With little separating them from the road, motorcycle drivers are highly susceptible to accidents. When a negligent motorist hits them, the outcome can be severe and even fatal.
To receive the necessary resources to recover after an accident, a Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate maximum compensation for motorcyclists.
When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, The Ryan Law Group is committed to providing you with personalized service and maximum results. Our team boasts nearly three decades of combined experience, ensuring we are well-prepared for whatever arises during your case.
A Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyer will aggressively fight for you and ensure you are treated fairly, all while you focus on healing from your injuries.
How Weather and Visibility Impact Motorcycle Safety
The conditions around you can make a major difference when you are riding. On clear days with good visibility, you may feel more in control. However, when the lighting is poor or the pavement is wet, the risks increase sharply.
Why Poor Lighting Increases Crash Risks
Low light makes motorcycles harder to see, especially at night or during early morning commutes. Drivers may misjudge your speed or fail to see you altogether in their blind spots. For riders, a lack of visibility turns even simple lane changes into life-threatening situations.
The Added Danger of Rain and Coastal Weather
Coastal weather in Manhattan Beach often brings fog and strong winds, making riding conditions more hazardous. Rain creates slick pavement that increases stopping distance for everyone on the road. Many fail to adjust, which puts motorcyclists at risk of catastrophic injury or death.
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Motorcycle Drivers are Highly Susceptible to Accidents
While motorcycle accidents may not be as common as car accidents, they still make up 5% of highway-related deaths, according to J.D. Power.
The rate of motorcycle fatalities is 30 times higher than that of car accidents. When a motorcycle accident occurs, 80% of motorcyclists are likely to be injured or killed.
Besides having little protection from the environment around them, motorcycle drivers are vulnerable to accidents in other ways. Due to their diminutive size, they lack the same level of visibility as a car, especially in poor weather and low-light conditions.
Additionally, motorcycles require riders to balance while riding, so collisions with vehicles or fixed objects can cause serious harm to the driver.
When the negligent actions of another driver cause a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident attorney in Manhattan Beach can help motorcyclists pursue compensation and provide representation.
Filing a claim against the at-fault party can hold them accountable for their behavior and relieve motorcyclists from having to pay for the other party’s actions themselves. With such high rates of injuries in accidents, legal counsel can significantly impact the outcome of a motorcycle accident case.
Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 321-4800
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
While some motorcycle injuries can be minor, many end up being more severe. A driver can be thrown from or pinned under their bike, or worse, and can have lasting effects.
The 5 most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Fractures
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Lower extremity injuries
Motorcycle accidents can arise from various hazards on the road, including speeding, collisions, lane splitting, driving under the influence, and other factors.
The cause of an accident can also influence the type of injuries sustained, the treatments required, and the time it takes to recover. Always seek medical attention after an accident to receive treatment for injuries, whether external or internal.
Motorcycle Injury Prevention
Preventive measures can go a long way toward mitigating accidents and injuries and minimizing the effects if they occur. A few simple steps taken in advance can mean the difference between life and death.
The 7 safety tips for motorcycle riders to help reduce injuries include:
- Wear a helmet at all times
- Select the size of bike that is right for you and practice driving it off-road first
- Check the motorcycle and equipment before riding
- Drive defensively
- Avoid riding in inclement or low-visibility weather
- Avoid riding if you are under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Follow the rules of the road
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Road Hazards That Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents
Even the best riders cannot always avoid dangers that come from the road itself. A car may hit a pothole and keep going, but a motorcycle striking that same hazard can cause a serious crash.
Knowing what to watch for around Manhattan Beach helps you stay alert to the risks that put riders in danger. Common hazards that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel
- Oil slicks
- Poorly marked construction zones
- Uneven pavement
- Metal plates covering roadwork
- Fallen cargo from trucks
- Poor drainage after rain
- Broken traffic lights
- Missing signage
When these hazards cause accidents, liability may extend beyond another driver. Under California Government Code § 835, a public entity can be held responsible if a dangerous condition of public property contributed to the crash.
For riders, it is essential to document the hazard itself. That might mean photos of a broken traffic light or notes about poor drainage.
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A Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Safeguards Your Legal Rights
While you may be tempted to pursue a motorcycle accident claim on your own and not involve lawyers, this choice can backfire and leave you with less money than what you need to cover your medical expenses.
Their ability to negotiate, advocate, and investigate for you is just a few of the ways a personal injury lawyer can help your case. They also make sure that your legal rights are not violated or taken advantage of.
Insurance companies often provide low settlement offers or refuse to pay. Without the help of a lawyer, you may be left shouldering the majority of your medical costs on your own.
However, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Manhattan Beach has extensive experience helping you obtain the compensation you are entitled to for your losses from insurance companies. They can ensure you receive the maximum results and a favorable outcome.
Your lawyer will also review all relevant details about your case to develop a sound strategy on your behalf. They will conduct research and gather evidence to support your claim as they establish the standard of negligence and fault.
Your lawyer will also ensure your claim is filed within the state’s two-year statute of limitations period in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedures 335.1.
Compensation Can Offset the Cost of Your Losses
Injuries and losses from an accident can quickly escalate after a motorcycle accident, and compensation can help offset the financial burden.
By taking steps to make road traffic accident compensation claims, you can increase the likelihood that you will receive maximum compensation for your accident. The compensation you receive can help offset the following losses:
- Medical tests and treatments
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental distress
- Loss of companionship, enjoyment, and/or consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
It is essential to discuss the extent of your losses with your lawyer, so they can accurately calculate the value of damages. Every case is different, and your lawyer will be able to counsel you on what you can claim in your case.
They will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need, allowing you to recover without stress.
Community Risks Specific to Bikers in Manhattan Beach
Riding through Manhattan Beach often feels different than riding anywhere else. The streets are crowded, and the steady flow of visitors creates conditions that demand extra caution.
Examples of community risks include:
- Heavy beach traffic during summer weekends
- Tourists unfamiliar with local roads
- Cyclists and pedestrians sharing the streets
- Rideshare pickups near the pier
- Congested intersections at major cross streets
- Drivers speeding on Sepulveda Boulevard
These risks illustrate the unpredictability of Manhattan Beach streets. A driver rushing out of a lot or a rideshare blocking a lane can put you in danger instantly.
Under California Vehicle Code § 21760, drivers are required to give vulnerable road users sufficient space; however, many fail to do so, which can create sudden dangers that put riders in immediate harm’s way.
The Compassionate Team at The Ryan Law Group is Here for You
When you need a Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident attorney, The Ryan Law Group is ready to provide you with compassionate care and get you justice. We put you first every step of the way and protect your rights when you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
Contact our team today to request a complimentary consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
