Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Southern California’s incredible weather and the breathtaking scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway make it no surprise that motorcycle riding is among the favorite pastimes of Newport Beach residents. But as of 2016, California ranked in the top 15 of the 50 states in motorcycle accident fatalities, with deaths up 6 percent from 2015. Many causes of motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries or disabilities that leave area motorcyclists in need of a lawyer. If you find yourself in this situation and need a knowledgeable attorney you can trust to explain your legal rights, Jamal Injury Law P.C. can help.

The statistics regarding motorcycle accidents in California are grim to say the least. In 2016, motorcycle deaths in California comprised over 15 percent of the total number of motor vehicle deaths in the state. In addition, the state Department of Motor Vehicles reported that 566 motorcyclists were killed in California, with the number of fatalities rising 11 percent from 2015. In addition, more than 14,000 motorcyclists were injured that year.

With statistics like these, it is crucial that Long Beach motorcyclists understand that serious injuries are a common occurrence. By being aware of the causes of motorcycle accidents, they may potentially be able to avoid them.

While some motorcycle accidents occur when the driver hits a stationary object, many occur due to negligent drivers of other vehicles. In legal terms, a driver is acting negligently if they fail to act with the same level of care that another driver would use in the same situation and their careless actions result in an injury to the motorcyclist.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Left-hand turns at busy intersections
• Head-on collisions
• Failure to yield
• Lane splitting, where a motorcyclist uses the space between two lands to pass slow-moving or stopped vehicles
• Speeding
• Distracted drivers
• Tailgating
• Drugs and alcohol
• Poorly maintained roads
• Road rage

As experienced area lawyers, the team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. has seen that some of the worst Long Beach motorcycle injuries result from head-on collisions with negligent drivers. In fact, this type of collision accounts for over 50% of all motorcycle accident fatalities nationwide.

In a scenario like this, the motorcyclist is often thrown from their bike and into another object or vehicle. Even when victims survive this type of accident, they are often left with seriously debilitating injuries that result in costly medical treatments, time off work, pain and suffering, and more. In cases like these, it is essential to work with an experienced Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer who will help you recover the damages you are entitled to.

After a motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you seek prompt medical care and get immediate legal advice. Since there are statutes of limitations for all personal injury cases, putting the legal process in motion sooner rather than later is in your best interest. In addition, if you live in the area, it’s advisable to work with a local Newport Beach lawyer that is familiar with local laws and courts.

Suliman Jamal and his team of seasoned attorneys have successfully handled many area motorcycle accident cases and will dedicate themselves to helping you recover maximum compensation for your losses. Contact the team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. today for a free consultation.