simply not true. Motorcyclists actually take a great deal of care while riding because of the implied risk. 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 someone is injured in a motorcycle accident, the victim will want to determine who is responsible for their injuries and how they can seek the proper compensation for their pain and suffering. A driver or other parties who are partially or fully responsible for an accident that caused injuries or death to a motorcyclist may be held 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 California where motorcyclists can legally lane split – 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 a motorcyclist or crashing into them.

Traffic violations are another common way negligent drivers cause accidents. A vehicle that is speeding or tailgating might not be able 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 major injury accidents. Drunk or impaired driving is one of the most dangerous acts of negligence someone can commit. An at-fault driver who is intoxicated by drugs or alcohol will experience blurred vision, poor judgment, bad coordination, and a slow reaction time. This is a deliberate, negligent choice that can lead to a serious injury or deadly collision.

Parts Manufacturers  

Some motorcycle accidents might happen because of the failure of auto or 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. Or if a piece of the vehicle breaks off, the debris can hit the rider or cause the bike to crash off the road. Defective parts of a motorcycle can also lead to motorcycle crashes. If the tires do not provide proper traction or the engine gives out, a motorcycle accident is likely to occur. In these cases, a mechanic that did not install parts correctly or a manufacturer who made a defective product may be liable.

Local or State Governments 

A motorcycle accident can take place due to dangerous or unkempt freeways, highways, and roads. If an intersection is irresponsibly designed with blind spots or other issues that block visibility, this may lead to a major crash. A rider might also crash because of damaged roads, unfilled potholes, and missing pavement. In these cases, government organizations that are responsible for maintaining and designing safe roads may be liable, especially if they were aware of the issue that led to the motorcycle accident.

Motorcyclists who suffered injuries – or families of those who have died from their injuries – can best protect themselves by working with Belmont Accident Lawyers. After a motorcycle accident, the talented and experienced Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys will investigate your case and gather evidence to prove liability, and hold the responsible party responsible. We can help you navigate insurance claims in order to seek compensation for your injuries and recovery.

Although there are many types of injuries one can sustain, the most common injuries from a motorcycle accident include:

Traumatic Brain and Head Injuries

Head and brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries that a motorcyclist can suffer. Even with a proper motorcycle helmet and gear, motorcycle accident head injuries 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 to 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.

In addition, motorcyclists who are struck from the rear can suffer whiplash. 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 parts of the body can interfere with the body’s major functions. A motorcycle accident victim who is paralyzed may not be able to breathe for themselves and may require the use of a ventilator for the rest of their life.

Other spinal injuries may result in respiratory problems, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Damage to a spinal cord cannot be reversed, so treatment will depend on the extent of the injury. Much of the treatment is geared toward preventing further injury and enabling you to return to a fulfilling, productive life. However, that is not always possible. Motorcyclists with these injuries often suffer chronic pain and are unable to return to work.

Arms and Legs

Road rash caused by a motorcycle accident 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 major crash. Even at low speeds, road rash can result in severe, burn-like abrasions that require skin grafts and hospitalization. Road rash injuries are extremely painful and can result in infections, sepsis, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

In many motorcycle accidents, riders are ejected from their vehicles. 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. This leads 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 serious accident.

That is why it is extremely important to keep track of your medical records and motorcycle accident-related expenses. If you decide to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, these records will help strengthen your motorcycle accident case. The money you receive from your personal injury claim can not only cover past medical expenses but future and ongoing ones as well.