California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle Crashes: A Silent Epidemic in California and Nationwide

Motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries are a serious problem in most areas of the country, but in Southern California, the problem has been dubbed a “silent epidemic,” as motorcycle accident fatalities have more than doubled since 1997. Between lax licensing laws, anti-motorcycle bias among drivers, and the recently-passed lane-splitting initiative AB 51, California ranks among one of the top most dangerous states for motorcycle riders.

At Wisner Baum, our motorcycle accident attorneys can provide aggressive and results-driven representation for anyone involved in a crash with a motorcycle, be they a rider, driver, or pedestrian. We’ve collected over $4 billion for injury victims since we opened our doors in 1973, and for almost half a century, we’ve been tirelessly fighting for improved road safety standards and better outcomes for motorcyclists.

Call our Los Angeles office at (855) 948-5098 to get started with a free consultation. We can provide same-day appointments and have multiple Spanish-speaking attorneys on our staff.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there was a 5% decrease in motorcycle crash fatalities in 2018 as compared with previous years – and yet, motorcyclists are still 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.

According to the data, motorcyclists can greatly reduce their risk of serious injury or death by wearing a helmet, obtaining the right licensing and training, and not riding while intoxicated. When motorcyclists do not obey the law or drive safely, they may even be considered negligent in causing a crash.

Motorcyclists may be held liable for crash injuries if they do the following:

• Merge lanes or dart between traffic without signaling
• Ride while distracted and talking on the phone
• Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Fail to secure appropriate licensing
• Engage in road rage and aggressive driving behavior
• Tailgate or follow too closely
• Split lanes in close proximity to other vehicles

However, drivers also have a clear responsibility to drive safely and avoid putting motorcyclists at risk, especially because motorcyclists are so much more likely to suffer injuries. Unfortunately, many of the most common causes of motor cycle accidents are linked to driver negligence.

The groundbreaking 1981 Hurt Report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that over two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers, and while there has been limited data in the years following that report, it’s likely that driver negligence still continues to be a major factor in motorcycle accident statistics.

Drivers may be responsible for crashes in the following circumstances:

• Disobeying traffic laws
• Failing to signal a merge
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving (texting, talking on a cell phone, eating)
• Failing to leave enough room near a motorcyclist
• Opening a car door in traffic
• Intersecting a motorcycle’s right-of-way

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?

As with any motor vehicle accident case, determining liability for a motorcycle crash requires comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident. At Wisner Baum, our experienced Los Angeles attorneys have vast experience and knowledge that we can apply to your case, whether you live in Southern California or anywhere else in the country.

For almost a half century, we’ve been advocating for injury victims and seeking the fair compensation that they deserve, and our creative legal strategies have earned us the respect of the national and international legal community. Often awarded by organizations like Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Martindale-Hubbell®, we are known for our persistent advocacy and dedication to our clients.

Contact us at (855) 948-5098 to get your free initial consultation.