Motorcyclists are often perceived as being reckless and irresponsible while traveling on roadways in California. Yet motorcyclists often suffer serious bodily injury or death due to the negligent behavior of individuals driving cars, trucks, and SUVs. A motorcycle accident attorney in Long Beach can help you handle every aspect of your motorcycle accident case.
The Simmrin Law Group has experience helping injured motorcyclists seek financial compensation for their injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Long Beach, California
Long Beach County is one of the most populated areas in the State of California. Motorists commute to Los Angeles County every day, and the busy freeways can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Also, motorcyclists in California are able to engage in “lane splitting.”
The following are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Long Beach, California:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Reckless driving
Drivers who engage in distracted driving may cause a motorcycle accident in only a few moments. Examples of distracted driving include texting while driving and eating while driving. Motorcyclists may suffer injuries during sideswipe accidents when distracted motorists change lanes without checking their blind spots.
Motorcyclists must be alert to distracted drivers due to their vulnerabilities. A motorcyclist does not have any protective layer of steel around their bodies. The force of impact from a collision can cause a motorcyclist to suffer serious bodily injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Motorcyclists
According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were approximately 13,000 total vehicle accidents during the latest reporting year of data available. Motorcyclists often suffer injuries at intersections or on busy freeways.
Motorcyclists may wear protective headgear, but this precaution is unlikely to prevent motorcyclists from suffering serious bodily injuries. It is often the case that injured motorcyclists suffer serious bodily injuries when they strike the pavement. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists:
- Road rash
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Severe burns
- Lacerations
- Amputations
Motorcyclists are often thrown from their motorcycles when they are involved in collisions with other motorists. Drivers of trucks and SUVs may collide with motorcyclists while driving on busy freeways in Long Beach County. However, many motorcycle accidents take place at intersections. Sideswipe collisions and frontal collisions at intersections frequently cause motorcycle accident injuries.
A majority of motorcycle accidents occur when motorists do not see motorcyclists making left-hand or right-hand turns at intersections. If you suffered injuries while making a turn at an intersection, you may be able to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Long Beach can help you deal with insurance companies.
Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Lane-Sharing and Lane-Splitting
Sharing lanes is only permitted on wide roadways and highways. In California, motorcyclists can share a lane with another motorcycle or automobile. Motorcyclists must share lanes in a responsible and safe manner.
Lane-splitting occurs when motorcyclists move in and out of stopped traffic. Although lane-splitting can lower congestion, it can be dangerous if it is not performed with caution. One benefit of lane-splitting is that it can prevent motorcyclists from being crushed between two automobiles.
Motorcyclists must pay attention to their surroundings while lane-splitting to avoid being struck by moving vehicles. Unfortunately, some motorists do not see motorcyclists in their blind spots, and an accident may occur when these motorists switch lanes. Many motorcycle accident cases involve lane-sharing and lane-splitting.
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Insurance Companies Will Not Protect Your Interests
The other party who was responsible for causing the motorcycle accident in which you suffered injuries may assert that they did not see the motorcyclist. An attorney can help you stand up to insurance companies who may claim that you caused the accident. By investigating the facts and circumstances related to the motorcycle accident, a Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney can determine if a manufacturing defect or design defect caused the accident.
You should not make any statements after a motorcycle accident. Insurance companies may attempt to claim that you admitted you were liable for the motorcycle accident. You can schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer to determine how to protect yourself from insurance companies.
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The Statute of Limitations
Every state sets a statute of limitations for personal injury actions. The statute of limitations is a time limit that prevents parties from filing personal injury actions after a set period of time. Under California law, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the injury.
A motorcyclist injured in an accident will have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. If the accident victim misses this time deadline, they will not be able to bring their claims in a court of law. If a government employee causes a motorcycle accident, the victim will have to file a personal injury claim within six months of the date of the injury.
Motorcycle Accidents and Monetary Compensation
Motorcyclists are able to claim various types of damages when they bring a personal injury action in federal or state court. The specific facts and circumstances of each case will dictate the types of damages a party can assert. Some of the most frequent types of compensation motorcyclists can claim include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of personal enjoyment
- Punitive damages against a party who engages in willful, wanton, or malicious conduct
Contact the Simmrin Law Group Today to Speak to a Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Simmrin Law Group can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries. We focus on your case, and we are not afraid to assert the rights of our clients. Contact the Simmrin Law Group to learn more about our experience with motorcycle accident cases.
Suffering personal injuries during a motorcycle accident can be devastating. You may be suffering from serious medical conditions such as paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder. Speaking with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine how best to proceed with your motorcycle accident case.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form