Glendale Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycles are on roadways across the country, especially in warmer states like California, where the weather allows for year-round leisurely riding and daily transportation. Though most riders follow safety laws, motorcycle accidents still occur.
When they do, motorcyclists need the help of a trusted personal injury attorney in their corner to fight for their rights and appropriate compensation. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Glendale Law Firm do just that, so that justice can be served.
In the majority of motorcycle collisions ending with significant injuries or death to the motorcyclist, the other vehicle occupants are far less impacted, if at all. Let’s face it, a helmet and motorcycle are no match for the force of a car, truck, or SUV.
We all know that some accidents truly cannot be avoided. The truth is that many could have been avoided if the negligent driver just made better choices, like:
- Checking their blind spot
- Obeying the speed limit
- Checking again before pulling into traffic
- Obeying traffic signs, lights, and signals
- Not driving while distracted or distressed
- Not driving while intoxicated or fatigued
- Driving responsibly, not recklessly or carelessly
Though all collisions are scary, motorcyclists seem to suffer the most when involved in an accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys who can help you get compensation from the party responsible for your pain and suffering.
We have been down this road before and helped many people just like you who have fallen victim to the irresponsible choices made by another driver before or after getting behind the wheel. You deserve qualified representation. Call Glendale Law Firm today and speak with one of our injury attorneys for a free case review at (818) 818-1948.
You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in the State of California
You have been injured in a motorcycle accident and ask yourself:
- Won’t my insurance company do all the work?
- Do I really need an attorney to help me with this case?
Yes, you really do need an attorney! In large part, because insurance companies do the minimal work required and are interested in their own bottom line.
What you SHOULD be asking yourself:
- Do I have the experience and resources necessary to get the compensation I deserve?
- Do insurance companies have my best interest in mind?
You are bright and resourceful, but simply do not have the years of practice that motorcycle accident lawyers do. They know how to investigate and file your case and when deadlines need to be met. Injury attorneys are fully equipped to fight against insurance companies or even larger opponents.
At Glendale Law Firm, we know who you are up against and what to expect. Unlike insurance companies, we are interested in getting you the maximum settlement you deserve, so that you can focus on your recovery. Trust that we will show you how your best interest is our top priority.
Motorcycle Safety
Is There Specific Safety Gear a Motorcyclist Should Wear?
Wearing appropriate safety gear is imperative when riding a motorcycle. Oftentimes, the extent of injury a motorcyclist faces in a collision is determined by what they are wearing. This gear might quite literally be the difference between life and death.
Helmets
Across the United States, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is the law in all but a few states. With nearly 800,000 registered motorcycle drivers, it is no wonder the state of California requires helmets that are U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant. Here’s why… In most motorcycle accidents:
- Serious and fatal injuries are caused by head trauma.
- Head injuries are reduced when a proper helmet is worn.
- The driver is close to home, where the speed is 30 mph or less. At these low speeds, a helmet is likely to fully protect the rider’s head.
With a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet, you are three times more likely to survive a head injury. It is important to note that non-compliant U.S. DOT helmets are not sufficient to withstand impact as well as DOT-compliant helmets. This is due to size, strength, and level of protective padding. So, when purchasing a helmet, be sure you see DOT from the manufacturer on the back.
Clothing
In addition to helmets, drivers and riders should wear face and eye protection that is free of scratches and cracks, as well as protective clothing, such as:
- Leather Jacket
- Long-sleeved Jacket
- Bright Colors or Reflective Material/Tape
- Long, Heavy Pants
- Closed-toe Boots that cover the ankle
- Full Leather Gloves
This clothing helps the riders to be fully covered and more easily seen. Equally important to safety gear for a motorcyclist is safely operating the vehicle.
(Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles)
What Rules Do Motorcycle Drivers Need to Follow for Safety?
While many states have similar laws for motorcycle drivers, it is important to your safety to follow the laws of the specific state in which you are driving. Crossing the border into another state means driving laws have likely changed, and you need to comply. Researching the regulations before your trip and ensuring you have proper licensure is vital to your safe travels. It is also imperative that you:
- Follow all traffic laws, including, lights, signals, and signs
- Use turn signals when turning, changing lanes and merging
- Wear proper safety gear and clothing that makes you more visible
- Follow the speed limit and do not drive recklessly
- Do not ever operate a motorcycle when distracted, drowsy, or fatigued
- Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Ride in the center of your lane
- Always be scanning the path ahead and be prepared to act
- Leave ample space between you and all other vehicles
- Be aware of open (or potential of opening) car doors
The state of California also requires a completed Basic Rider Course for all applicants wishing to drive a motorcycle prior to getting their license. It is also strongly suggested, though not mandatory, that all motorcyclists take the course.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in all States?
Though some states may be leaning toward adopting this law, lane splitting is currently only fully legal in one, California. To be clear, when a motorcyclist passes between lanes of slower or stopped vehicles heading in the same direction, it is called lane splitting. This is not to be confused with lane filtering (moving from lane to lane in order to advance) or lane sharing (two riders in the same lane).
Is Lane Splitting Safe?
The state of California declared lane splitting safe when they passed the law in hopes of creating less traffic and backups on their highways. Though lane splitting is legal in California, it is certainly up to every motorcyclist to ensure they are taking every safety precaution when doing so. As speed increases, so does the potential for this to be a more dangerous driving technique. More things to consider when lane splitting are:
- Lane width
- Size of surrounding vehicles (Do not attempt when next to large vehicles)
- Avoid in poor weather, road conditions, or lighting
- Stay out of vehicle blind spots
- Use extra caution with speed variances
- Increase your chances of being seen with proper safety attire and properly working lights
- Perform split between left two farthest lanes
- Never drive on the shoulder, it is always illegal, no matter what state you are in
- Ride at a speed no more than 10 mph over that of the surrounding traffic flow
California has an abundance of motorcycles on the road. Traffic accidents and fatalities are significant for these drivers. In fact, motorcyclists are at greater risk by over 20 times than those in passenger vehicles. There are nearly 10,000 injury collisions and 500 motorcycle deaths per year in the state of California. If you decide to lane split, do so with caution. (https://cdan.nhtsa.gov/stsi.htm)
What Should I Do If I am in a Motorcycle Accident?
If in a motorcycle accident, you should call 911 to get immediate help. Police and paramedics will file reports. Depending on the severity of your bodily damage and that of your motorcycle, the authorities and your insurance company may dictate what happens in the moments following your accident.
If possible, record and take pictures of the scene. Get information from anyone who may have witnessed your accident. All evidence is helpful when filing a future claim.
How that claim is filed and who represents you are imperative in recovering damages from the at-fault party. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can give you the advice you need and guide you through this process. You are much more likely to receive greater compensation for your injuries, further treatments, current, and future income loss, as well as your property damage.
Call our team of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Glendale Law Firm to get the guidance and reassurance you need to move forward after suffering injury and loss. We have represented motorcyclists who have experienced significant loss and helped to ease their minds and lessen their financial burdens.
Your Free Consultation is available by calling (818) 818-1948.