Good News for Motorcycle Enthusiasts in California
The statistics for 2017 were just released regarding motorcycle fatalities across the nation, and there are only three states (and the District of Columbia) that saw more of a decrease than California. In fact, there were about 30% fewer fatal motorcycle accidents in the state of California than in 2016.
While this is good news indeed, we want to be sure that our clients are still using the safest practices while riding. For example, did you know that the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents don’t involve another driver? The biggest factor is speeding. So please be careful, obey the speed limits, and don’t ride faster than you feel comfortable with.
The Lane-Splitting Paradox
When California changed state driving laws to allow motorcyclists to engage in lane-splitting, people may have assumed that motorcycle accidents would increase. However, we can see that the opposite has occurred. While lane-splitting is not for every rider and should be done with extreme caution, the good news is that drivers seem to be paying more attention and watching for motorcycles more than before. Perhaps this is actually contributing to the decrease in fatal accidents.
Help for Motorcycle Accident Victims
While it is growing less common, there are still motorcycle accident victims who have been injured by distracted drivers. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact the Petrov Law Firm to see how we can help you to get the settlement that you deserve. We serve the Southern California area from our San Diego and Chula Vista offices, so call 619-344-0360 to schedule an appointment.
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Motorcycle Accident Deaths Rise—Car Accident Deaths Decline
Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities. During that same time period, car accident deaths decreased significantly (particularly between 2006 and 2011 before leveling off). If you look at the number of fatalities by the number of miles driven, motorcycles see about 27 times the deaths that cars do.
The most common fatal injury in motorcycle accidents is head trauma. Helmets only prevent about 37% of these deaths, but they do provide protection against 67% of injuries to the brain for surviving riders. The fact is that with no car to protect the body from injury, even a minor motorcycle accident can result in a great deal of damage.
Trauma, Medical Bills, and Insurance Adjustors
When you have been in a traumatic accident, you may be thankful just to have escaped with your life. After all, the odds are clearly not in the favor of motorcycle riders. The last thing you need after a near death experience is a pile of medical bills and insurance adjustors who want to give you the least amount of compensation possible.
Hiring a lawyer who is experienced in dealing with motorcycle accidents is a must to ensure that you get what you deserve from the insurance company. If medical bills are incurred, you lose work due to your injuries, or you experience pain and suffering due to the trauma, you may be entitled to additional compensation. We can help you determine where that compensation should be sought from and how much is reasonable to expect.
Don’t try to navigate the red tape of accident and personal injury law alone. If you have been hurt while driving a motorcycle, you may be due monetary damages, and we’re here to help.
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Staying Safe on a Motorcycle
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise, making motorcycle safety more important than ever. As a new motorcyclist, you should be aware of some essential life-saving tips. For seasoned drivers, it is always a good idea to be reminded of some precautions to take to stay safe on the road with other vehicles and drivers.
As a motorcyclist, you do not have the protection of a metal frame and automatic airbags around you. Therefore, safety on the road begins with you:
-Invest in your livelihood by taking a qualified motorcycle training course. Safety experts will provide you with hands-on instruction to help you avoid accidents.
-Wear protective equipment when riding. Helmets save lives so be sure to pick one that provides optimum protection. Motorcycle riding clothes are specially designed to help break your tumbles and bumps and act as a tough outer layer. Having brightly colored pieces also does not hurt. This gets others to notice you on the road as a good number of accidents occur due to drivers not seeing or noticing the motorcyclist. Being properly equipped to ride can be the difference between life and death.
On the road, there are many objects, both moving and static, that can inflict severe harm on you should you collide with them:
-Assume you are invisible. The unfortunate reality is that most vehicle drivers do not always pay attention or notice motorcyclists sharing the road with them. Use defensive driving techniques and keep a safe distance away from drivers who seem distracted (whether it be with other passengers, on the phone, or listening to loud music).
-Avoid driving in others’ blind spots.
-At a red traffic light or stop sign, pull to one side of the lane to avoid being accidentally rear-ended by the unaware motorist coming from behind.
-Proceed through intersections with caution and if possible, ride alongside a large vehicle for cover.
-Always have an escape route to either side should other drivers behave unpredictably.
There are many ways to stay safe on the road as a motorcyclist. Of course, mastering safe driving techniques comes with experience. Your life is more valuable than your bike so if you come across a situation where your bike can act as a buffer and you can safely get away on foot, do so without hesitation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer and receive advice on how to proceed. Motorcyclists tend to sustain severe injuries when they get into an accident so it is important to seek legal counsel to ensure all dimensions of the case are addressed and taken care of.
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