The appeal of motorcycles is undeniable for some people in Southern California; open roads, the thrill of traveling on two wheels and feeling the wind, and the beautiful views offered by many winding roads and routes are often enough to justify the risks inherent in riding. However, if an accident occurs it be easy to forget about the joys of motorcycles and focus on the pain, expense, and financial insecurity that follow in the aftermath. The skilled North Hollywood motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law know you’ve been put in a difficult situation as a result of the wreck; that’s why we’ll start working the moment you hire us to get you the check you need and the justice you deserve with no unnecessary delays. Contact us today to learn how our 40 plus years of experience can benefit you.
Risks to Motorcyclists in North HollywoodAnyone riding a motorcycle in the greater Los Angeles area takes their life in their hands and risks injury or death if an accident occurs – this is no different on dangerous roads in and around North Hollywood. The city and its over 158,000 residents are surrounded by the massive 5, 134, and Hollywood Freeways. It is also home to busy roads like Burbank and Laurel Canyon Boulevards and Vineland and Coldwater Canyon Avenues. These densely populated roadways present serious risk to motorcyclists at all times – speeding, distracted driving, and other bad behaviors are prevalent among drivers in the are and can lead to disaster. Just last year, a collision between a vehicle and a motorcyclist on Vineland Avenue near Vanowen Street in North Hollywood resulted in the rider’s death after they were thrown nearly 100 feet from their motorcycle on impact.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?Anyone who is an experienced rider knows that motorcycles can be hazardous to their health if they’re involved in an accident. The NHTSA reports that any rider involved in a motorcycle accident has risk of dying that is 28 times greater than that of a vehicle occupant in a crash. The risk of injury is also 6 times greater for motorcyclists. This elevated risk is one reason motorcycle riders are required to take a safety course when initially applying for their license; it’s also a motivating factor for riders to wear recommended protective gear and ride cautiously. However, protective equipment and defensive riding are no match for negligent drivers who fail to see a motorcycle on the road or cause accidents due to their unsafe driving.
Distracted DrivingAlmost 80 percent of all drivers admit to texting while driving – an illegal activity in California and strong evidence of negligence – at least occasionally. However, distracted driving and its consequences go far beyond texting behind the wheel.
As if the threat of distracted drivers wasn’t worrying enough, riders also have to watch out for drivers behaving in other unsafe ways on North Hollywood’s roads. Motorcycle accidents are commonly caused by negligent driver behavior such as:
Once a motorcycle accident injury victim establishes that someone else’s negligence caused them harm, a court may award compensatory damages to make them whole. Though nothing will undo the accident, the physical injuries, or the long-term impact the crash may have on the victim, compensatory damages are a legal method of offsetting injuries including:
If you were injured while riding a motorcycle, you know firsthand how an accident can change your financial future – medical bills, disability resulting in short- or long-term inability to work, and costly repairs to your bike might make you think you can’t afford an attorney. However, the experienced North Hollywood motorcycle accident lawyers at Walch Law believe you deserve a chance to pursue compensation. That’s why we take every case on a contingency fee basis; it means you don’t pay us before we get you paid. Contact us today to get started!