Located in the South Bay area near San Diego, National City enjoys a beautiful climate year-round. The mild temperatures draw many motorcycle enthusiasts to ride their motorcycles throughout the year. When motorcyclists share the roads with other vehicles, they have higher risks of being injured or killed in accidents. It is important for motorcycle accident victims to get help from a seasoned National City motorcycle accident lawyer so that they might recover damages to compensate them.
Why motorcycle accidents may be worse than other motor vehicle accidents
Motorcyclists who are involved in accidents often fare much worse than do the occupants of other motor vehicles. There are several reasons why motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than other types of accidents. Motorcyclists have much less protection in accidents than do the occupants of other types of motor vehicles. Since they do not have the protection that is afforded by the metal frame of a car or SUV surrounding them, they absorb the impact with their bodies. Motorcycles also do not have the same degree of braking power as larger vehicles, meaning that they may be traveling at higher speeds at the point of impact. Finally, motorcycles have highly sensitive steering systems. Less experienced riders may lose control of their bikes if they are startled.
The frequency of motorcycle accidents
During 2015, which is the most recent year in which data is available, 4,976 motorcyclists died in accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there was an 8 percent increase in the number of motorcycle accident fatalities from 2014 to 2015. Eighty-eight thousand motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2015 across the U.S. Motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all of the motor vehicle deaths in the country and 4 percent of all of the injuries during 2015.
Are motorcyclists more likely to be at fault?
A common misconception that many people have is that motorcyclists are more likely to be to blame for their accidents. Research has demonstrated that motorists are to blame for 66 percent of the motorcycle accidents that occur. In many cases, motorists fail to see motorcyclists and collide with them.
What causes motorcycle accidents in National City?
Motorcycle accidents may be caused by numerous factors. The most frequent cause of motorcycle accidents happens when other motorists make left-hand turns in front of them, which accounts for 42 percent of motorcycle vs. car accidents. Other factors that may lead to accidents include:
• Inattentiveness
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Improper lane changes
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence
• Road hazards
Types of injuries that happen in motorcycle accidents
Motorcyclists may suffer a number of devastating injuries, including the following:
• Head injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Rib fractures
• Skull fractures
• Broken arms, legs, feet and hands
• Pelvic fractures
• Abdominal injuries
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Road rash
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
In accidents that happen at higher speeds, motorcyclists may receive multiple injuries or be killed.
When and why you should contact a National City motorcycle accident lawyer
California has a two-year period within which lawsuits must be filed in personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. If you do not file your lawsuit within the prescribed period, you will not be able to recover damages for the losses that were caused by the accident. It is best to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer soon after the accident happens instead of waiting, however. When you have help from an attorney early on, your lawyer may be able to help you to build a much stronger case. Contact our office today to schedule your confidential consultation about your motorcycle accident.
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