Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or anywhere else in California, you have probably seen a motorcycle crash on the highway or in the city. It is a tragedy, and it happens all too often. But there are ways to reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash.
Unsafe lane changes
Almost every year, there are motorcycle accidents caused by unsafe lane changes. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, brain damage, and lacerations.
In California, motorists have a legal duty to use reasonable care. This includes not only using turn signals but also checking their blind spots and giving proper signals when changing lanes.
The California Vehicle Code SS 22107 makes it illegal to make an unsafe lane change. Drivers should always signal when changing lanes, and they must stay in the same lane until it’s safe to move. They should also check their rear view mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
Despite the dangers associated with unsafe lane changes, drivers in California make these maneuvers every day. This can result in thousands of accidents.
Speeding
Whether you are a new motorcyclist or a seasoned rider, it is important to know the dangers of speeding. Speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents in California.
Speeding reduces the margin of error for drivers and can lead to deadly collisions. A speeding driver can be charged with vehicular homicide, which can lead to fines, court fees, and loss of civil rights.
In California, the law provides a Basic Speed Law to protect the victims of crashes. This law was created to protect the safety of those in crashes and to prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that speeding is responsible for more than one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. This is a significant number because it represents a large percentage of the total traffic fatalities in the country. In addition, speeding can cause more serious injuries than low-speed collisions.
Left-hand turns
Whether you are a motorcycle owner or driver, you need to be aware of the dangers involved in making a left hand turn. In many cases, a left-hand turn accident can cause serious injury to the driver or passenger of the motorcycle.
In the state of California, the vehicle making a left hand turn has the obligation to yield to any oncoming traffic. This duty of care is known as the right of way. However, not all accidents are caused by a left-hand turn.
If you were injured in a left turn motorcycle accident in California, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to prove that the other driver was at fault for your injuries, you need to collect evidence. Your attorney can help you gather the right evidence to make a strong case.
Road hazards and poor driving conditions
Among the common causes of motorcycle accidents in California are road hazards and poor driving conditions. Motorcycles are not protected like passenger vehicles and can be at risk of serious injuries when riding on an unsafe road.
Road hazards include potholes, gravel on pavement, debris, construction debris, and objects on the road. These can be particularly hazardous to motorcycles since their size makes them less protected than other vehicles.
Poor road design can also lead to accidents. When there are uneven road surfaces, motorcycles can be thrown off balance or slide. These can cause catastrophic accidents.
The federal government, local governments, and independent contractors may be liable for defective roads. If you believe you were involved in an accident due to a road defect, call the police immediately. They may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Legality of lane splitting
Generally, there is no law prohibiting motorcycles from lane splitting in California. However, it is a controversial issue. Some people claim that lane splitting is a risky practice. It is also difficult to prove fault in such a case.
The legality of lane splitting in California may vary from state to state. Some states may not permit lane splitting at all. Others may have laws that allow lane splitting on a case by case basis. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in California, consult with an experienced California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to determine your rights.
California was the first state to recognize lane splitting. In fact, the state has some of the best laws in the country for lane splitting. AB-51, a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Mike McGuire, made lane splitting legal under certain circumstances.
Finally
You deserve justice if you lost a family member in a motorcycle crash that someone else caused. For that you can call a sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer.
