Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles are fun and exciting.  There is no debate about that. But, motorcycle riding is incredibly dangerous at the best of times.  Riders must constantly make split-second decisions to avoid other vehicles, objects on the road, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  If someone makes a mistake–whether it be a distracted motorcyclist, a negligent auto driver, or someone else involved–the motorcyclist is typically the most at risk for serious harm.  Direct exposure to the road and the elements means that motorcycle accidents are much more likely to lead to serious injury or death. Motorcyclists are also not restrained, meaning they are likely to be thrown even in minor accidents.  Nationwide, motorcyclist fatalities are 28 times more likely to occur than passenger car occupant fatalities in serious accidents. California is among the most dangerous states in the country for motorcycle riders, in part due to being the only state that has explicitly legalized lane-splitting.

If you or your loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in Glendale, it is vital that you reach out to a skilled and passionate motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to investigate your claim.  The seasoned personal injury attorneys at McReynolds Vardanyan are ready to take your case and ensure that you obtain the maximum recovery for your damages, making sure both that the people responsible for your injuries are held accountable and that you do not go bankrupt dealing with medical bills and other expenses.

Causes of motorcycle accidents

The most common causes of accidents for motorcycle riders include the following:

• Inattentive drivers. Distracted driving has become just as much of a danger to California motorists as driving while intoxicated.  Auto drivers and motorcyclists alike choose to talk, text or email on their phones while driving, leading to many traffic accidents every year.
• Road hazards. Motorcyclists are more directly exposed to hazards on the road and in the environment than are passenger car occupants.  Whether due to fog, rain, snow, or defects such as potholes, dangerous roadway conditions are a major cause of motorcyclist injury and death.
• Poor communication. Motorcycle riders have a tougher burden in communicating their plans to other drivers on the road, and an unexpected left turn can lead to a driver running right into them.
• Aggressive driving tactics. California is the only state to explicitly legalize lane-splitting, which can be a dangerous tactic when done aggressively or otherwise negligently.
• Motorcycle rider intoxication. Motorcycle riders, like auto drivers, are at high risk of crashing when they consume alcohol or drugs before getting on the road.  Overall, 22.8% of fatal accidents involve an intoxicated rider.
• Lack of rider experience or qualifications. Unlicensed and unqualified motorcyclists pose a danger not only to themselves but also to other riders and motorists on the road.  Yet, unlicensed and unqualified riders are much more present on California roadways than many people realize: Nearly 25% of California riders who suffered fatal accidents in 2017 were riding without a valid license.

Motorcycle accident statistics

Motorcycle accidents are incredibly common and occur at a much higher rate than car accidents in terms of the number of motorcycles on the road and the number of miles ridden.  Motorcycle accidents are also much more likely to cause serious injury or death than the average car accident. The numbers bear out the dangers motorcyclists face.

Motorcycle deaths have been on the rise across the country for 22 years, more than doubling since 1997.  In California in 2017, there were 16,505 motorcycle accidents resulting in 15,527 injuries and 541 deaths.  Around 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death every year. Motorcycle fatalities represent 17% of all roadway fatalities.  California, in fact, is the second most deadly state for motorcyclists, trailing only Florida in the sheer number of motorcyclist deaths each year.

Call Our Glendale Car Accident Attorneys Today for Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or Southern California, we want to hear from you. Call our Glendale office at 818-855-2115 for a free consultation to evaluate your case and make sure that you are prepared to get the recovery you deserve. Our honest, dependable and compassionate motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to meet you and meet your needs.