Motorcycles are a true American passion – especially for anyone that lives in the incredibly scenic state of California. California provides some of the best riding to be found in the country. Between the ocean side drives and winding mountain roads, there is never a shortage of places to ride a bike in California. Additionally, many residents of more congested counties such as Los Angeles chose to ride a motorcycle because of the ease of maneuvering, parking and the gas savings. Regardless of why you choose to ride a motorcycle in California, there are certain inherent risks that go along with the benefits. Unfortunately, bikers are far more likely to be involved in an accident than other motorists. In fact, motorcycles are involved in about 55 accidents per 100,000 bikes on the road compared to only 18 per 100,000 for other vehicles. This has nothing to do with the riding skills of the bikers. The fact is that other motorists simply do not see motorcycles in most cases. A recent study showed that in over three-fourths of all motorcycle accidents, the other driver was primarily at fault for the accident. Of those accidents, the majority of the other drivers admitted that they did not see the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid the collision. As a result, bikers tend to suffer more injuries than other motorists and their injuries are frequently more serious that the driver or passenger of a car involved in the same accident. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, you are entitled to be compensated by the other driver if the driver was negligent.
It is true that a motorcycle does not provide the protection for the driver in the event of an accident that a car or other vehicle provides. That, however, is generally irrelevant when determining negligence and damages in a California personal injury accident case. In other words, you cannot be penalized simply because your vehicle did not provide more protection and therefore you suffered more serious injuries. If the other driver was negligent, then he will be responsible for compensating you for your injuries – regardless of how serious those injuries may be. California allow allows an injured party to collect compensation for economic and non-economic injuries. In layman’s terms – out-of-pocket expenses and pain and suffering type expenses. Negligence is based on the actions of the defendant – not the circumstances of the plaintiff (victim). If the biker took all possible safety precautions then the simple fact that he was on a motorcycle cannot be used against him when determining whether or not he is entitled to compensation for injuries suffered. If you have been involved in a California motorcycle accident and have suffered serious injuries you may be entitled to compensation from the other driver. Only an experienced California motorcycle attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case and tell you what your case may be worth.
For a free and detailed evaluation of your potential California motorcycle accident case, please contact the motorcycle accident law firm of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com
