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Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Helping Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Victims Get the Resources They Need

Motorcycles, while fun, have a dangerous reputation. Their size, weight, and lack of protection compared to automobiles mean that riders face 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 of a motorcycle accident in Long Beach, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. Whether your crash was due to someone else’s distracted driving, intoxicated driving, or another form of negligence, it’s important to speak with an experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer who can guide you toward the best possible legal outcome. Our firm has been getting justice for accident victims in Long Beach for over 20 years, and we have a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating.

Call us at (562) 901-0840 for a FREE case evaluation today.

What Are Some Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

A lot of people in California choose to ride motorcycles because they’re economical and leave a much smaller carbon footprint than cars, trucks, and SUVs. However, there are safety concerns for motorcyclists.

According to Forbes Magazine, 5579 people were killed in motorcycle crashes in a recent year. Even though only three percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles, 18 percent of crash fatalities result from motorcycle accidents.

Thanks to motorcycle helmet laws, riders in California are better protected than those in other states that allow riders to operate motorcycles without a helmet. But, it doesn’t protect them from other dangers. Some of the most common injuries you can sustain in a motorcycle accident include:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord damage
Burn injury
Broken bones
Road rash or degloving
Injuries to the neck and face
Severe lacerations

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

The number one cause of injuries and fatalities for motorcycle riders is careless drivers who don’t follow the rules. Another major problem is drivers failing to look out for motorcycles. When crashes occur, motorcycle riders and their passengers are much more vulnerable than occupants of motor vehicles who have seatbelts, airbags, and reinforced cabins to protect them.

Even when you wear a helmet, gloves, and other motorcycle gear, you are still at the mercy of drivers who make bad decisions. Frequent causes of collisions between cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and motorcycles include:

DUI. Drivers under the influence are more likely to break the laws in other ways, such as speeding and disobeying traffic regulations. Intoxicated drivers suffer from impaired depth perception, reflexes, and judgment, making them a menace to everyone on the road.
Speeding. When drivers ignore the posted speed limits, they have less time to react to hazards, and this frequently causes crashes. Injuries suffered by motorcycle riders due to speeding drivers are more likely to result in severe injuries.
Unsafe turns. When drivers fail to make sure there’s no oncoming traffic before making a left turn, it has devastating consequences for motorcycle riders. Drivers also need to keep an eye out for motorcycles when making right turns.
Distracted driving. California has a hands-free law that makes it illegal to use a handheld device for talking, texting, watching videos, using social media, or playing video games while operating a motor vehicle. Sadly, a lot of drivers ignore this law, and it only takes a moment of inattention to cause a crash that severely injures a motorcycle rider.
Dooring. Motorcycle riders have no time to react when drivers and driver-side passengers open their vehicles without looking to see if someone is coming. This causes riders to lose control of their vehicles, and deadly crashes will often result as the bike crashes or is forced into traffic.
Running traffic lights and signs. This is totally unexpected, and motorcycle riders are defenseless when drivers at intersections have no regard for the safety of others.
Overloaded cargo on a commercial vehicle decreases the driver’s stopping time and drastically increases the level of impact when a truck or van crashes into a motorcycle.

What To Do After a Long Beach Motorcycle Accident

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and assist your motorcycle accident lawyer when they file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.

Dial 911.
Take pictures of the accident scene using your cell phone camera.
Visit your doctor right away.
Keep records of all medical appointments.
Don’t talk about accident details with friends.
Don’t discuss the accident on social media.
Don’t make statements to an insurance agent or sign any forms.
Contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV.

When Defective Parts Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Sometimes, a motorcycle accident occurs not because of any act of the driver but because of a defective part of the motorcycle. This situation falls under the realm of product liability, and it can easily become a complicated legal affair. Some examples of motorcycle parts that can fail include:

Brake system
Steering mechanism
Tires
Fuel system
Clutch

If you suspect that a defective part of your motorcycle caused your accident, you should be in contact with a Long Beach motorcycle defect attorney who can skillfully navigate your personal injury claim. Attorney Joseph Low 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 would be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney Is Working for You

Like any other business, insurance companies want to keep costs down. That’s why insurance agents do everything they can to deny your claims and minimize your damages. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV will investigate your accident and file a claim that covers the true cost of your injuries. If the insurance company won’t make a reasonable offer, Mr. Low is always prepared to take them to court.

A claim or lawsuit for a motorcycle injury accident may include the following types of damages:

Current and future medical bills
Ambulance costs
Emergency room treatment
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Reduced quality of life
Income replacement
Disfigurement
Surgery
Assisted living care
Medical devices
Wrongful death

The Important Role of Your Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident can permanently impact your way of life. In many cases, injuries from a crash are so severe that 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.

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 every driver on the road, and it 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.

The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV understands the life-altering turmoil a motorcycle accident can cause. Head attorney Joseph Low is dedicated to helping you and your loved ones start the path to recovery by providing the guidance and resources necessary to fight your case. We believe that if someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injuries, they should have to pay for it.

Call Today for a FREE Consultation—Let’s See How We Can Help

At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we provide superior legal representation in personal injury matters. Our Long Beach legal team believes negligent individuals and companies should be held accountable for their actions, and we are relentless when pursuing compensation for our clients.

Mr. Low is, first and foremost, a trial lawyer who has successfully tried cases in 14 states. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us at (562) 901-0840 to schedule a free consultation today.

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"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.