Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Burbank

California has more registered motorcycles than any other state. Its mild climate and scenic roads attract many riders, but more motorcycles on the road can lead to more accidents. Interestingly, most crashes occur within five miles of home and at speeds under 30 mph, making the open road statistically safer.

Accidents invariably occur because of negligence. Motorists are trained to look for comparable vehicles and often claim they did not see a motorcyclist in their blind spot or beside them in the next lane. With information about common causes of motorcycle accidents in Burbank, you could increase your chances of avoiding an accident.

However, if you are involved in one, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at our firm could help you seek compensation for your losses.

Motorcycle-Related Injuries and Deaths

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collects information about motorcycle and other road accidents. According to NHTSA, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in road accidents than other motorists.

Motorcyclists are almost always injured in accidents, especially when a vehicle’s heavy steel frame impacts them, a common scenario in Burbank crashes. While some injuries may be minor, like mild road rash, more frequently they are serious and include:

• Spinal cord injury
• Third-degree burns
• Traumatic brain injury
• Crushed internal organs
• Paralysis

Medical bills can quickly add up while the injured person is unable to work and earn wages during recovery. Compensation may also be available for pain, disfigurement, emotional distress, property damage, and loss of companionship if your case goes to trial.

If you’ve been in an accident, our attorneys welcome you to consult with us. We offer the personalized attention of a small firm, backed by the resources and proven results typically found at larger firms.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

A motorist is considered negligent when their actions are unreasonable compared to what a typical driver would do, and those actions lead to an accident that injures others. Common motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers include:

• Merging impatiently: Motorists rushing onto Interstate 5 fail to check rear-view mirrors and blind spots and smash into motorcyclists
• Dooring: Motorists who are parallel parked and open their driver’s side doors without looking for approaching motorcyclists
• Speeding: Motorists weaving at too high a speed, cutting in front of motorcyclists who lose control
• Crashing broadside: Motorists ignore stop signs and lights and smash into motorcyclists with the right of way
• Turning left at intersections: Motorists T-bone motorcyclists they fail to see
• Colliding in the rear: Motorists tailgate motorcyclists

Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating with insurers. In California, the at-fault driver is responsible for damage done to others, and their insurer pays the claim. However, we are just as comfortable taking your case to court if a settlement offer is less than what we could get from a jury.

There are common causes behind motorcycle accidents in Burbank, and what you receive in compensation has some precedent in earlier cases with similar injuries. Contact our legal team to discuss your case.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the amount of time an injured person has to file a civil lawsuit. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the accident that caused your injuries to file a claim. Some exceptions apply.

In most cases, the specific cause of the motorcycle crash does not impact your right to file a claim in Burbank. However, if you miss the filing deadline, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss your case, potentially preventing you from recovering any compensation.

Contact a Lawyer for Help With Your Motorcycle Accident in Burbank

When negligent drivers cause motorcycle accidents, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses, including lost wages and the impact on their health during recovery.

Stay alert in high-risk situations, and if you’re injured in a crash, contact our compassionate personal injury attorneys. We’re familiar with the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Burbank and are here to help.