Motorcycle Safety

Every year over 2,000 people are killed and 50,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the United States. Motorcycle riders always need to exercise extreme caution whenever on the road. Motorcycle riders are 32 times more likely to be killed in an accident than passengers of cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Southern California is home to some of the most congested, dangerous, and unpredictable highways and roadways in the country. For this reason, it is not surprising that California has one the largest proportions of motorcycle accidents than any other state in the country.

There are a variety of factors that can cause or contribute to a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle riders need to be aware of these factors, and take extra care when on the road. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Negligence
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Distracted drivers
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Poor weather conditions
• Hazardous road conditions
• Traffic congestion
• Failure to follow safe driving laws
• Motorcycle signaling error
• Motorcycle or equipment defect or malfunction
• Limited visibility
• No warning signs
• Glares
• Blind corners

Especially in California, where highway and roadway traffic can be dangerous and unpredictable, it is important for all motorcycle riders to take proper safety measures.  When proper safety isn’t followed, motorcycle riders may sustain life-threatening injuries, such as head injury, brain injury, internal bleeding, paralysis, broken bones, amputations, crushed organs, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, and death.

There are a number of safety precautions motorcycle riders can take to avoid these serious injuries. Some of the best ways to reduce your chance of being involved or injured in a motorcycle accident are:

• Wear a helmet. They are your best defense against brain and head injury. In fact, motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are over three times more likely to suffer a head or brain injury than those riders who do wear helmets. In addition, helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries, 29% effective in reducing fatalities, and 85% effective in reducing the incidence of severe, serious, or critical injuries.
  
  
• Never operate a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  
  
• In addition to a helmet, wear other protective gear, such as long pants, gloves, boots, a durable jacket, and face and eye protection.
  
  
• Get a motorcycle driver’s license. If you are a new rider, make sure to sign up for a driving course or lesson.
  
  
• Follow all traffic signals, signs, and rules. Do not speed!
  
  
• Keep an eye out for potential road hazards, such as potholes, large cracks, uneven asphalt, oil, etc.
  
  
• Do not drive in dangerous or poor weather conditions.
  
  
• Always ride with your headlights on.
  
  
• Be cautious of other vehicles and drivers. They might not be able to see you.
  
  
• Do not ride with other passengers until you feel comfortable driving in all conditions.

Contact our Los Angeles and Orange County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Los Angeles and Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys can protect your rights, and help you obtain financial compensation for your pain, suffering, medical costs, and lost wages. We are extremely well-versed in California motorcycle injury law, and work aggressively to build a strong case for our clients. We are dedicated to securing a favorable result, and helping our clients move toward a better future. In addition, we strive to provide every client with personalized attention, and a rewarding legal experience.

If you are in need of a talented Los Angeles and Orange County motorcycle accident attorney call the El Dabe Law Firm today for your free consultation at (866) 244-8527.