Experienced Attorneys Helping You Seek Compensation After Your Motorcycle Accident

With scenic highways, coastal roads, mountain passes, and sunny weather, California is a great place for motorcyclists to enjoy the open road. Unfortunately, thousands of motorcycle accidents occur yearly in the Golden State and nationwide. Accidents often have devastating consequences due to the sheer size difference between motorcycles and passenger or commercial vehicles, including serious injuries and fatalities.

At Padilla Law Group in Encinitas, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you and your family get back on your feet after a motorcycle accident. We will evaluate your case and gather evidence for maximum compensation. From medical expenses, property damage and lost wages from missed time at work, we can help you get the compensation you need to start moving forward.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with a set of unique risks. Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic and riders are much more likely to suffer serious injuries or fatalities than drivers of passenger vehicles.

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help riders and other motorists stay safe on the road.

Human error: The leading cause of motorcycle accidents

Human error causes the vast majority of motorcycle accidents. This can include rider errors, such as making a mistake while changing lanes or misjudging a turn. Other common forms of human error include distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drivers of motor vehicles can also be at fault for causing motorcycle accidents by failing to check their blind spots or not yielding the right of way to a rider.

Environmental factors: Road hazards and weather conditions

In the Encinitas area of California, riders must be aware of several environmental factors that can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents. There are winding roads and steep hills, which can make it challenging for riders to navigate. Additionally, the area is prone to wildfires, which can create hazardous road conditions and poor visibility. Riders should also be aware of the potential for sudden changes in weather, such as heavy rain or fog, which can make road conditions even more treacherous.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

1. Road rash

Road rash usually results from ejection from a motorcycle that is in motion. This painful skin injury is more complex than just a scrape. Road debris can embed in the skin, slowing the healing process and increasing the risk of infection. Wearing riding gear that covers the skin can reduce the severity of road rash in a motorcycle accident.

2. Broken bones

Because there is no barrier between you and other drivers, you are more susceptible to injury in an accident. There is a high risk of broken bones and fractures if you fall or fly off your bike.

3. Brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are too common in motorcycle accidents. However, wearing a properly fitting helmet that meets safety standards can prevent or reduce the severity of TBIs. According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 69%.

How Dooring Affects Motorcyclists

Though dooring commonly comes into question when bicycles and cars get involved with one another, bicyclists are not the only people on the road impacted by dooring incidents.

Motorcyclists can also end up suffering from the negative impacts of dooring. But what exactly is it, and what are the impacts?

Defining dooring

This occurs when a parked car on the side of the road opens the door into, or into the path of, a motorcyclist. The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, adopted by many nations including America, has a section discussing prohibited driving behaviors. This includes opening a door, leaving it open or leaving the vehicle without first ensuring it proves no danger to other road-users.

This may happen on either the driver or passenger side of the car. Typically, a motorcyclist will either crash directly into the door, or they will end up knocked over by the door.

What are the risks?

The major risk of getting doored is the possibility of injury and the proximity to the street. Of course, it is entirely possible for a person to suffer from injury simply by crashing into the door. Victims may even fly off of their motorcycles, resulting in bruises, scrapes, cuts, or even broken bones or concussions despite wearing a helmet

However, the biggest risk is the potential for the victim to end up pushed into the street. Traffic may not have appropriate time to react and swerve, resulting in a driver hitting the motorcyclist, usually with tragic results.

How do you prevent it?

The best way to prevent dooring is two-fold. First, drivers and passengers should always check for oncoming traffic before opening the doors after parking.

Next, motorcyclists should make an attempt to ride a safe distance from the parked car lane, as one can never have full certainty that no one will open a door into them.

Increasing visibility and other safety tips for motorcyclists

Making your bike safer: Give your motorcycle the once-over before heading out. Check tire pressure, tread depth, operation of hand and foot brakes. Check for gas or oil leaks. Secure and balance any load you are carrying and account for the extra weight by adjusting your tire pressure and suspension. 

Increasing your visibility: Increase your visibility by wearing bright colors. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, meaning one that meets the standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is important since head and brain injuries are common in motorcycle crashes. If you ride after dark, be sure to add reflective tape to your bike and even to your wearing apparel. Keep your headlight on at all times and use the high beam during daylight hours. 

Remaining alert: Be careful riding near parked cars to avoid getting “doored” by someone exiting a vehicle. Be especially alert at intersections since this is where many vehicle-motorcycle accidents happen, often caused by motorists who say they “just didn’t see the motorcycle.” Scan your surroundings and know what is going on around you. 

Staying sober: Always drive defensively and avoid using drugs or drinking alcohol so you can keep a sharp mind. Tips like these will help keep you safe. However, you cannot predict what another driver—or rider–will do. Should you become the victim of a motorcycle crash, remember that you have the right to expect full and fair compensation to cover your medical costs and more. 

I was injured or my family member was killed in a motorcycle accident. How will you handle this type of case?

Anytime a motorcyclist and possibly a passenger are involved in an accident with a heavier vehicle, catastrophic injury or death is a real possibility. All too often, bikers are seriously injured or killed on Southern California roads simply because the car or truck driver claimed they didn’t see the motorcycle. Our attorneys know the municipal and highway motorcycle traffic laws and legal issues necessary to present the strongest case for negotiating a full and fair settlement or winning in court, if your case proceeds to trial.

Our team of attorneys has years of experience serving accident victims and is ready to put that experience to work in your personal injury case.

Is lane-splitting legal in California?

Also called lane-sharing, lane-splitting refers to when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic when traffic is stopped or moving slowly. The practice is legal in California and is a safe way to drive when performed with caution. Studies have shown that lane-splitting actually reduces the chances of accidents during busy traffic times.

Are helmets required for motorcyclists?

As a safety measure, California requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet while riding. Helmets are proven to reduce injuries and even save lives in the face of an accident. Failure to wear a helmet can result in traffic tickets, fines and severe injuries.

What motorcycle gear helps most in accidents?

Motorcyclists don’t wear leather just because it looks cool, but thick materials actually protect your body from road rash and severe lacerations. Helmets, gloves, boots, jackets and pants made for motorcycling all help to reduce the severity of injuries in many motorcycle accidents. Besides impact protection, suitable gloves can help you maintain a more secure grip on the handlebars, making it easier to control your motorcycle. Clothing made for motorcycling includes armor plating to provide extra protection to your skin and bones.

Contact An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We accept meetings in our Encinitas office as well as through video conferences. Call us at 760-536-4415 or complete our online contact form to get in touch.