Torrance Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycles comprise a small percentage of the total number of registered vehicles, but riders make up a disproportionately high portion of fatalities and serious injuries compared to autos. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that 14.4 percent of all traffic-related deaths involve motorcyclists, and these accidents kill almost 5,600 people each year. Statewide, around 13,000 riders are injured in motorcycle crashes, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. You might be aware that there are legal remedies for victims, but it can be overwhelming to figure out how to pursue them.

Instead of attempting to navigate the complicated legal process on your own, trust El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to seek compensation from that at-fault driver. Our team has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws, so we are prepared to take on all necessary tasks. Please contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Torrance motorcycle accident attorneys. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of a motorcycle accident injury claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We can provide custom-tailored advice after reviewing your circumstances, but some general information about your rights is useful.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

These incidents occur for many of the same reasons as other traffic accidents, which typically involve careless and reckless acts by other drivers. Motorcycle collisions are often caused by:

● Running red lights and stop signs;

● Speeding;

● Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

● Failure to yield right of way; (cars making left turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle)

● Erratic lane changes;

● Texting, talking on the phone, and posting to social media; and,

● Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, drinking, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio.

Though not a cause of motorcycle collisions, the design of these vehicles tends to put riders at serious risk of injuries. The two-wheeled configuration can be unstable, the vehicle’s lower profile makes it less visible, and there is no metal shell to protect the motorcyclist. These factors intensify when other motorists engage in the careless acts described above.

Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycling is not merely a means of transportation; it’s a way of life for enthusiasts who relish the freedom of the open road. However, the exhilaration of riding comes with its share of risks, and motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries such as:

Head Injuries

One of the most alarming and potentially fatal consequences of a motorcycle accident is a head injury. The head is particularly vulnerable, as riders lack the protective enclosure of a car. Even when wearing a helmet – a vital piece of safety gear – riders remain susceptible to head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures are common outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Helmets undoubtedly reduce the severity of head injuries, but they cannot eliminate the risk entirely. It is crucial for riders to invest in high-quality helmets and ensure they are worn properly to maximize their protective benefits.

Road Rash

Road rash is a prevalent motorcycle accident injury that occurs when a rider slides along the pavement upon impact. It is essentially a friction burn that can range from mild abrasions to severe skin damage, depending on the speed of the accident and the type of protective gear worn. Road rash injuries are not only painful but can also lead to long-term complications such as infections. Wearing appropriate protective gear, including leather or reinforced textile jackets and pants, gloves, and sturdy footwear, can significantly reduce the risk and severity of road rash.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The impact of a motorcycle accident can exert tremendous force on the rider’s body, often resulting in fractures and broken bones. Common areas prone to fractures include the legs, arms, collarbone, and ribs. The severity of these injuries depends on various factors such as the speed of the collision, the type of impact, and the rider’s protective gear. Wearing durable, impact-resistant gear can mitigate the risk of fractures, providing an additional layer of defense against the forces involved in a crash.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which have the potential to cause lifelong disabilities. The spinal cord is a delicate and crucial part of the central nervous system, and any trauma to this area can result in paralysis or loss of motor function. The severity of spinal cord injuries varies, and the risk increases with the impact force of the accident. Wearing protective gear that includes a well-fitted back protector can reduce the risk of spinal injuries by providing additional support to the rider’s back.

Internal Injuries

While external injuries are more visible, internal injuries are equally significant and can be life-threatening. Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Internal injuries require prompt medical attention, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications. Protective gear can offer some degree of safeguarding against internal injuries, but riders should always seek medical evaluation after an accident, even if they feel fine initially.

Muscle Damage

The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause significant muscle damage, ranging from contusions and strains to more severe injuries like compartment syndrome. Riders may experience muscle injuries in various parts of their body, depending on the nature of the crash. Wearing appropriate protective gear, including armor in areas prone to impact, can help reduce the risk of muscle damage. Additionally, maintaining proper riding posture and technique can contribute to overall muscle health and reduce the likelihood of injury.

How Motorcycle Accident Liability Works

Negligence is often equated with carelessness, but this term has a specific meaning in the practice of law. In a personal injury claim, the theory of negligence requires you to prove for essential elements:

1. The at-fault motorist had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving;
2. That person breached the legal duty of care through unsafe driving;
3. The breach of duty was the direct cause of the motorcycle crash in which you were injured; and,
4. You suffered losses (medical expenses or injury) due to the crash .

Compensation for Accident Injuries

Compensation is available for injured motorcycle riders, but you must go through the process and meet various legal requirements to recover it. Your options for obtaining damages include:

● Settlement: Many motorcycle personal injury claims are resolved via an agreement with the insurance company, which offers the advantage of certainty and avoids court. The key is to ensure the settlement amount is adequate to cover your losses.

● Mediation: Settlement is also the focus of mediation, a process in which a trained mediator guides the parties toward resolution. If not satisfied with the outcome, you can still take your case to court.

● Litigation: When settlement discussions and mediation do not result in an agreement on compensation, you will need to sue in court. There are numerous tasks along the timeline of a lawsuit, from filing the complaint to the trial date.

Skilled Help From a Torrance Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers strive to ensure you receive the damages you deserve under California law, so we will be at your side throughout the legal process. Our team has experience dealing with insurers, giving us an edge in discussing settlement options. We are prepared to address a denial or lowball counteroffer that does not pay a fair amount. Our California motorcycle crash attorneys will also advocate on your behalf during mediation.

If it becomes necessary to go to court to enforce your rights, you can count on us to:

● Draft the complaint to initiate litigation;

● Appear in court for status conferences and hearings;

● Raise and defend motions;

● Handle discovery, including requests to produce documents and written interrogatories;

● Take depositions of witnesses, experts, treating physicians, and others who may testify at trial;

● Present you for a deposition by the opposing side; and,

● Represent you at trial, in which we will present evidence, witnesses, and arguments to support your position.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Torrance

If you were injured or someone close to you died in a crash, it is critical to get legal help with your remedies. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will protect your rights throughout the process, so please contact our firm to schedule a free case review. You can reach a Torrance motorcycle accident attorney by calling (213) 985-1120 or visiting our website. Once we learn more about your situation, we can explain the next steps.