Woodland Hills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are countless risks associated with riding a motorcycle, but few think about the consequences during the thrill of the ride. Should you find yourself in an accident, you might not know what to do, especially since motorcycle accident law is a little different from other forms of car accident law.
So, listen up motorcyclists! When you get into a pickle, here’s a brief overview of motorcycle law written by lawyers to help get you back on the road.
How are they different from other car accident law?
Motorcycle accident law differs from car accident cases because of the risk of injury associated with an accident. In fender-bender between two cars, you can be fairly certain both drivers will get out with only a few scratches on them. But a small fender-bender with a motorcycle can result in serious bodily injury or even death.
Because a motorcyclist is virtually unprotected on the road, the rider is at a greater risk of injury. Though this means a larger settlement is usually entitled to the motorcyclist, things can get a bit hairy if the rider didn’t take the proper safety precautions on the road. As such, a number of liability issues arise when analyzing motorcycle accident cases.
What liability issues might I encounter after my motorcycle accident?
For most motorcycle accidents, negligence reigns king. The law of negligence defines the carelessness of another driver that resulted in the motorcycle injury. Though a motorcyclist can be labeled as negligent, it’s most often the other driver of a car or truck that is negligent. Should the other driver performed negligent behaviors that resulted in the injury of a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist would be entitled to financial compensation.
Here are just some examples of negligent behavior on the road:
- Driving under the influence
- Running a red light
- Failing to yield
What compensation can I receive from a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to a number of damages in your settlement. Here are just some of the damages you can receive by taking legal action:
- Medical Expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
For extra information, it is always a good idea to talk to our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys for more information on the damages that you’re entitled to following an accident.
What risk factors should I look out for on the road?
While it’s impossible to control the actions of other drivers on the road, defensive driving is your best approach to staying safe. Leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you and follow the rules of the road instead of taking short-cuts. Even though it seems silly to put your turn signal on when there are no cars around, this good habit will help when there’s plenty of traffic.
Here are some of the most common risk factors on the road for motorcyclists:
- Decreased visibility — Motorcycles are already much smaller than cars, making them more difficult to see. This can be especially dangerous when visibility conditions are low, like when it’s raining or dark outside.
- Road hazards — Potholes, inclement weather, and objects in the road can all result in a sharp swerve or sudden stop.
- Reckless driving — it’s common for motorcycles to weave in and out of traffic, but it’s time to put the brakes on this bad behavior. Follow the rules of the road to stay safe.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do is contact a Woodland Hills motorcycle accident lawyer at Barry P. Goldberg. Don’t hesitate to get the compensation you deserve.