Motorcycle Accident

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in North Hollywood, California

The lack of a protective enclosure around the motorcyclist means that the rider’s body often directly absorbs the impact of an accident. Motorcycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Distracted Driving — Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in North Hollywood and throughout California. Motorists in passenger cars often look at their phones or engage in other distractions, making it difficult to see motorcycles sharing the road.
• Aggressive Driving — Other drivers can exhibit hostile and impulsive behavior on the road, such as excessive speeding or tailgating, significantly increasing the risk of motorcycle crashes.
• Lane Change Accidents — Some drivers simply fail to check blind spots or use turn signals, causing severe accidents when changing lanes unexpectedly. In these situations, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable.
• Left-Turn Collisions — Drivers making left turns at intersections often fail to yield or misjudge the speed of oncoming motorcycles, leading to severe collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions — Potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces are hazardous for all drivers but can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. These hazards can cause a rider to lose control and crash.
• Head on Collisions —  Head on collisions, often due to an alcohol-impaired driver’s failure to maintain their lane, are a significant cause of fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Impaired Driving — Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less likely to notice motorcyclists and more likely to engage in risky behavior, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Failure to Monitor Blind Spots — Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Inattentive drivers can crash into riders in their blind spots when changing lanes or turning.
• Sudden Stops — If a vehicle stops abruptly, a motorcyclist following behind might not have enough time to react, possibly leading to a rear-end collision.
• Dooring Incidents — Sometimes, drivers or passengers in parked cars open their doors without checking for oncoming traffic, creating hazardous obstacles for motorcyclists.
• Vehicle Defects — Defects in a motorcycle’s or another vehicle’s brake system, lights, or other essential parts can lead to preventable motorcycle accidents.

How Do Motorcycle Crashes Differ from Crashes Involving Cars in North Hollywood?

Although a motorcycle crash occurs on the same roadways as an enclosed passenger vehicle like a car, it differs in many ways.

Level of Protection in Enclosed Passenger Vehicles: Passenger vehicle occupants are enclosed by a steel frame, equipped with airbags, and secured with seat belts. Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, have far less protection, often relying solely on a motorcycle helmet and protective gear, exposing them to a higher risk of serious injury or fatal crashes.

Stability & Visibility: Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars. Their smaller size and narrower profile make them more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, debris, and slippery surfaces. Motorcycles are also more likely to be overlooked in blind spots, increasing the chances of collisions with inattentive drivers. Moreover, because some car and truck drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles, they are more likely to misjudge their speed or distance, possibly leading to accidents.

Injury Rate for Motorcycle Crashes: In the absence of a protective frame, many motorcyclists get thrown off their bikes during a collision, leading to higher injury rates. An injured motorcyclist tends to sustain more severe injuries to multiple parts of the body than riders in passenger cars. These unique factors affect the health consequences for victims and the legal aspects of related accident claims.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a North Hollywood Motorcycle Accident

The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident with any vehicle type can be overwhelming. However, focusing on your recovery and protecting your rights following a crash with a motor vehicle is critical. Motorcycle operators involved in crashes should take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention to have a doctor diagnose, treat, and document your condition.
• Follow all medical advice and treatment recommendations closely.
• Secure copies of your medical records and bills as important evidence.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident without admitting fault.
• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for personalized legal advice.
• Gather copies of all accident-related documentation, including police reports.
• Document any repair estimates or appraisals for your damaged motorcycle.
• Keep a detailed journal describing your physical and emotional recovery after the accident.
• Make copies of any correspondence between you and the insurance companies.
• Take photographs of your injuries over time to document your healing progress.
• Gather proof of employment records to show any lost income due to the accident.
• Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney.
• Consider any settlement offers closely and consult your attorney before accepting.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in North Hollywood

Despite statewide efforts to improve motorcycle safety and raise awareness among drivers, motorcyclist fatalities still occur frequently. These motorcycle deaths can leave the loved ones left behind emotionally and financially devastated.

Was your loved one killed in a fatal motorcycle crash due to the negligence of other motorists? You could be eligible to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. At The Shamsi Law Firm APC, we understand the devastation of motorcyclist fatalities on families. We have assisted many clients whose loved ones were involved in fatal crashes, guiding them through the legal process and the pursuit of justice and compensation.

What Damages Can I Pursue in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In California, injured motorcyclists can seek economic and non-economic damages after crashes with other vehicles.

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical bills and expenses from the accident
• Incidental, out-of-pocket costs, such as medical travel expenses
• Lost income from any time you miss at work during your recovery
• Losses in your lifetime earning capacity due to permanent impairments
• Repair or replacement costs for accident-related property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

When you work with a motorcycle accident lawyer in North Hollywood, they can calculate the full extent of your accident-related losses and seek fair compensation on your behalf.