San Fernando Valley Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle is about freedom, utility, escape, and an unexplainable sensation that just can't be understood unless you get on a bike. Bikes are an excellent means of transportation. And anyone that loves to travel can appreciate the unmatched connection to the road that a motorcycle affords the rider. Unfortunately, even the most prudent and experienced riders and their passengers can become victims of serious motorcycle accidents.

As a San Fernando Valley motorcycle accident attorney at Jacob Regar Law, I make it my responsibility to keep informed about the serious effects of motorcycle accidents. It is only through a comprehensive understanding of the factors that lead to the majority of motorcycle accidents that I am able to effectively handle motorcycle injury cases.

It may come as a surprise to learn that in 2007, it was estimated that motorcycles accounted for only .4% of all vehicle miles driven in the U.S. This extremely low figure is due in part to motorcycles only making up 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S and the fact that truck drivers account for a substantial amount of vehicle miles traveled every year. Motorcycles are usually not the vehicle of choice for long distance travel. Yet, "per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37% more likely than a passenger car occupant to die in a crash, and 9 times more likely to be injured." National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

In 2008 in the U.S., 5,290 motorcyclists were killed. Also in that year, there were 96,000 motorcyclists injured in crashes. These rates are nearly double what they were in 1998 (NHTSA data). This is due to there being approximately twice as many registered motorcycles on the road in 2008 compared to the prior decade. These statistics show that even though protective equipment for riders continues to improve, the nature of motorcycle crashes remains the same. The rider is not protected by a vehicle body and is dangerously exposed to the elements.

Injuries

The most severe injury that occurs in motorcycle crashes is wrongful death. Using the 2008 statistics for motorcycle crash fatalities by state, California had the most motorcycle crash deaths-537. And in the U.S., motorcyclists accounted for 14% of total traffic accident deaths; a sad reminder of the unforgiving circumstances that motorcyclists face when they get in traffic accidents.

Other common motorcycle accident injuries that we see include fractured vertebrae, neck and back sprains and strains, fractured elbows and wrists, broken ankles, dislocated shoulders, and severe skin abrasions.

If you are an injured motorcyclist, it is crucial for you to receive prompt medical care. You must also follow the advice of your doctor and receive necessary follow-up care.

Causes of injury

Hit on the front of the bike

When motorcycles are involved in two-vehicle crashes, more than 75% of the time, the bike is struck on the front. Less than 10% of the time motorcycles are struck from the rear. In approximately 40% of these types of accidents the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle rider was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle (NHTSA data).

One of the problems that motorcyclists face is that drivers of large trucks and passenger vehicles forget their driver responsibility to safely share the road. Specifically, negligent drivers may fail to understand the importance of adhering to California right-of-way laws. "Many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve right-of-way violations where another vehicle turns in front of, or crosses the path of an on-coming motorcycle." Motorcycle Conspicuity and The Effect of Auxiliary Forward Lighting, 2011, NHTSA

Fixed object collision

Statistics show that 25% of crash fatalities involved motorcyclists colliding with a fixed object (NHTSA data). Sometimes fixed object collisions are caused by the negligent driving of other vehicles, such as when drivers of passenger cars or large trucks make a careless or reckless move that cause the motorcycle rider to make a defensive maneuver which results in a crash.

Defective Helmets

The rate of helmeted motorcyclists is increasing! The National Occupant Protection Use Survey found helmet use to have increased from 48% in 2005 to 67% in 2009.

"NHTSA estimates helmets saved 1829 motorcyclists lives in 2008, and 823 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets." But, when a defect in the manufacturing or design of a helmet contributes to the injuries of a motorcyclist involved in a crash, you need an experienced attorney with the necessary resources to initiate a prompt investigation of the facts surrounding the rider's injuries. Experts will need to be consulted to determine if the helmet contained any defects.

Dangerous Road Conditions

If motorcyclists are injured in an accident because of unsafe road conditions, they may have the right to recover compensation from the entity responsible for maintaining the roads for safe travel. In California, most roads are controlled and maintained by the state and localities and these public entities must ensure the safety of public roads through the use of effective signs and guardrails. They must also be responsible for the timely removal of dangerous road debris. And generally, they must ensure roads are safely engineered and maintained.

Some of the most tragic motorcycle accidents in California have been caused by the negligence of public entities that are responsible for maintaining safe roadways. And due to the complexity of filing a lawsuit against the government, an experienced personal injury attorney should be consulted to ensure that no mistakes are made; especially concerning the short statute of limitations for government claims.

Rider Negligence

If you were a passenger that was injured in a motorcycle accident due to negligence of the motorcycle operator, you have the right to recover compensation for your losses. If the rider had active motorcycle insurance at the time of the accident, I can help you pursue a claim for compensation from the rider's liability policy. That is one of the reasons motorcycle riders must maintain active liability insurance. CALL Jacob Regar Law to learn the full scope of your rights.

Other Driver Error

When a rider is safely traveling on his bike and another driver cuts him off or slams on the brakes in front of him, he may be forced to make a quick correction with his bike to avoid a collision. When this happens the bike may lose traction and the rider may be thrown, where he will either roll and tumble or slide until his momentum stops. Sometimes severe changes in traction can cause a situation where the rider is thrown over the bike in a highsider motorcycle accident. These accidents can unfortunately be deadly.

What to do After a Motorcycle Accident:

Call the police and ask for help.
If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask a responder to make the call for you.
Ask for emergency assistance if necessary.
Get treated for your injuries and try to remain calm.
Ensure that an accident report is generated and check it for accuracy.
If you can, gather witness statements and contact information. The police report may include this information.
Notify DMV within 10 days of your accident by filing an SR 1 form. You must do this if property is damaged in excess of $750 or anyone is injured.
Call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer- Jacob Regar Law: (818) 588-0653

Damages

When another person or entity is responsible for causing you to suffer injury and economic damages, you are entitled to compensation. When you contact my office I will explain how I will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure you receive compensation that is fair.

Economic Losses

These damages include reimbursement for medical bills, physical therapy, medical supplies, ambulance bills, prescription medication, and co-pays for doctor visits. Loss of income and loss of earning potential are also compensable damages. You may also be entitled to recover reasonable compensation for personal property that was lost, damaged or destroyed because of your accident.

And of course, I will handle your property damage claim so that your motorcycle can be repaired as soon as possible. If your bike is totalled, I will aggressively handle this portion of your claim to make sure you receive fair market value for your loss.

Pain and Suffering

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the law provides for monetary compensation for human losses like inconvenience, pain, and suffering. I am empathetic to the challenge of living with injuries and I will make sure the responsible party and their insurance company treats you fairly. That means placing a fair value on your suffering. I take this very seriously.

An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Investigates

Motorcycle accident cases make up a complex area of personal injury law. The stakes are raised in these cases because of the serious nature of bike accident injuries. There may also be multiple sources of causation. I believe in taking quick action when I begin handling a motorcycle accident case. As your attorney, it would be necessary for me to start collecting evidence and understanding the nature and extent of your injuries as soon as possible.

It is my custom to visit the accident scene to get a real feel for the circumstances surrounding the accident. And sometimes it is necessary to bring a motorcycle accident investigator to help me understand the factors that contributed to your accident.

Measurements and detailed photographs of the accident scene need to be analyzed to help determine the cause(s) of the accident. Over time, the memories of witnesses fade and photographs that were captured on cell phones can be lost or misplaced. That is why you should learn about my law office and the services that I offer, which can be a great benefit to you.

You need an experienced personal injury attorney to orchestrate an accident investigation on your behalf and to ensure it is carried out properly. I will aggressively pursue your case so that you can be made whole.

How My Fee is Paid

You will not have to pay any legal fees up front. I will dedicate my time to prosecute your case with the skill and attention you deserve. If we win your case, my legal fee and any reimbursement for case costs that I may have advanced on your behalf is paid out of your settlement, arbitration or jury award. You will owe no legal fees unless you obtain a recovery in your case. No recovery = No fee.

CALL me today to discuss your case. Speak to a Lawyer when you call. Encino Office Telephone: (818) 588-0653