Experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Shares the Top 5 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

As a motorcyclist, you know the thrill of the open road and the freedom that comes with riding. However, you’re also aware of the inherent risks involved. As an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, often with severe consequences. While you can’t control every factor on the road, understanding the most common causes of these accidents empowers you to take proactive steps to protect yourself.

In this blog, I’ll share the top five causes of motorcycle accidents I’ve seen repeatedly in my years of representing victims. More importantly, I’ll provide practical tips to help you avoid these dangerous situations and stay safer on the roads. By focusing on these critical areas, you can significantly reduce your risk and continue to enjoy the unique experience of motorcycle riding with greater peace of mind.

1. Left-Turning Vehicles

One of the most frequent and dangerous scenarios you’ll face as a motorcyclist involves vehicles making left turns in front of you. This situation accounts for a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents.

When drivers fail to see an oncoming motorcycle or misjudge its speed, they may turn left directly into the bike’s path. You’re particularly vulnerable at intersections, where most of these accidents occur.

To reduce your risk:

• Always approach intersections with caution, even if you have the right of way
• Watch for vehicles waiting to turn left, and be prepared to take evasive action
• Make yourself more visible by using your headlight and wearing bright or reflective gear
• Consider slowing down as you near intersections to give yourself more reaction time

2. Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, while legal in California, can be a significant cause of motorcycle accidents when not done safely. This practice involves riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.

While lane splitting can help you navigate through congested areas more quickly, it also puts you at risk of colliding with vehicles that suddenly change lanes or open their doors.

To lane split more safely:

• Only do so when traffic is moving slowly (under 30 mph is recommended)
• Don’t speed excessively relative to surrounding traffic
• Be extra vigilant for signs that a car might change lanes or open a door
• Avoid lane splitting near freeway exits or in areas with limited visibility

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed and reckless behavior contribute to many motorcycle accidents. The thrill of acceleration can be tempting, but it significantly reduces your margin for error and ability to react to unexpected situations.

Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also amplifies the severity of injuries if a crash does occur. Remember, as a motorcyclist, you lack the protective shell that car drivers have.

To stay safer:

• Always obey posted speed limits
• Adjust your speed for weather and road conditions
• Avoid aggressive maneuvers like weaving through traffic or sudden lane changes
• Give yourself ample time to reach your destination to reduce the urge to speed

4. Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, reaction time, and balance – all critical faculties for safe motorcycle operation. Despite widespread awareness of the dangers, driving under the influence remains a leading cause of motorcycle accidents.

As a motorcyclist, you’re not just at risk from your own impairment but also from impaired drivers around you. Their compromised abilities make them more likely to make errors that put you in danger.

To protect yourself:

• Never ride after consuming alcohol or drugs, including some prescription medications
• If you plan to drink, arrange alternative transportation
• Be extra cautious during times when impaired driving is more common, such as weekend nights
• Watch for signs of impaired driving in other vehicles and give them a wide berth

5. Road Hazards

Road conditions that might be minor inconveniences for cars can pose serious dangers to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet leaves, railroad tracks, and uneven road surfaces are just a few examples of hazards that can cause you to lose control of your bike. Construction zones are particularly treacherous, with changing traffic patterns, loose gravel, and unexpected obstacles.

To navigate road hazards more safely:

• Scan the road ahead constantly for potential hazards
• Reduce your speed when approaching areas with known or potential hazards
• Maintain a greater following distance to give yourself more time to spot and react to road conditions
• When possible, avoid riding in inclement weather that can create slippery conditions

By understanding and being vigilant about these top five causes – left-turning vehicles, lane splitting risks, speeding, driving under the influence, and road hazards – you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.

Remember, defensive driving is key. Always ride as if other drivers can’t see you, maintain your motorcycle properly, and never underestimate the importance of proper safety gear. By staying alert and making smart decisions, you can continue to enjoy the freedom of motorcycle riding while minimizing your risks on the road.

If you do find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Additional Resources

To support motorcyclists in enhancing their skills and ensuring their safety, California offers a range of programs designed to cater to riders of all experience levels. In addition, initiatives like Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month help raise awareness about the importance of motorcycle safety. Here are some key programs and initiatives available:

• California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP): The CMSP is administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and offers various courses tailored to different experience levels. These include the Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) for beginners, which consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding practice, and the Premier Program for more experienced riders, with 7.5 hours of classroom instruction and 13.5 hours of riding. Completing these courses can provide significant benefits, such as DMV skills test waivers and potential insurance discounts.
• eRider Online Course: For those who prefer an online learning option, the CMSP offers the eRider Motorcycle Training Course. This course is interactive and takes 4-6 hours to complete, covering the theoretical aspects of motorcycle safety before participants attend in-person riding sessions.
• Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Every May, the CHP promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of safe riding practices and the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face. The CHP uses this month to increase education and enforcement efforts, helping both new and experienced riders stay informed about safety measures and traffic laws.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles? The road to recovery can be long and challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’ve been searching online for “accident lawyers in Los Angeles, CA,” contact us instead. At The Shamsi Law Firm, APC, we’re committed to supporting motorcycle accident victims like you through every step of the legal process.

With over 17 years of experience, attorney Sean Shamsi personally handles each case, ensuring you receive the individualized attention your situation demands. We’ve successfully recovered millions for our clients, standing up to insurance companies that often try to minimize or deny valid claims.

Don’t let medical bills, lost wages, and property damage overwhelm you. Take the first step towards reclaiming your life and securing the compensation you need. Remember, you only pay if we win your case. Call us at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with a Los Angeles motorcycle injury lawyer.

Let us help you fight for justice and seek compensation for your injuries so you can get closure and move on with your life.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Shamsi Law Firm, APC
13209 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640
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