Visalia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents in Visalia

Several factors could lead to this type of accident. It is beneficial to be aware of these factors to help motorists be more vigilant on the road. Here our Visalia motorcycle accident attorneys outline the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents:

Lane Splitting

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

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of most kinds of road accidents. Speeding reduces the reaction time a motorist may have to notice and respond to an oncoming hazard. Speeding can also cause catastrophic injuries due to the force created by the speed of the vehicle.

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. This puts motorcyclists at greater risk for danger. 

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. Driving while under the influence will heavily cloud the judgment of any driver regardless of how experienced they believe themselves to be under these substances. 

Cars Making a Left-Hand Turn

Motorcycles are often involved in accidents when drivers fail to see them. When careless drivers make a turn without noticing an oncoming motorcyclist it could lead to a head-on collision. Distance misjudgments, right-of-way violations, and driver negligence are some of the main reasons for these kinds of traffic accidents. 

Tailgating

Rear end collisions are often the result of tailgating or the act of following too closely behind another vehicle. Abrupt stops cause motorcyclists to sustain serious injuries and property damage from these types of accidents. 

Dangerous Road Conditions

Even roads, poor lighting, lack of signage, and many other factors increase the likelihood of vehicle accidents due to a driver’s loss of control. These poor road conditions can catch motorcyclists off guard causing them to make sudden possibly unsafe decisions. 

Motorcycle Defects

If the accident was caused by a defective motorcycle part, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident victim’s injuries and damages. This is why it is advised to always ensure your motorcycle is always kept in its best working condition. 

Inexperienced Riders

Motorcycle riders who lack experience on the road are prone to making risky decisions. It is a must to teach all new riders road safety habits and responsible driving. 

Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Due to their lack of protection, motorcycle riders are more susceptible to common accident injuries compared to individuals in passenger cars. Although the use of a helmet can protect a rider from some head injuries, the rest of their body could still sustain severe injuries. 

Knowing what kind of injuries one might have sustained from a motorcycle accident is a good step toward obtaining the appropriate medical care. 

1. Traumatic brain injury 

Head injuries, also known as traumatic brain injuries, are the result of a jolt or violent blow to the head. Mild traumatic brain injuries may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or loss of balance. More severe symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, and mood swings. 

2. Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are often very painful and may lead to partial or total paralysis. This injury can be extremely debilitating and could lead to missed days of work and mounting medical bills. 

3. Broken Bones

In a motorcycle accident, the most common bones that fracture are the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone. Some of these bone breaks may heal in time through casting and surgery. 

4. Road rash

Road rash is an injury often resulting from a motorcycle accident. It is a friction burn or abrasion, the result is the skin scraping off from a certain area of the body. This often happens because motorcyclists lack protection from the rough surface of the road. 

5. Loss of limbs

There are several factors that can contribute to the loss of a limb. Upper or lower extremity limbs can be severed if impinged during the accident. A limb may also need amputation if shattered beyond repair. 

In some worst-case scenarios, some accidents may lead to fatal injuries. If your loved one has passed in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of a liable party you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover fair compensation for your loved one’s injuries and damages. 

Although no amount of money is enough to make up for the death of a loved one, these accident settlements are made to alleviate the hardship the family goes through. Fees such as burial expenses are part of these compensatory damages.

What Can Motorcyclists Do to Be Safer On The Road? 

Motorcyclists are an overrepresented sector in motor vehicle accidents. For this reason, motorcyclists should take extra precautions when on the road. The following safety tips are great steps to take in 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, it is within your right to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your accident-related injuries and damages. It is not uncommon for accident victims to think that the best course of action would be to handle their motorcycle accident injury claim. Although this may seem like the easiest course of action, this may not be ideal in the long run. 

Cases such as these can be complicated and stressful. Especially when trying to recover from an injury. Therefore, a personal injury victim must obtain legal representation from experienced Visalia motorcycle accident lawyers to help guide them through their personal injury claim. 

At Farahi Law Firm, our bike crash accident lawyers will not only take care of all the paperwork of your case but also ensure that you receive the best medical care in California. Our team will fight tooth and nail to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages. 

We will also determine the true value of your case and safeguard your rights from insurance adjusters who may seek to lowball you by lowering the value of your claim. 

Experienced Visalia 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 eligible for compensation. To ensure that you recover the maximum settlement amount, you must hire a Visalia motorcycle accident lawyer to help guide you through the process of your claim for damages. 

Contact us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation. Do not hesitate to reach us. We are available 24/7.