According to California law, there is equipment that is necessary for motorists to wear when riding a motorcycle or motorized bike – whether they or experienced or a beginner. Motorcycle beginner gear motorcyclists must wear protective headgear or motorcycle helmets. It can also be helpful for them to wear motorcycle gloves, motorcycle boots, motorcycle pants, a motorcycle jacket, and other motorcycle gear that makes them feel comfortable and protected in case of a fall and motorcycle injury. In addition, motorcycles must have working lights on their vehicle, a horn, a mirror, and both front and rear brakes.
In California, motorcycle safety is take more seriously than in other metropolitan or congested locations because of California’s traffic patterns. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are famous for their congested freeways and exorbitant traffic volume. Personal injury lawyers advise riders who are unfamiliar with San Francisco or Los Angeles’ traffic patterns not ride major freeways during rush hour until they have a better idea of the roadways’ particular challenges.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider is allowed to ride between their fellow riders and/or cars, traversing the lines on the road that delineate lanes.
Many states do not allow lane splitting to offer more protection to drivers and motorists, but California does permit it. An important rule of thumb to remember if for most riders is to be aware of a car driver’s blind spot. Do not ride too quickly or edge too close to other vehicles – especially in bad weather or an uneven road surface.
Being safe on the road is the responsibility of the motorcyclist. Full face helmets are advised to cut down on traumatic brain or head injuries if a cyclist is ejected from their vehicle. It is imperative for all cyclists to wear proper gear and helmet equipment (even if it is a used helmet), and to take the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Motorcyclist Safety Program before embarking on California’s roads.
All motorcycle drivers need to be prepared with good protection, both physically and intellectually and learn how to ride defensively. Even experienced motorcycle riders should take refresher courses regularly and be armed in full riding gear.
A majority of motorcycle accidents result from reckless and/or negligent drivers. Reckless and negligent behavior includes speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to maintain a safe distance (otherwise known as tailgating). A California reckless driving lawyer, like the ones at Lawyers for Justice, PC are always available to help injured drivers and passengers and can lead an investigation from police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and surveillance videos, if needed.
Motorcycle Safety Advice
The best piece of advice for motorcyclists and drivers operating vehicles on the same road where motorcyclists drive, is to stay attentive to the road! Often times, drivers do not see motorcycle riders until the very last second before an accident takes place.
Motorcycle drivers should always wear protective motorcycle gear, including motorcycle helmets, motorcycle pants, motorcycle boots, leather jackets, leather motorcycle pants, a full face helmet, body armor, knee guards, and other riding equipment with thick textile jackets to help cushion falls. Also, wearing bright apparel and keeping headlights on at all times can increase the odds of driver safety.
Pay attention to these common motorcycle accident scenarios:
- Dangerous Left-Hand Turns – There are a high number of California motorcycle accidents at busy intersections. A driver making a left turn can collide with a motorcycle who is driving straight because the driver in the car does not see them. Motorcycle and car drivers should be extra cautious at California intersections.
- Yielding at Intersections – Yielding can often be a tricky situation, but it every driver knows being cautious of yields is a beginner’s guide to being a road driver. Some drivers might not notice a motorcycle rider and thus, do not yield to give them the right of way.
- Large Trucks & Blind Spots – Larger vehicles, including SUVs, tractor trailers, and big rigs are more dangerous than smaller vehicles because since a motorcycle is smaller than an average car, the driver of the large vehicle may not detect a motorcyclist in their blond spot. And big trucks have big blind spots.
- As a motorcyclist, in addition to being aware of reckless car drivers and always wearing proper motorcycle gear like motorcycle pants, motorcycle boots, and other protective riding gear, pay attention to weather patterns. When the weather is bad or the road visibility is poor, do not ride. It is assumed, but never drink or use drugs before going out on the road. And of course, ensure the motorcycle being ridden is in good working condition. Check motorcycle accessories, particularly as a new rider, including the tire pressure in two wheels and all necessary fluid levels or other features.
What are Road Hazards?
Road hazards make up a large portion of the dangers for motorcycle riders and car drivers. They can cause problems that may result in catastrophic motorcycle injuries.
Common road hazards include:
- Animals in the road or crossing the street
- Rogue Debris
- Trees or Objects that have fallen
- Uneven road surface or loose gravel
- Large and small potholes
- Slick pavements
When road hazards cause motorcycle accidents, sometimes the party responsible for road maintenance could be liable. It’s important to call a powerful team of motorcycle accident attorneys, like the ones at Lawyers for Justice, PC so they can guide drivers on the best course of legal action. Sometimes there are varying timeframes of when the statute of limitations applies for accident victims to file a personal injury lawsuit, so a motorcycle accident attorney will have more answers.
What are Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
If you think about it, motorcycle drivers have much less protection than their car-driving counterparts when they collide with a vehicle; thus the human body has a greater likelihood to be damaged. A good helmet, motorcycle jacket, motorcycle gloves, and proper motorcycle gear can help, but an unprotected body has to go up against the metal frame, machinery, and splintered steel of a car accident. Thus, when there is a motorcycle accident, the injuries sustained are more severe and there is a greater chance of fatality.
Motorcycle Injuries Can Include:
- Loss of limbs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Road rash
- Internal organ damage
In the best case scenario, the above injuries require an extended long recovery period. But in the worst case scenario, they can cause permanent disabilities and death. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the motorcycle accident attorneys at Lawyers for Justice, PC as soon as possible they can help you immediately. Waiting too long to call a personal injury lawyer could lessen the intensity of the accident and lower the compensation possible to receive.
Let the Motorcycle Lawyers at Lawyers for Justice, PC Help
You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our top attorneys who specialize in personal injuries. Best of all, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that no client pays any upfront costs; they only pay if our lawyers win the case.
Call (818) JUSTICE today for more information.
