Dangers Motorcyclists Face on Los Angeles Highways
Riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car under any circumstances. On Los Angeles highways, riders may face even greater dangers. Commuter traffic, road construction, semi tractor-trailers on the road, and unexpected driving conditions can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash. Certain roads and highways in and around LA can be hazardous for motorcyclists, including I-405 near Long Beach.
Reasons Motorcyclists Are Involved in More Accidents
Motorcycle riders crash for a number of reasons, many of which involve car or truck driver negligence. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles. Automobile drivers may fail to see them in their blind spots. As they are looking for larger vehicles, drivers may simply fail to register a motorcycle in the roadway. Motorcycles are less stable than four-wheeled passenger vehicles. Riders may crash if they are forced to swerve or brake suddenly by the negligence of another driver.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen
Motorcycle accidents are common in California and throughout the nation. In a recent year, the motorcycle fatality rate was 58.33 per 100,000 registered vehicles, as compared to 6.80 for light trucks and 9.42 for passenger cars, as stated by the Insurance Information Institute (III). The following are some ways in which motorcycle accidents occur:
- Left turns at intersections: One of the most common types of motorcycle collisions happens when a driver turning left at an intersection pulls directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle traveling straight through the intersection on the green light.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers switching lanes may hit motorcycles when they fail to see them in their blind spots.
- Rear-end collisions: This type of crash is often caused by negligent driving behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, or driving distracted. When a car or a truck rear-ends a motorcycle, it can have catastrophic consequences.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way may T-bone motorcyclists at stop signs or intersections.
- Lane splitting accidents: Riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic is known as lane splitting, and this practice is legal in California. Drivers who are alcohol or drug impaired, distracted, drowsy, or violating traffic laws can cause lane splitting accidents in which motorcyclists are seriously injured.
- Hazardous road conditions: Motorcycles are lighter and less stable than passenger vehicles. Road hazards such as slippery surfaces, loose gravel, large potholes, uneven pavement, and debris in the road can lead to a crash.
Determining Liability for a Long Beach Motorcycle Crash
After a serious motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. Damages you may be entitled to claim may include medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning potential, scarring and disfigurement, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, and other losses. Insurance companies are motivated by profit and do not have your best interests at heart. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney representing you.
We have decades of experience at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. Our firm was founded in 2002. Mr. Low is rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo and has won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. He can investigate your motorcycle accident to determine fault and liability, assess the full extent of your damages, and effectively pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you have been seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, call us at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free initial consultation. We can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.