El Segundo Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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Representing Motorcycle Accident Victims In El Segundo, CA
Motorcyclists experience an exhilaration unlike any other mode of transportation, yet this thrill comes with the added risk of less protection in case of a crash. Riders and passengers alike are afforded minimal safety equipment on motorcycles in comparison to larger passenger vehicles.
Even a minor brush can lead to major injury or harm for motorcyclists and passengers. As per the Insurance Information Institute (III), more than 84,000 individuals are injured on motorcycles each year in America alone. Furthermore, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that over 5,000 riders die annually as a result of crashes throughout our nation’s roads. Our El Segundo motorcycle accident lawyer knows all too well how many of these casualties have been Californians themselves.
At Sheridan & Rund, PC, we are devoted to safeguarding the rights of motorcyclists injured in crashes across California—and especially right here in Los Angeles County. We fight for our clients to receive just and fair compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and conscious pain and suffering. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a motorcycle accident recently, contact us today for a free consultation where you can discover your legal rights!
Motorcycle Accident Claims vs Car Accidents Claims
Sadly, those who experience a motorcycle crash can be subject to additional prejudices and liability issues during the claims process. This is due in part to an unfortunate misrepresentation of motorcyclists that results from the actions of only a few riders being generalized for all. Without competent representation from an El Segundo motorcycle accident attorney, many jurors can impose unfair biases against motorcyclists which could significantly reduce their settlement claims. Motorcycle accidents are particularly at risk when it comes to extra complications during the settlement process compared with car or truck accidents; so having strong legal counsel is essential!
Motorcycles are much more delicate than other motor vehicles and provide less safety in the case of a crash, resulting in usually catastrophic injuries for victims. Furthermore, some folk mistakenly associate negative stereotypes with motorcyclists that can be used to their detriment by defense lawyers. Because of this, motorcycle accident cases often require more effort than traditional vehicle accidents due to shouldering an additional burden:
- Stronger proof of liability
- Extensive medical and anatomical knowledge to establish damages
- Piercing through a negative public perception
Victims of motorcycle accidents and their families should strongly consider hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles County, CA who can help safeguard their rights to compensation. This lawyer is the key to protecting your claim and ensuring that you receive adequate remuneration.
Common Causes of a Motorcycle Crash
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, victims could endure devastating injuries or even wrongful death due to the irresponsible and careless actions of other drivers. Some common causes of such incidents include:
- Speeding
- Not checking blind spots for riders
- Improper left turns
- Road rage
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving or drugged driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Improper and unsafe lane changes by not checking for motorcyclists
- Mechanical defects
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
From careless drivers to hazardous road conditions, there are a multitude of ways negligent parties in Los Angeles County can cause motorcycle crashes and alter the lives of motorcyclists. It’s critical that you recognize any potential negligence after an accident to protect your legal right for compensation. Our El Segundo motorcycle accident lawyer is here to assist you in determining who may be held responsible for such unfortunate incidents and associated injuries.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly prone to injury on the roads due to their heightened instability and lack of visibility when compared to cars or trucks. In a collision, riders often get thrown from the bike, which can lead to life-threatening injuries that have long-lasting effects. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bikers Arm
- Road Rash
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures
- Loss of limbs
- Burns or road rash
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Rib and torso injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Motorcycle Accident Treatment, Recovery, and Costs
The gravity of a motorcycle crash can differ immensely, and the resulting wounds call for distinct treatments with varied costs. Even so, we are able to make educated conjectures based on injuries incurred in these types of accidents.
Minor Treatment And Recovery
Cuts, bruises, minor fractures, and other smaller injuries usually don’t require intensive medical care. Thankfully, extended hospital stays are generally not needed; however, some follow-up visits may be necessary. Following a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles County, this type of treatment can generate medical expenses and loss of income due to days off from work.
Long-Term Care
In the event of a grave motorcycle accident, like broken bones or serious harm to your limbs, you may require extensive medical attention. Such injuries can lead to significant hospitalization time and necessitate post-hospital care for an extended period. The resulting costs due to medical bills and missed income from weeks or months off work and other associated expenses can be financially devastating after such an incident takes place.
Physical Therapy
Even after a motorcycle accident, the victim receives initial treatment and care, they could still have long-term medical needs like physical therapy treatments. This can cause costly expenses to the individual as well as future losses in regards to their work due to lifestyle changes or possible missed career opportunities following the crash.
Lifelong Recovery
After a motorcycle accident that results in paralysis or other severe conditions, you will face life-long medical treatments as well as unimaginable financial repercussions. These costs can include medical bills, loss of income, adaptations to your home and vehicle for accessibility purposes – the list goes on. But with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in El Segundo, CA by your side, navigating these consequences becomes much more manageable and you can begin the journey toward recovery from both physical pain and extreme emotional distress caused by another driver’s negligence.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle crashes and injuries have been skyrocketing in recent years, but if you arm yourself with the facts and figures, it could help to protect yourself or a loved one on the roads. The Insurance Information Institute recently published some stark statistics that are sure to open your eyes – take a look below:
- In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes
- In 2019, motorcyclists were nearly 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle miles traveled.
- NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017
- Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers
- 74% of motorcycle accidents were frontal collisions.
- In 2018, there were 82,000 motorcycle injuries in the U.S.
- Motorcycles are involved in 11% of all accidents on the road in the U.S.
- In traffic crashes that involve the use of drugs or alcohol, injuries occur in 90% of motorcycle crashes, compared with 33% of automobile crashes.
- Head injury is the number one cause of wrongful death in motorcycle crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In El Segundo?
Above all, following a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles County, your priority should be ensuring that you and the others involved are safe. Even if it appears that you have only sustained minor injuries, call for both medical assistance and police help straight away. It is not uncommon for victims of such collisions to underestimate the severity of their wounds due to an increase in adrenaline post-accident.
In the event of a collision, be sure to have the police record all essential information that may serve as proof in legal proceedings or insurance claims. Furthermore, you must prioritize your health by going for medical attention and maintaining records of any costs associated with injury treatment. Finally, it is beneficial to seek counsel from an El Segundo motorcycle accident lawyer who can help secure damages resulting from the crash while navigating complexities involving insurers.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet?
Even though the law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet, motorcycle accident victims may still be able to receive compensation in some cases. However, it is probable that any awards they do get will be reduced due to what’s called the “helmet defense.” This argument states that if one had donned their helmet as per Vehicle Code section 27803 prior to being involved in an accident then their injuries would not have been so severe or even existent at all.
Suppose a motorcyclist collides and sustains a skull fracture with moderate concussion due to not wearing a helmet. The defendant may argue that if the rider had adhered to the law by using safety equipment, he would have only experienced mild head trauma instead of more serious injury. Therefore, it is argued that reimbursement should be based on the cost of treating minor concussions rather than bone fractures and major concussions.
Fortunately, our El Segundo motorcycle accident attorney is familiar with this type of defense and knows it to be inconclusive. It should not be taken into account when attempting to determine the extent of a victim’s injuries. Many times, defense attorneys will hire medical experts or biomechanical engineers in an effort to validate the helmet defense; however, victims need only secure a reliable personal injury lawyer who can defend against these baseless claims.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Motorcycle Accident?
It’s essential to be aware that no two motorcycle accidents are alike, and the average payout for a motorcycle accident in California differs dependent on the injuries sustained and property damage inflicted. For instance, whiplash is one of the most common injuries related to these kinds of crashes; however, it can range from only several thousand dollars when minor cases occur – all the way up to a whopping $30,000 for severe cases!
Moreover, more serious accidents with broken bones can result in settlements of up to $100,000 contingent on medical treatment and rehabilitation. Catastrophic injuries from traumatic brain damage often garner hundreds of thousands in settlement money while paralysis or death cases may reach millions.
Contact Our El Segundo Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Sheridan & Rund, PC is here to help victims and their families get what they need for medical bills, lost wages, and conscious pain & suffering. Our El Segundo motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you during a complimentary consultation. We understand that it’s critical to move forward with life after an accident, which is why our personal injury team works diligently to make that happen. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.