Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney
What Should You Do After a Long Beach Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles, while fun, have a dangerous reputation. Their size, weight, and lack of protection compared to automobiles means that riders have a much higher risk of sustaining serious bodily injuries when involved in an accident. Depending on the individual circumstances, victims of a motorcycle accident may be able to recover damages for things such as medical expenses, lost earnings, lost future income, and even emotional pain and suffering.
If you’ve been the victim in a motorcycle accident in Long Beach, the first thing you’ll want to do is to try and hold the right parties accountable. Whether your crash was due to someone else’s distracted driving, intoxicated driving, or another form of negligence, it’s important that you speak with an experienced Long Beach personal injury attorney who can guide you towards the best possible legal outcome.
What Are Some Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Thanks to motorcycle helmet laws, riders in the state of California are better protected than those in other states that allow riders to operate motorcycles without a helmet. But, it doesn’t prevent them from other dangers. Some of the most common injuries you can receive in a motorcycle accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Burn injury
- Injuries to the neck and face
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations
- Road rash or degloving
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can have any number of causes. In order to hold another party liable in a motorcycle accident, it must be shown that the other party acted in a negligent manner, and their negligence directly caused your injuries. Some examples of driver’s negligence include:
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Overloaded cargo on a commercial vehicle
In general, to make a successful claim of negligence, there are multiple elements that must be proven. First, it must be shown that the defendant had a responsibility to be reasonably careful. This is applicable to essentially every driver on the road, and it just means they are required to obey all traffic rules. Then, the defendant must have neglected to follow these rules, and this negligence directly caused your injuries. Once these items are proven, the defendant will be held liable.
What About Motorcycle Accidents Due to a Defective Part?
Sometimes a motorcycle accident occurs not because of any act of the driver, but because of a defective part in the motorcycle. This falls under the realm of product liability and it can easily become a complicated legal affair. Some examples of common motorcycle parts that can fail include:
- Brake system
- Steering mechanism
- Tires
- Fuel system
- Clutch
If you suspect that a defective part on your motorcycle caused your accident, you should be in contact with a Long Beach motorcycle defect attorney who understands how to navigate the legal environment. Attorney Joseph H. Low IV can help you by analyzing evidence to identify the precise area in which the malfunction occurred. If you can show that the accident was caused by an equipment or design failure, the manufacturer is liable and you could receive the proper financial compensation you deserve.
Work with an Experienced Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A motorcycle accident can permanently impact your way of life. In many cases, injuries from a crash are so severe that the victims are unable to return to work, and they must undergo extensive physical therapy in order to achieve some semblance of their life prior to the accident.
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV understands this turmoil. Attorney Joseph H. Low IV is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get on the path towards healing by providing the guidance and resources necessary to fight your case. Don’t let the negligence of another person affect your life any more than it must. Contact Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 to get started.
Additional Information
- The Hazards of Road Rash
- Dangers Motorcyclists Face on Los Angeles Highways
- Laying a Bike Down and No Contact Motorcycle Accidents Explained
- Why You Should Always Consider Road Rash a Serious Injury
- Motorcycle Safety | NHTSA