Motorcycle Safety Issues

Visibility Issues

Drivers of cars, trucks, semi-tractor trailer trucks and SUVs often do not see other large motor vehicles, so it should not be surprising that most motor vehicle drivers fail to see motorcycles.  Additionally, motorcycles may be shielded from the view of the motor vehicle drivers by other motor vehicles on the road, as well as inanimate objects on California’s roadways.  Poor lighting and other weather and road conditions may further limit a motor vehicle driver from seeing a motorcycle driver.

Roadway Hazards

Roadway hazards that plague a motorcycle rider very differently than those drivers who are within the confines of a protective windshield and steel cage.  If a car driver hits certain types of roadway hazards, such as a pothole, the car driver may be worried about bending his car tire rim, while a motorcycle rider may be thrown from his motorcycle and crushed by the other vehicles on the road.  Therefore it is essential that all motorcycle riders continually scan their surroundings and adjust their driving depending on the ever changing road conditions.  A motorcycle rider must further be aware and avoid flying debris from passing semi-tractor trucks, rocks thrown up by passenger cars, water puddles, uneven pavement, railroad tracks, and large quantities of bugs which might temporarily impair the motorcycle driver’s vision which may result in serious injuries or even death.

Lack of Experience and Training

Many motorcycle riders have a general understanding of how a motorcycle works, but it is only those motorcycle riders who have been riding for a long time who truly understand the limits of a motorcycle.  For example, inexperienced motorcycle riders will often try and turn the front wheel instead of leaning in a hard turn. By turning the front wheel instead of leading might cause the motorcycle rider to cross over a double yellow line and collide into oncoming traffic or to be thrown from the motorcycle.

Some motorcycle riders have attempted to gain years of experience by attending safety motorcycle riding classes to enforce muscle memory and to learn how to avoid and handle various road hazards as well as learn their reaction times. It has been shown that a motorcycle rider needs more skill and requires more attention to details than a car, truck or SUV driver.  It is typically novice motorcycle riders who are injured seriously or killed because of their lack of training or pushing their powerful motorcycle beyond their skill level to impress friends or onlookers.

Contact Our Motorcycle Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Burbank, Pasadena, or Glendale Motorcycle Accident, immediately contact one of our Lawyers for a free confidential initial consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident injuries and what compensation you are seeking for these injuries.

We can be reached toll-free at 800-704-8237.