San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that California comes in first of all the 50 states for having the highest number of registered motorcycles, with over 950,000 units. With these numbers in mind, it is crucial for motorcyclists to be more vigilant while on the road. The following are some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents:

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers put motorcyclists at great risk for motorcycle accidents while on the road. About 80% of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction.

Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn

Careless drivers that make a turn without noticing an oncoming motorcyclist are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. This negligence could lead to a head-on collision. Misjudging distance and right-of-way violations are some of the main reasons for these kinds of traffic collisions.

Driving Under the Influence

One of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents is drunk driving. According to the NSC, 27.35% of motorcycle crashes in 2020 involved drivers that were under the influence of alcohol.

Tailgating

Rear-end collisions often occur when one vehicle follows another vehicle too closely, and the leading vehicle stops abruptly. These types of accidents can cause severe injuries and motorcycle property damage.

Speeding

Speeding reduces the reaction time a motorcyclist has to react to oncoming dangers. In addition, speeding may cause catastrophic injuries due to the force created by the motorcyclist’s speed.

Lane Splitting

Motorcycle lane splitting, which is riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is only legal in California. Some researchers claim that this practice can improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. However, motorcycle lane splitting can also cause accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic.

Motorcycle Defects

If your or your loved one’s accident was caused by a defective motorcycle part, the manufacturer may be held responsible for the motorcycle accident victim’s personal injuries and damages. Motorcyclists must always ensure their motorcycle is kept in their best working condition.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Even though drivers are expected to be cautious while on the road, there are many conditions that can lead to accidents, such as poor lighting or lack of signage. These road hazards can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who may not have time to react safely if they are caught off guard.

Inexperienced Riders

Motorcycle riders who don’t have a lot of experience on the road are more likely to make risky decisions. It’s important to teach all new riders how to be safe on the road and how to drive responsibly.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to injuries in accidents compared to other motorists in passenger cars, this is due to a lack of protection. While wearing a helmet can help protect against some brain injuries, other parts of the body may still be seriously injured.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are:

1. Broken Bones

The most common fractures in a motorcycle accident are to the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone. These bones usually heal with time, surgery, and casting.

2. Spinal Cord Injury

Motorcycle accidents can often result in serious spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be extremely painful, and debilitating and may cause partial or total paralysis.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are the result of a sudden jolt or bump to the head. Symptoms of a mild head injury may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or difficulty maintaining balance. More severe symptoms can include unconsciousness, seizures, and drastic mood changes.

4. Loss of Limbs

Several factors may lead to the loss of a limb in a motorcycle accident. If the limbs are caught or crushed during the accident, they can be severed. Also, if the limbs are severely shattered, they may need to be amputated.

5. Road Rash

Road rash is an injury that often occurs from a motorcycle accident. It is caused by the skin scraping against a rough surface, typically the road. This can happen because motorcyclists don’t have enough protective gear on the road.

What Can Motorcyclists Do to Be Safer?

As previously mentioned, motorcyclists are more susceptible to accidents and sustaining various types of injuries. Therefore, motorcyclists must take more precautions when riding. The following are great tips to help avoid motorcycle accidents:

• Avoid speeding
• Always wear a U.S. DOT-certified motorcycle helmet and protective gear
• Do not be too confident while on the road
• Practice your riding skills in a safe environment
• Keep a reasonable distance between you and other motorists
• Do not ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Be on the lookout for dangerous road conditions
• Remember to do frequent checkups on your motorcycle and ensure that it is fit for travel

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?

The monetary compensation you may be entitled to will be dependent on several factors, such as the extent of injuries or damages. The compensatory damages you may be entitled to are:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Ongoing treatments
• Property damage
• Motorcycle repair
• Financial losses
• Physical pain
• Emotional pain
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• And more

If the motorcycle accident led to the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for their fatal injuries and damages. Our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers will help you and your family through the claims process.

Why Should You Hire a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

As the injury victim, it is your right to hold the responsible party liable for your motorcycle accident injuries and damages. Some accident victims may tend to think that handling their insurance claim on their own is the best course of action they can take. Although it may seem like the easiest course of action to take, this may not be ideal in the long run.

Dealing with a motorcycle injury claim can be complex, most especially while trying to recover from your injuries. This is where hiring a motorcycle accident attorney may be helpful.

At Farahi Law Firm, our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers will handle all the complex paperwork of your claim and deal with the insurance provider, so you don’t have to. We will put you in touch with the best doctors to help you through your recovery.

We will also determine the true value of your case and ensure that your rights are protected from insurance adjusters that may use your vulnerability to lowball you and avoid offering you a fair settlement.

Our legal team will fight to recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve.

Contact Experienced San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the actions of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to fair compensation. It is crucial that you obtain the legal services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through the process of your personal injury claim.

Do not hesitate to contact us at (619)-776-3851 for a free consultation today. We are available 24/7!