Are you in need of a La Jolla motorcycle accident lawyer?
Many residents of and visitors to La Jolla, California enjoy the freedom of riding on their motorcycles. The weather and the scenery make the city and the surrounding area ideal riding territory for motorcycle enthusiasts. When motorcyclists are struck by other vehicles, however, a previously enjoyable outing can turn into a tragedy. The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2014 alone, motorcyclists were 27 times likelier to die in motorcycle accidents per vehicle mile traveled than were other types of motorists. People who survive motorcycle accidents are often left to contend with permanently disabling injuries. When motorcycle accidents happen, it is important for the victims and their families to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at our firm in La Jolla.
How often do motorcycle accidents happen?
2015 saw an 8 percent increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities. During that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4,976 Americans were killed in motorcycle accidents. In addition to the people who were killed, 88,000 people were injured. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14 percent of all of the fatalities and 4 percent of all of the injuries that resulted from motor vehicle accidents during 2015.
Are motorcyclists the most commonly at-fault parties?
A common misconception that is held by many people is that motorcyclists are risk-takers and are thus likelier to be at fault when they are involved in accidents. A large study called the Hurt Report showed that other motorists are actually responsible for causing the accidents with motorcycles in 66 percent of the cases.
Why are motorcycle accidents worse than other motor vehicle accidents?
Motorcycles are lighter and smaller than other vehicles and have extremely sensitive steering. The motorcyclists and passengers who ride on them have very little protection between them and the environment around them. When they are struck by other cars, they must absorb the strong forces that are released in the collision instead of having some of the forces absorbed by the metal frame of a vehicle. The steering makes motorcycles more difficult to control. If an inexperienced driver is startled, he or she may jerk the handles and lose control of the motorcycle.
What causes motorcycle accidents in La Jolla?
Motorcycle accidents may be caused by any of the following:
• Poorly maintained roads
• Debris left in roads
• Inattentive motorists
• Distracted drivers
• Speeding
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Failing to signal when changing lanes
• Following too closely
• Defective parts
The majority of motorcycle vs. car accidents happen when motorists pull out in front of oncoming motorcycles to turn left, causing the cyclists to crash into them.
Types of injuries that motorcyclists may sustain in accidents
It is common for motorcyclists to sustain numerous injuries when they are involved in crashes, including:
• Road rash
• Lower leg and foot injuries
• Fractures to the legs
• Pelvic fractures
• Amputations
• Abdominal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Rib fractures
• Hand and arm fractures
• Shoulder injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Neck and facial injuries
• Serious lacerations
• Head and brain injuries
• Skull fractures
When to contact a La Jolla motorcycle accident lawyer
California has a two-year limitations period for filing all types of personal injury claims, including those involving injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. If you wait to file your case until after this time has passed, you will be unable to recover compensation for your losses. You should contact an attorney as soon after your accident as possible so that he or she will have enough time to investigate the facts and file your complaint.
Contact our experienced La Jolla motorcycle accident lawyer
Recovering from motorcycle accident injuries may take significant time. It is important for you to be able to focus on getting better rather than on dealing with the insurance company. Contact us today to schedule your consultation so that we might be able to advocate for you.
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