With more than 830,000 motorcycles registered in the state of California and excellent year round riding conditions, California has the second highest number of motorcycle collision fatalities in the nation. In 2007, 495 riders lost their lives in California motorcycle accidents. Tragically, most motorcycle collision fatalities and injuries can be prevented. Although reckless riders are responsible for a small percentage of motorcycle crashes, most collisions are caused by the negligent or careless actions of another motor vehicle driver.
Negligent Drivers
The most cited cause of motorcycle accidents is the inability of a motor vehicle driver to see a motorcycle in traffic, especially when traffic is dense or weather conditions are bad. Simply “not seeing the rider” is not enough to excuse a driver from any liability. Oftentimes, motor vehicle drivers do not see a motorcyclist because they were not paying attention to the road. A driver may have been talking or texting on a cell phone, talking to another passenger or trying to eat before colliding with a rider. Alcohol and drug use can also affect a driver’s ability to detect a motorcyclist in traffic.
Bad Road Conditions
Road conditions can contribute to a San Francisco motorcycle collision occurring. Reports of riders skidding out of control because of loose gravel or debris on the surface of a road are common. Potholes or uneven road surfaces, which are normally not a huge concern for passenger vehicle drivers, can cause a devastating crash for a motorcycle rider.
Motorcycle Part Defects
More and more collisions involving motorcycles are being attributed to defective or dangerous bike parts. Poor manufacturing procedures and flawed design are the most common reasons for a defective or dangerous bike part. Motorcycle accidents caused by a faulty throttle, brake, steering system, gas tank, engine, tire or handlebar may entitle a rider to compensation from a bike part
manufacturer.
Compensation or a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident
If you have any reason to suspect a negligent driver, bad road condition or defective motorcycle part caused your crash, don’t wait to contact a qualified San Francisco personal injury attorney. An established attorney will have access to valuable legal and financial resources, which can be beneficial to you and your case. Using unique resources, a reputable San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney will investigate every element of the crash to determine who is liable for accident-related damages. You may be entitled to money for medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, psychological distress and physical pain.
Continue reading “Causes of San Francisco Motorcycle Accidents”
Comments