Lancaster Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents

There are several factors that may lead to a motorcycle accident. Awareness of these factors will help drivers be more vigilant while on the road. Our Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyers have outlined some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

Lane Splitting

Despite being prohibited in many places, lane splitting is still allowed in California. Some researchers have suggested that this practice may increase road safety as well as reduce traffic congestion. On the other hand, it can also be a source of accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

Inexperienced Riders

Novice motorcycle riders can often make unsafe choices when out on the road. That is why it is important to properly instruct all new riders in good driving practices and emphasize safe behavior while on the road.

Distracted Driving

Motorcycle collisions are often attributed to distracted drivers. In 2020, a total of 3,142 people were killed in road accidents which were caused by distracted drivers.

Speeding

The reckless act of driving above the speed limit can lead to a lack of reaction time when approaching oncoming hazards. At higher speeds, there is an increased chance of sustaining severe injuries should an accident occur.

Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn

When drivers fail to see motorcyclists, they may often cause accidents. When drivers don’t pay attention, it can result in a collision with an unsuspecting motorcyclist. If a driver isn’t mindful and makes a turn without taking into account the presence of an approaching motorcyclist, they may cause a head-on crash. Common causes of these accidents include failing to properly measure distance, disregarding right-of-way rules, irresponsible driving, and blind spots.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. According to the NSC, 27.35% of all motorcycle accidents in 2020 impaired an alcohol-impaired driver. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a motor vehicle driver’s judgment and decision-making skills become greatly impaired, making them less capable of navigating the road safely.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, insufficient signage, and many other elements can lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles and resulting in accidents. Dangerous road conditions can catch motorcyclists by surprise, putting them in a difficult situation where they may have to make quick decisions that could be potentially dangerous.

Tailgating

Rear-end collisions are often the result of tailgating. Tailgating is the act of driving too closely to the vehicle in front. When a driver makes a sudden stop, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to personal injuries due to these collisions as well as damage to their motorcycles.

Motorcycle Defects

If your accident was caused by a motorcycle defect, the manufacturer may be the liable party. Therefore, it is crucial that you keep your motorcycle in good condition to avoid potential accidents.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are more prone to sustaining serious injuries in accidents than those who travel in cars due to their lack of protection. Although helmets can help reduce the risk of head trauma, riders may still incur significant damage to other parts of their body.

It is beneficial to be aware of the type of injuries that may have been caused by a motorcycle crash in order to get the right medical treatment.

1. Broken bones – In motorcycle accidents, the most commonly fractured bones are typically found in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. In order to heal such fractures, medical treatment may involve casting and surgical procedures.
2. Traumatic brain injury – Traumatic brain injuries, or head injuries, are caused by a violent jolt or strong impact on the head. A mild concussion may result in symptoms such as disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness. More serious signs may include loss of consciousness, seizures, and changes in behavior.
3. Loss of limbs – Catastrophic motorcycle accidents can cause the amputation of limbs, either partial or complete. If a limb is severely damaged, it may need to be removed entirely in order to avoid further complications or future health issues. In such cases, surgeons will assess the severity of the injury and decide if amputation is necessary.
4. Spinal cord injury – Damage to the spinal cord often causes intense discomfort and can result in partial or full paralysis. Such an injury is extremely debilitating, and may result in lost wages due to missed working days, as well as costly medical expenses.
5. Road rash – Motorcycle accidents can cause a type of injury known as road rash. This is an abrasion or burn caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface, such as the pavement when skidding on the road. The lack of protective clothing on motorcyclists makes them more susceptible to this kind of injury.

In some unfortunate cases, a motorcycle accident can result in the wrongful death of an accident victim. If a family member has passed away due to the carelessness of a negligent party, you may be able to pursue legal action and file a wrongful death claim. This would entitle you to receive financial compensation for your loved one’s injuries and losses.

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, this settlement offer is meant to help motorcycle accident victims’ families with financial burdens that may have occurred due to the accident.

Safety Tips For Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are disproportionately involved in motor vehicle collisions, making it necessary for them to take extra precautions on the roads. To help prevent motorcycle accidents, it is recommended that riders follow these safety tips:

• Refrain from going over the speed limit
• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet and protective gear
• Don’t be overconfident while on the road
• Enhance your riding skills in a safe environment
• Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and other vehicles
• Do not ride while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Be on the lookout for poor road conditions and hazards
• Keep your motorcycle in perfect condition

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Accident injury victims can accumulate exorbitant medical bills and damages due to the accident. As the injured party, you are entitled to fair compensation to help cover these damages.

You may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical care expenses
• Future medical costs
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Other financial losses incurred due to the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of quality of life

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Farahi Law Firm Today!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of the responsible party, it is in your best interest to obtain the legal services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you file a valid personal injury claim.

At Farahi Law Firm, our Lancaster motorcycle accident lawyers will aggressively fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages. Not only will we handle the complexities of your case, but we will also ensure you receive the medical attention you need to recover from your injuries.

Our team of skilled attorneys, doctors, and case managers is here for you. We are committed to winning, and we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients.

We also work on a contingency basis and offer a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.

Contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7. Your justice is our cause!