MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

For a Motorcyclist, There is Rarely Such a Thing as a Minor Accident

Motorcyclists are completely exposed. Even in low-speed collisions, motorcyclists often fly off their bikes. When motorcyclists are involved in higher-speed accidents or collisions with cars, the results are often catastrophic.

Sharing the Road With Motorists

Most motorcyclists know the challenges of sharing the road with other motorists. Many things that motorists do (or do not do) can put motorcyclists at risk:

• Failing to look before changing lanes
• Failing to check blind spots
• Failing to give motorcyclists a full lane
• Failing to signal a turn
• Tailgating

In general, when drivers do not pay enough attention to motorcyclists riding on the road with them, accidents happen. These individuals can be held liable when their actions or negligence results in injuries or death.

What Causes Motorcycle Crashes in Southern California?

Motorcycle involved fatalities have more than doubled since 1997.  Motorcyclist fatalities now account for more than 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. 

Motorcycle Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating. The cyclist almost always flies off of the motorcycle on impact. This can result in serious, life-changing injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Compound bone fractures
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Road rash

When an accident is caused by another person’s mistake, the victim should not have to worry about the financial ramifications of the accident. Accident victims may have medical needs that span a lifetime. Compensation should be sought to cover every expense – medical or otherwise – associated with the accident.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is common in motorcycle crashes. Even if the rider wore a helmet, an impact at almost any speed will cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to a concussion. (Concussion severity will vary from accident to accident.) In serious cases, blunt force trauma may cause bleeding and the necessity of emergency medical intervention. TBI in its mildest form can lead to temporary headache and dizziness, among other symptoms; severe TBI can lead to permanent cognitive damage (a vegetative state), coma or death. TBI is common in motorcycle crashes because the only thing separating the rider’s head from outside forces is the helmet – and sometimes not even that.