Visalia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents in Visalia

Several factors can lead to this type of accident. Because awareness helps motorists stay more vigilant on the road, it is worth understanding these causes. Below, our Visalia motorcycle accident attorneys outline the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents:

Lane Splitting

Despite being illegal in all 49 other states, California remains the only state where lane splitting is permitted. Some researchers claim that lane splitting improves roadway safety and reduces traffic. Nevertheless, lane splitting can still cause traffic collisions, especially on heavily congested roadways.

Speeding

Excessive speed ranks among the most common causes of road accidents. Notably, driving too fast reduces the reaction time a motorist has to notice and respond to an oncoming hazard. Furthermore, the force generated at high speeds can cause catastrophic injuries.

Distracted Driving

The risk of a motorcycle accident increases dramatically when drivers are distracted. In fact, 80% of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction. As a result, motorcyclists face an even greater risk of harm.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, is one of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents. In fact, 27.35% of all motorcycle accidents in 2020 involved a drunk driver. Ultimately, driving under the influence clouds the judgment of any driver, regardless of how experienced they believe they are.

Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn

Motorcycles are often involved in accidents when drivers simply fail to see them. For example, when a careless driver turns without noticing an oncoming motorcyclist, the result can be a head-on collision. In particular, distance misjudgments, right-of-way violations, and driver negligence are among the main reasons for these crashes.

Tailgating

Rear-end collisions are often the result of tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle. Consequently, abrupt stops can cause motorcyclists to sustain serious injuries and property damage.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Uneven roads, poor lighting, and a lack of signage all increase the likelihood of a crash by causing a driver to lose control. As a result, these poor road conditions can catch motorcyclists off guard and force them into sudden, potentially unsafe decisions.

Motorcycle Defects

If a defective motorcycle part causes an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. For this reason, riders should always keep their motorcycle in the best possible working condition.

Inexperienced Riders

Motorcycle riders who lack experience on the road are more prone to risky decisions. Therefore, every new rider should learn safe road habits and responsible driving.

Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Because of their lack of protection, motorcycle riders are more susceptible to serious injuries than people in passenger cars. Although a helmet can protect a rider from some head injuries, the rest of the body can still sustain severe harm.

In addition, knowing what kind of injuries a rider may suffer in a motorcycle accident is an important step toward getting the right medical care.

1. Traumatic brain injury

Head injuries, also known as traumatic brain injuries, result from a jolt or violent blow to the head. For instance, mild traumatic brain injuries may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or loss of balance. By contrast, more severe symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, and mood swings.

2. Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are often extremely painful and may lead to partial or total paralysis. As a result, this kind of injury can be debilitating and may lead to missed work and mounting medical bills.

3. Broken Bones

In a motorcycle accident, the bones most likely to fracture are the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone. Fortunately, some of these breaks can heal over time through casting and surgery.

4. Road rash

Road rash is a common injury that often results from a motorcycle accident. Specifically, it is a friction burn or abrasion that occurs when skin scrapes against a surface. This frequently happens because motorcyclists lack protection from the rough surface of the road.

5. Loss of limbs

Several factors can contribute to the loss of a limb. For example, an accident can sever an upper or lower extremity that becomes trapped on impact. In some cases, a limb may also require amputation if the crash shatters it beyond repair.

In the worst-case scenarios, some accidents may lead to fatal injuries. If a liable party’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This claim can help recover fair compensation for their injuries and damages.

Although no amount of money can make up for the death of a loved one, these settlements aim to ease the hardship a family goes through. For example, burial expenses are often part of these compensatory damages.

What Can Motorcyclists Do to Be Safer On The Road?

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in motor vehicle accidents. For this reason, they should take extra precautions on the road. Specifically, the following safety tips are great steps toward avoiding motorcycle accidents:

• Avoid going over the speed limit
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear
• Don’t be overconfident when on the road
• Practice your riding skills in a safe space
• Remember to maintain a reasonable distance between other vehicles
• Do not ride when under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Be vigilant of hazards and poor road conditions
• Make sure that your motorcycle is in perfect condition, and do regular checkups

Why Should You Hire a Visalia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

As the injured party, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your accident-related injuries and damages. Understandably, many accident victims think the best course of action is to handle their motorcycle accident injury claim on their own. However, although this may seem like the easiest path, it is often not ideal in the long run.

Cases like these can be complicated and stressful, especially when you are also trying to recover from an injury. Therefore, an injured person should obtain legal representation from experienced Visalia motorcycle accident lawyers who can guide them through the personal injury claim.

At Farahi Law Firm, our bike crash accident lawyers handle all the paperwork in your case. They also help ensure you receive quality medical care here in California. Moreover, our team will work diligently to pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages. That said, every outcome depends on the specific facts of the case.

In addition, we will determine the true value of your case and manage all communications with the insurance companies, protecting your rights throughout the process.

Experienced Visalia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If a negligent driver injured you or a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. To recover a fair settlement, you should hire a Visalia motorcycle accident lawyer who can guide you through your claim. Keep in mind, though, that results vary depending on the details of each case.

Contact us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation. Again, please do not hesitate to reach us, and remember that our team is available 24/7.