Motorcycle accidents are often painful and traumatic. Because motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and have little in the way of protection from other vehicles, the damages from collisions are typically much more severe than seen with auto accidents. This can leave accident victims with financial, physical and mental consequences that will last for a lifetime.
Here’s something that’s even more disturbing: If you ride a motorcycle in California, you’re increasingly likely to be injured in a collision. According to a report from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, fatal motorcycle accidents have been rising for 22 years.
West Hollywood is one of the most congested cities in Los Angeles County. As such, motorcycle accidents occur with great frequency in West Hollywood and the surrounding area. It is important for West Hollywood visitors and residents to be extremely vigilant while riding a motorcycle due to dangerous intersections and inattentive drivers.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at motorcycle collisions in California, and what you need to do in case of an accident.
Currently, motorcycling accidents make up 14% of all traffic deaths in the US, even though motorcycles only represent about 3% of all vehicles on the road. California, which ranks in the top 15 among all states for motorcycle fatalities, witnessed more than 400 motorcyclist deaths in 2017, and thousands more serious injuries.
In total, motorcycle deaths on California roads have more than doubled since 1997. Summer is the deadliest season, with most motorcycle fatalities occurring in July. Roughly half of motorcycle deaths occur on the weekends, and the majority of those occur after 6 p.m.
With the increase in traffic congestion in West Hollywood and the surrounding are, motorcycle accidents and deaths continue to rise. Despite efforts by the City of West Hollywood to make streets safer for drivers, serious motorcycle accidents in West Hollywood occur on an almost daily basis.
The following are relevant laws related to California motorcycle drivers:
Visit the following link for a more detailed discussion regarding lane splitting in California.
Your handlebars cannot elevate your hands six inches above your shoulders. Almost all motorcycles require front and rear turn signals.
There are also requirements for personal safety equipment. California law dictates that you must wear a helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation. Your helmet must also have a visible DOT sticker. Passengers must also wear a DOT-approved helmet.
View the California DMV motorcyclist’s handbook here.
If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some key safety steps you need to take.
It is important not to attempt to handle your case directly with an insurance adjustor as they their primary goal is to settle for as little as money as possible. Insurance companies employ experienced negotiators who are trained to get you to settle for less. They may be friendly and pleasant to deal with, but they do not have your best interests in mind. Instead, put your trust in an experienced lawyer like Craig Charles who fights for victims of car crashes every day. Don’t let the insurance company deny you fair compensation and cause you to leave money on the table.
The Law Office of Craig Charles will handle every aspect of the case for you, so you can focus on healing. Craig Charles will help to ensure that your medical needs are taken care of; if you do not have health insurance and you will never pay any money unless Craig Charles recovers a settlement on your behalf.
If you or your loved ones have been injured in a motorcycle you may be entitled to damages, such as lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is important to speak with an experienced attorney right away before giving any statement to an insurance company adjustor.
The Law Office of Craig Charles is located in West Hollywood (Weho). We are LGBT-friendly and we have the experience to handle even the most complex and challenging motorcycle accident cases. Contact us today for an immediate consultation.
If you've been seriously injured, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We understand this process may be unfamiliar or confusing, so we make a personal commitment to communicate with you in a clear and timely fashion. Call us today and we'll evaluate your case, walk you through the process — and put you on the path to recovery.