Glendale Motorcycle Lawyer: Motorcycling is a great pastime in Glendale, traveling from one place to another without much effort. It’s also a convenient means of transportation or service vehicle when going to work. However, a motorcyclist is more prone to danger because he has no protection aside from a helmet if an accident occurs.
Car, bus, and truck drivers are safe inside their vehicles that serve as their protective gear not to mention the airbags if available. When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s possible that you’ll suffer severe injuries because of the strong impact of your motorcycle or from another vehicle. This could mean major medical expenses, damage to property, loss of income, and more.
When you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle, it’s crucial that you speak with our skilled Glendale motorcycle lawyer. Our legal representatives at Big Ben Lawyers have what it takes to handle your case more efficiently. We’ll protect your legal rights and ensure that you’ll get the compensation you deserve. Call our office at (818) 423-4878 and schedule a FREE evaluation of your case.
Why Do Accidents Happen in Glendale?
Motorcycle accidents happen for several reasons. Even if you’re a careful driver while others are not, misfortune occurs because of other people’s negligence. It includes:
Glendale Motorcycle Lawyer: Vehicles that Make Left-Hand Turns
One of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents occur is vehicles that make a left-hand turn, which is fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost half of all deadly crashes involve a motorcycle and a car, which turned left during the collision.
Cars that turn left usually collide with the approaching traffic or those passing motorcycles at intersections. Reasons for left-turn crashes include:
- Low visibility
- Speeding
- Driver distraction
Drivers must adhere to the left-turn right-of-way laws, stating that drivers who’ll make a left turn should yield to other traffic. It means that the vehicle driver who made a left turn and hit a motorcyclist is likely to be at fault. However, the motorcyclist can be also held accountable if he speeds, rides the wrong lane, or beats a red light.
Collisions
Motorcyclists are not only defenseless when they impinge not only with other vehicles but also with fixed objects, such as trees, fire hydrants, fences, and trails. They aren’t protected, unlike those drivers and passengers in a car or bus. Motorcycle collisions include a motorcycle in head-on collisions and a crash between a motorcycle and a fixed object.
Road Hazards
A vehicle driver (car, bus, or truck) may not see things clearly on the road such as gravel on pavement, railway tracks, or uneven road surfaces. Due to their smaller size and less stability, motorcycles are more prone to accidents for such road hazards.
Lane Splitting
Because a motorcycle is small and sleek, it can make its way through stopped or slowly moving cars. This practice usually causes road accidents because other vehicles don’t expect a motorcycle to pass them. Besides, there’s little space for these motorcycles to twist and turn between cars. There are already several incidents when it’s the motorcyclist’s fault that the accident occurred.
Driving Behaviors
Several elements constitute different driving behaviors that can lead to a devastating accident. It includes alcohol use, speeding, and a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet. Also, younger and inexperienced drivers are adventurous and don’t know how to handle difficult situations.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re a motorcyclist and were hit by a vehicle, make sure that you’re safe. Whether you suffer external injury or not, it’s important that you call 911. You can also call the police department to investigate the incident and prepare a police report. Ask for a copy because you’ll need it when you consider filing a claim for your damages or losses.
It’s crucial that you gather pieces of evidence for your accident case which include:
- Insurance information of the person, people, or vehicle involved in the accident
- Contact information of possible eyewitnesses such as names and phone numbers
- Photos of your injuries, wrecked motorcycle, and the site of the accident
- Footage of the place of the accident, video from the traffic, and security cameras if available
Retaining the finest trial Glendale motorcycle accident attorney can help you collect the pieces of evidence you need. Moreover, he can help you prove the negligence of the liable party.
Common Injuries a Victim Suffers from a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcyclist will possibly suffer more serious injuries because he has nothing to protect himself against the strong impact of a collision with a larger vehicle. These injuries include:
- Multiple fractures
- Dislocation and damage of joints
- Traumatic brain injury
- Disc displacement
- Abrasions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to spinal vertebrae
- Wrongful death
- Damage to internal organs
Monetary Damages You May Recover After the Accident
After the crash, it’s automatic that you have to seek medical treatment for injuries. This means you’ll incur high expenses for hospitalization, prescriptions, doctor visits, and other overheads related to your medical care. However, you can be reimbursed for these expenses by filing a claim to recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity and lost wages
- Physical impairment
- Loss of priceless or irreplaceable items
- Disfigurement
- A lowered quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Replacement or repair cost for the motorcycle
In case the victim died, the surviving family may get compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium, loss of domestic services, and grief.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
You must file an injury claim within two years from the date of your motorcycle accident. When you file beyond the specified period, you’ll lose your right to compensation. Working with a knowledgeable Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer expedites your filing so you can get it earlier than expected.
Get Help From Big Ben Lawyers Today
Getting involved in a motorcycle accident is a serious matter that must be handled by an expert. Our compassionate and professional motorcycle accident lawyers will help you throughout the process until you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (818) 423-4878 for a free evaluation of your case. Big Ben Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Call today and let us help you with your case.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206