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A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. Not only can your injuries be devastating, but you may also suffer emotional pain, depression, and psychological scars due to the catastrophic nature of this type of accident.
Since 2015, there have been over 5,000 motorcycle accident fatalities every year across the nation. California saw nearly 10,600 motorcycle crashes in 2022 that resulted in over 8,500 injuries and over 530 fatalities. The Golden State reported the second-highest motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. that year.
Because the aftermath of a motorcycle crash can throw your life into turmoil, it’s important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney at Case Barnett Law. They have helped many Dana Point injured victims receive a fair settlement after a motorcycle crash.
Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
While whiplash and road rash can cause a crash victim a great deal of pain, these injuries are sometimes less severe than others that motorcyclists often suffer. Because a rider is not protected by the metal frame, airbags, and heavy doors of a car, they’re more susceptible to significant injuries when they’re thrown from their bikes, propelled into hard objects, or crushed by their own bike.
Common Data Point Motorcycle Crash Injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Leg and foot injuries
- Arm and hand injuries
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
Contact a Dana Point Attorney Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash
There are many reasons to contact an attorney following a motorcycle accident. Not only do they understand how devastating and overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be, but they also know that quick action following the accident can significantly impact your case. Obtaining legal representation has a variety of benefits.
Benefits of Hiring a Dana Point Motorcycle Crash Lawyer
- Communication with the insurance companies. A skilled Dana Point motorcycle accident attorney will handle all communication with insurance adjusters and the at-fault party’s lawyer. Because insurance companies are for-profit businesses, they will use dishonest and shady tactics to pay out as little as possible. This could mean getting you to make a recorded statement they will use against you later or asking for your full medical file. Your attorney will manage communication with all parties so you can focus on your recovery.
- Preservation of evidence. Evidence is very important in a motorcycle personal injury claim or lawsuit. Preserving that evidence can be critical, especially if it involves camera or video footage. It’s possible for that footage to be deleted or go missing, and attorneys understand how to help ensure that evidence is protected. Additionally, the sooner you hire a lawyer after the crash, the sooner they can gather the evidence critical to your case.
- No up-front fees. After a crash, you may face expensive medical bills and have to take time off work to recover. Our Dana Point attorney team understands that it can be difficult to pay these bills when you have no immediate income. Our personal injury attorney team works on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay us if you receive a settlement or judgment.
- Valuation of the claim. Our attorneys will look at your motorcycle personal injury claim and evaluate its worth. They will include all aspects of your case, including compensation for future or long-term care needs, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Helping you avoid mistakes. There are critical mistakes an injured victim can make that might damage their motorcycle personal injury claim. For example, you should never post information about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters dig for evidence that shows you’re not as injured as you say. If you post a photo of yourself at a party, even if you have a broken leg or another medical condition, the insurance company may claim that if you were well enough to attend the party, you weren’t really that hurt. Your attorney will advise you of many critical errors to avoid, including staying off social media.
California Motorcycle Accidents
Those who die in motorcycle accidents are primarily young people ages 25 to 29. In 2020, over 700 people in this demographic lost their lives. Often, young drivers don’t have enough motorcycle experience, and they are more likely to take risks that older drivers would not.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in California
- Distracted driving. California law considers distracted driving any behavior that takes a driver’s attention off the road. This can be texting, using a GPS system, changing the radio, or eating and drinking. Distractions can cause a vehicle driver to fail to see the motorcyclist.
- Tailgating. Some drivers tailgate motorcyclists or follow at an unsafe distance. If the motorcyclist must brake quickly, the car driver will rear-end the motorcyclist.
- Impaired driving. Reaction time and spatial judgment can be impaired if a vehicle driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Improper lane change. If a vehicle driver makes a lane change or turns without checking their mirrors or performing a head check, they can easily run into a motorcyclist.
- Failure to yield. This is a common cause of motorcycle crashes. When a car driver fails to yield, the motorcyclist with the right of way may be struck in a T-bone collision.
Important Statistics to Keep in Mind
- August is a dangerous month for motorcyclists. Statistics show that 14% of all motorcycle fatalities occur during August. This is likely due to the good summer riding weather when more motorcyclists are on the road.
- Rain is a deterrent. Very few motorcyclists are injured during rainy weather. Only 2% of motorcycle crashes occur in the rain.
- Weekend fatalities. Most motorcycle fatalities occur during 6-9 p.m. on weekends. During the week, fatalities happen between 3-6 p.m., when motorcyclists are more likely to be commuting from work.
- Motorcycle accidents at intersections. Some road locations are more dangerous than others for motorcyclists. More than one-third of fatalities happen at an intersection.
- Motorcycle fatalities have increased. Over the last decade, motorcycle crash deaths have increased by 20%. There are various reasons for this increase, including the greater number of distracted vehicle drivers and the larger size of passenger cars.
- Interstates are safer. The safest roads for motorcyclists are interstates, where just 8% of accidents occur. Most fatalities occur on non-interstate roads.
