Pasadena Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
Southern California’s beautiful roadways make it a popular destination for motorcycle riders. Unfortunately, this also means that the area has a disproportionately high concentration of motorcycle crashes. Tragically, the vast majority of motorcycle accident victims have little time to avoid serious and even fatal accidents. As motorcycles provide little protection for drivers, motorcycle accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis and wrongful death.
For nearly three decades, the McNally Law Office has represented victims and families affected by someone else’s negligent actions. Our attorney has the experience and knowledge of personal injury cases necessary to hold the perpetrator accountable and recover full compensation for your damages.
Contact our Pasadena law firm today to schedule a consultation.
What To Know About Motorcycle Crashes In California
California motorcycle accident statistics show that motorcycle crashes typically account for a disproportionately high number of catastrophic traffic injuries. While motorcycle fatalities have decreased in the past two years, the numbers are still exceedingly high. California has the highest number of registered motorcycles in the nation, with a large concentration in Southern California, including Glendale and Pasadena.
According to the most recent data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Los Angeles County had more than 3,500 crashes resulting in injuries to riders. Of these, most occurred in the 25-34 age demographic, closely followed by the 15-24 demographic. Most accidents take place in summer between May and September.
Wearing a helmet while riding is one major way to prevent or minimize brain injury or death. So does riding at lower speeds since motorcycles traveling at high speeds tend to have higher rates of catastrophic injury or fatality.
Key Laws For Motorists Sharing The Road With Motorcycles
California law establishes specific requirements for how motorists must interact with motorcyclists to better ensure everyone’s safety on the road. All drivers must maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds behind motorcycles, as motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars in emergencies. Drivers must also check their blind spots carefully and use turn signals, as motorcycles can be easily hidden from view.
The California Vehicle Code Section 22517 requires drivers to look carefully before opening car doors into traffic, as motorcyclists may be lane-splitting. Speaking of lane-splitting, Assembly Bill 51 explicitly legalized motorcycle lane-splitting in California, making it the first state to do so. This means drivers must be aware that motorcyclists may legally travel between lanes of traffic under certain conditions.
Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 21658 requires drivers to maintain their lane position and not crowd motorcyclists. Drivers must give motorcycles the full width of a lane when passing, just as they would for other vehicles. Failure to follow these laws can result in citations, fines and liability in the event of an accident.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Our law firm has handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases over the years, revealing several recurring patterns in how these crashes occur. Here are the most common causes we encounter:
- Driver inattention and blind spots
- Left-turn collisions
- Distracted driving
- Road hazards and weather
By identifying these common causes in your accident case, we can build stronger arguments for maximum compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
The Severe Injuries Common To Riders
Passenger cars are very large compared to motorcycles. Motorcycles also lack the protection of steel beams and plexiglass windows. As a result, the injuries to riders can prove life-altering. We have handled cases involving a spectrum of injuries, including:
- Bone fractures
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Neck and back trauma
- Spinal cord damage
- Partial or total paralysis
- Amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death
The damages from these injuries often prove incredibly expensive. Hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication and loss of earning potential can leave you struggling to pay your bills. No matter what type of accident you experienced or the type of injury you suffered, we can help you seek the maximum compensation for your damages.
The Importance Of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Given the severity of motorcycle accidents and the potentially astronomical medical costs involved, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage plays a crucial role in protecting riders. While California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, the minimum coverage requirements – $15,000 per person for injury/death and $30,000 per accident – often prove woefully inadequate for serious motorcycle crashes.
UIM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to pay for your damages. This is particularly important for motorcycle accidents, where injuries tend to be more severe and medical costs can quickly exceed standard policy limits. Understanding your UIM coverage options can make a significant difference in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
Determining Fault In Complex Injury Cases
In most motorcycle or motor vehicle accidents, a negligent or inattentive automobile driver is at fault. From drivers acting recklessly to drivers failing to take notice of riders, the results can be catastrophic. Some of the common types of collisions include:
- A driver turning directly in front of a motorcyclist
- A driver entering the street from a driveway or parking spot and pulling out into traffic in front of the motorcyclist
- A driver’s failure to yield at an intersection or stop at a stop sign or red light
- A driver’s inattention while driving past a motorcyclist
- A driver’s failure to look both ways when resuming travel after stopping at a stop sign
- A driver impaired by drugs or alcohol
The lawyers at our firm understand the unique aspects of liability in motorcycle accident cases, including:
- California vehicle laws pertaining to motorcyclists
- Accident reconstruction
- Roadway design as it relates to motorcyclists
- Motorcycle design and manufacturing issues
We are committed to holding at-fault parties accountable for their negligent actions. When you work with us, we will carefully determine liability and demand justice.
Driven To Succeed For Clients Throughout Los Angeles County
We devote substantial time to investigating the cause of catastrophic and fatal motorcycle accidents. When appropriate, we consult accident scene reconstructionists and evaluate police reports to understand the series of events just before the accident occurred.
Our firm’s detailed approach helps us prove fault and hold at-fault parties accountable. We are committed to securing maximum compensation to cover medical bills associated with burn injuries, road rash, spinal cord injuries and any other catastrophic injuries, as well as lost wages stemming from the accident.
How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In California, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. It is vital that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to start your case. From collecting evidence to negotiating your settlement, our team will be there for you through every step of the legal process.
Contact Our Law Firm Today For A Free Consultation
You deserve a lawyer to protect your rights as a rider. At the McNally Law Office, we make sure that insurance companies, courts and juries understand that motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. If you have been injured in a motorcycle or bike accident in California, please contact our Pasadena office today. We offer free initial consultations. To schedule yours, call 626-389-8590 or send us an email.