Sherman Oaks Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents. As there are certain factors that elevate the risk of harm for motorcyclists. Not only are motorcycles “naked” in the sense that the rider has minimal protection from the force of impact (in the event of a collision). But the motorcycle itself may not be visible or obvious to others on the roadway. As such, To avoid a serious accident, most motorcyclists receive the order to become serious.
Have you suffered an injury in a California motorcycle accident due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, etc? It’s important that to get your recovery amount. Contact Prestige Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Sherman Oaks accident lawyer. We have extensive experience litigating a variety of motor vehicle accident lawsuits, including those that center around motorcycle accidents.
Common Negligence-Related Factors in Motorcycle Accidents
In the following points, we will discuss how the motorcycle accident can came in existence
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Right-of-way violations
- Unsafe lane changing
- Excessively wide turns
- Failure to evaluate incoming traffic
- Environmental hazards
Depending on the negligence-related factors, you could have a legitimate cause of action for damages against a number of different defendants. For example, if the person hit you who is busy on a phone call during driving. You could bring a lawsuit against the individual for damages. On the other hand, if environmental hazards affect you. (i.e., a defective traffic light), you could potentially bring a lawsuit against the entity that inspects and maintains the traffic light.
Lane Splitting in California
In California, lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting happened when a motorcyclist navigates in the space between two rows of vehicles. For example, a motorcyclist might attempt to circumvent Los Angeles gridlock traffic by carefully threading the space between two adjacent lanes on the roadway.
Despite the fact that lane splitting is legal in California, many drivers are unaware. According to a recent study on lane splitting behavior, roughly 60 percent of drivers know that the practice of lane splitting is actually legal in California. Due to this informational asymmetry, drivers may not account for the fact that motorcyclists could potentially occupy the space between adjacent lanes. In the alternative, they might expect motorcyclists to lane split. But operate their vehicle in an aggressive manner that puts the motorcyclist in serious danger.
You can entitled to damages in a lawsuit, if you become injured during lane splitting. However, your own behavior could have an influence on your overall compensation. Though lane splitting is legal, your actions must take into consideration the circumstances. If a car appears to be unaware of your lane splitting and is swerving into your path, you may be found partially at fault in the event of an accident (if you decide to continue lane-splitting given the circumstances). Contact a Sherman Oaks accident lawyer to discuss the particulars of your case.
Contributory Negligence Issues
Motorcyclists are often demonized by the public as “risk-takers” who put themselves into dangerous situations and thereby expose themselves to a heightened risk of harm.
This stereotype can be misleading. The reality is that motorcyclists are very often ignored by other drivers. This may lead to a situation where the motorcyclist is a boost to engage in maneuvers that alert others to their presence and allow them to reach a safer space on the roadway.
For example, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to swerve in their lane to make themselves more obvious to others. This behavior, though well-intentioned, may actually be a form of negligence, however.
When the motorcyclist may be partially at fault for their own injuries, how is a liability in such a case resolved?
In the state of California, the doctrine of pure comparative fault applies to all personal injury disputes. Including those that center around a motorcycle accident. The pure comparative fault doctrine allows the injured plaintiff to sue and recover damages even if they are 99 percent at fault for their losses.
Suppose that a motorcyclist fails to wear their helmet, and they get into an accident. The motorcyclist has damages equivalent to $500,000. The court determines that the motorcyclist is 75 percent at fault for their injuries. 25 percent of the total damages, or $125,000. A motorcyclist can get easily thin money in a given situation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Sherman Oaks Accident Lawyer
Despite their best efforts to avoid an accident, motorcyclists face significant dangers on California’s roadways.You may get a claim under the law if you suddenly become injure. Call the Prestige Law Firm at (818) 788-0808 or send us a message online to schedule a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation with an experienced Sherman Oaks accident lawyer.
We believe that injured plaintiffs deserve highly accessible, compassionate, and client-centric legal representation. Since our founding, we have opened two offices in Los Angeles County (Sherman Oaks and Palmdale) to make it easier for prospective and current clients to get in touch and meet with us. Though our firm is physically located in Southern California, we have represented numerous clients located in Northern California.
We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our services.