Any motorcycle enthusiast understands the everyday dangers faced by motorcyclists on the road. We also understand how serious motorcycle accidents can be as attorneys specializing in motorcycle accidents.
First, motorcycles don’t have surrounding protective structures like motorized vehicles, and hence, they’re likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in the event of a collision. Fortunately, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Bakersfield can help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Research shows that, on average, motorcycle collisions are over 25 times more likely to be fatal than passenger car crashes per mile traveled. The study also showed that motorcyclists are over five times more likely to be injured. Although the causes of motorcycle accidents can vary, the following ten causes are common across the board:
- Careless Lane Changes
Car drivers risk colliding with motorcyclists when they drive without checking their blind spots or using appropriate signals and indicators when changing lanes.
- Open Car Door Accidents
Open car door accidents occur when drivers leave the doors of their parked cars while in the paths used by motorcycles. When an oncoming motorcycle is injured by an open car door, the car driver is held liable for the loss (bodily injuries and motorcycle damage) suffered by the motorcyclist.
- Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of not only motorcycle accidents but all road accidents. Speeding beyond recommended limits reduces the chance of reacting appropriately to emergencies to prevent collisions. Always remember that the higher your speed, the greater the impact and the more severe the consequences in the event of an accident.
- Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence occurs when a motorist is under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs. Such traffic offenses may attract both civil and criminal lawsuits.
- Lane Splitting
Lane splitting occurs when a motorist drives between two marked road lanes. Lane splitting is illegal in Bakersfield and can expose other road users, especially inexperienced ones, to dangerous situations.
- Sudden Stops
Sudden stops are popular for rear-end accidents. Motorcyclists are advised to keep a safe distance from other road users, especially the vehicles in front. Following another car too closely can result in severe injury or fatality in the event of an accident.
- Inexperienced Drivers or Motorcyclists
Inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists can make unsafe maneuvers that may compromise the safety of other road users. Experienced drivers and motorcyclists should accompany the less experienced riders or motorists to avoid accidents.
- Left turn Accidents
Errors related to the right of way and poor judgment when making left turns are common causes of motorcycle accidents. Always ensure you understand the right-of-way laws to avoid left-turn accidents.
- Bad Road Conditions
Damaged pavements, potholes, debris, and lack of necessary traffic signals and signs increase the chance of losing control of a motorcycle or a vehicle. The best way to avoid these types of accidents is to drive slowly on poorly maintained roads.
- Motorcycle Defects
Motorcyclists should always watch out for defects regularly. However, manufacturers of poorly designed motorcycle parts are typically held liable for injuries or fatalities resulting from defective motorcycle parts.
Motorcycle Laws
Motorcyclists can suffer more life-altering and fatalities in the event of a crash than motorists. Fortunately, certain safety measures, such as using appropriate safety equipment can help reduce the severity of injuries or fatalities afmotorcycledent.
California’s motorcycles laws differ from those of other states and that’s why you may want to consult a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer for legal advice when getting a motorcycle license—M1.
California Helmet Law
Motorists in California are legally obligated to know and obey the applicable motorcycle laws in Bakersfield, California. Additionally, motorcyclists have a right to seek justice for accidents resulting from the negligence of another party if they were within the law at the time of the accident.
Understanding the helmet law is the first step to understanding how helmets impact motorcycle accident claims. In other words, the helmet law helps you understand whether it’s worth pursuing a motorcycle injury claim or not.
The motorcycle helmet laws require motorcyclists, motorized bikes, and their passengers to wear federally-approved helmets. The majority of states with helmet laws require only children and teenagers to wear safety helmets. However, all riders and their passengers are required to wear safety helmets in the state of California. Research shows that helmet laws reduced motorcycle-related deaths by 37.5%. the following are the features of approved safety helmets in California:
- A safety helmet should approximately weigh three pounds.
- Safety helmets should have chin straps attached with sturdy rivets.
- Safety helmets should be lined with a 1-inch thick polystyrene.
- Limited Protrusions
- Safety helmets should not have protrusions that are two-tenths of an inch or funny designs.
Helmet law impacts motorcycle injury claims in California. The recoverable damages are typically reduced proportionately to degree of contribution.
