Safety Measures to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Burbank

With the California Highway Patrol reporting an average of 14,000 accidents with injuries each year, you already know the dangers that motorcyclists face. Yet, you are vigilant and keep your motorcycle in good working order. You also wear protective gear and never drive drunk or high.

Unfortunately, your efforts may not be enough if you share the road with a negligent motorist. Be proactive and adopt some safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Burbank. If you are injured because a motorist recklessly crashes into you, contact our motorcycle injury attorneys at Block LLP immediately for compassionate, competent representation.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorists are commonly observant of other cars, but after sideswiping or smashing into a motorcycle, often claim that they did not see it. You want motorists to see you. Bright-colored clothing with reflective patches and glow-in-the-dark strips, as well as bright or reflective paint on your motorcycle, can help drivers see you at night.

Be especially mindful at intersections. The City of Burbank reports that the most dangerous intersection is Victory Place and Burbank Boulevard, with 50 vehicle encounters in a five-year period. Motorists are less likely to see you if they are turning or trying to get through a yellow light.

According to the California Vehicle Code § 27803, all riders and passengers must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet. This is described in guidelines issued in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Other safety measures you should follow include:

• Wearing a face shield and eye protection
• Wearing padded clothing to reduce injuries, such as road rash
• Adjusting speed according to road conditions
• Routinely inspecting your motorcycle’s engine, brakes, and electrical system
• Riding sober
• Taking a motorcycle safety course

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that most motorcycle accidents occur on five-mile runs and at speeds less than 30 mph. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study concluded that wearing a DOT-approved helmet saves about 2,900 lives nationwide in any given year. Even if you are riding a few blocks to the grocery store, taking safety measures could prevent motorcycle crashes in Burbank.

Riding in Unfavorable Conditions

Severe storms and blinding smoke from wildfires can make riding conditions less than desirable. Disadvantageous conditions make accidents more likely, and if you are a motorcyclist injured by a motorist, the motorist’s insurer might claim you share blame for failing to take conditions into account. California is an at-fault state, and showing you contributed to the accident could reduce the insurer’s burdens. If you sue for your injuries, it behooves the defendant’s attorney to place blame on you because California also follows the principle of pure comparative negligence.

Even if you adopt safety measures, you cannot prevent the possibility of a motorcycle crash in Burbank. Call our skilled personal injury attorneys now to discuss your motorcycle accident.

Pure Comparative Negligence

If we take your motorcycle accident case to court because an insurer refuses to offer a suitable settlement, the defense attorney might try to place as much blame on you as possible. This is because California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means blame might be apportioned between those involved.

Even if you are largely responsible for the wreck, you could still recover some damages, but only the percentage of the total for which the defendant is found responsible. For example, if the jury determines you are 80 percent responsible and your damages award is $100,000, you might receive $20,000.

Adopting safety measures to prevent motorcycle crashes is one way to show you are a responsible rider in Burbank.

Contact an Attorney About Safety Measures To Prevent Motorcycle Crashes in Burbank

Safety precautions are your first defense against being involved in motorcycle accidents. They are not foolproof, and, if an accident occurs, the evidence that you took these measures could positively affect your damages award because it reduces your percentage of blame.

Your attorney may seek the maximum compensation possible through a personal injury lawsuit, using the measures you took to stay safe on the road to help support your case. Proven safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Burbank can help you, but when they do not, our attorneys unite as a team to help advocate for you. Contact us.