Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Help
More than seven million motorcycles were on the road in the United States in 2007, according to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Meanwhile, motorcycle fatalities rose to more than five thousand in 2007, which was highest level recorded since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) began collecting data in 1975.
Milton & DeKruif are experienced motorcycle accident lawyers that know how to help you get the settlement or damages you deserve. Contact our attorneys to get help with a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Motorcycles generally do involve greater safety risks for their riders because they are less visible to other drivers and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. Motorcycles also often have extreme performance capabilities, including the ability to accelerate rapidly and maintain high speeds.
This means they are also considerably more vulnerable to weather hazards and road conditions, though—all of which can lead to accidents.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles and other parts of the country include the following:
- Crashes involving other vehicles: about 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. It is not uncommon for the driver of an automobile or truck to not see a motorcycle and change lanes or turn into its path.
- Single-bike accidents: although most police reports will indicate the rider to be at fault in a single-bike accident, much of the time the accident is caused by road debris or other obstacles or hazards.
- Rear-end collisions: motorcycles are at a high risk of being rear-ended by heavier vehicles that cannot stop as quickly.
- U-turns: many car drivers do not look for oncoming traffic when making u-turns.
- Road debris: grease, motor oil, loose pavement, uneven surfaces, and potholes can all cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash.
- Car doors opening unexpectedly: many people exiting their cars do not look for oncoming motorcycles before swinging their doors open.
- Rope or chains across paths: some property owners illegally place chains and ropes across trails in an attempt to keep bikers away. Property owners are not allowed to install such traps and can be held liable for any accident caused by doing so.
Improving Motorcycle Safety
Certain steps have been taken to improve motorcycle safety. Organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, offer safety training and education training courses to improve rider driving skills and knowledge of safety techniques. Motorcycle manufacturers have also begun to include anti-lock brakes and airbags in models. Anti-lock brakes have been found to improve safety. In comparison, there has not been sufficient data to demonstrate the effectiveness of airbags in reducing injuries.
Helmet Laws
Helmets are a step that has been proven effective in improving motorcycle safety. The NHSTA reports that in 2007, motorcycle helmets saved 1,784 lives and it estimates that if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, 800 more lives would have been saved. Moreover, a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine refuted arguments that helmet use increased the risk of neck injuries. The study proved that helmets reduce head injuries, without increasing the occurrence of spinal injuries, in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Nationwide, laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 20 states and the District of Columbia, and 27 states have helmet laws to a more limited extent (typically certain age requirements are in place for helmet usage). In contrast, three states (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire) do not have motorcycle helmet use laws in place. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Safety Loss Data Institute has further information on helmet use laws throughout the country.
Unfortunately, safety measures have not eliminated the possibility of motorcycle accidents, though.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, contact Milton & DeKruif, Attorneys at Law, for assistance.
