Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Driving on California roads comes with risks for motorcycle riders and car drivers. While riding a motorcycle can be exciting, it’s essential to know how accidents with motorcycles differ from those with cars. The Simon Law Group wants to help you understand these differences and how they can affect you. In this post, we’ll look at how motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents, what to expect legally, and how we can help you get through these situations.
What Causes These Accidents?
Motorcycles and cars may share the road, but they handle very differently. Motorcycles have two wheels, making them less stable than cars with four wheels. This makes them more likely to lose control on rough surfaces or when it’s raining. Conversely, cars can often manage these minor challenges better because they have more stability.
Most motorcycle accidents happen because drivers don’t see them in time. Almost three out of four motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, often because the driver didn’t notice the motorcycle. Car accidents, however, are more likely to occur due to texting, speeding, or drunk driving. Although these behaviors also cause motorcycle accidents, cars offer more protection through seatbelts and airbags, which can reduce injuries.
How Bad Are the Injuries?
One of the biggest differences between these two types of accidents is the level of protection. Motorcycle riders are exposed to the road with little protection, unlike car drivers, who have a metal frame, airbags, and seatbelts to protect them. This makes motorcyclists more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death in an accident.
According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car passengers, taking into account the miles they travel. Common injuries for motorcyclists include head injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe skin wounds. In car accidents, injuries like whiplash, bruises, and cuts are more common, although severe injuries can still happen.
Costs and Insurance Issues
After an accident, the financial costs can be high for everyone involved. You may have to deal with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost income. However, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, leading to higher medical expenses and more extended periods of work.
Motorcycle insurance policies can be quite different from car insurance. Motorcyclists must ensure adequate coverage, like collision damage, medical payments, and coverage against uninsured drivers. California law suggests motorcyclists look into underinsured motorist coverage since they might get into accidents with drivers who aren’t adequately insured.
Legal Considerations
Handling motorcycle and car accident cases involves different legal considerations. Motorcycle cases often pay more attention to the rider’s actions, such as speed, use of helmets and other protective gear, and whether they followed traffic rules. Car accident cases might focus more on insurance coverage and proving who was at fault.
To get compensation for injuries or damages, you’ll typically need to prove another party was negligent, meaning they didn’t act carefully, which led to the accident. The Simon Law Group specializes in these cases and will help you get the compensation you’re entitled to, no matter what kind of vehicle was involved.
Staying Safe
Preventing an accident is better than dealing with one. Both motorcyclists and car drivers can take steps to make roads safer. Motorcycle riders should always wear helmets and the proper protective gear. Using bright clothing and safe riding habits can also keep you safer.
Car drivers should stay focused, avoid using phones, and give motorcycles enough space on the road. Regular car maintenance and obeying speed limits are also essential for staying safe.
Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you ever get into an accident, having a knowledgeable legal team can make a big difference. The Simon Law Group is committed to helping clients involved in motorcycle or car accidents. Our experienced lawyers will carefully investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for your rights for the best possible outcome. Understanding the unique challenges of motorcycle and car accidents lets us tailor our approach to your needs. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the California Personal Injury Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave,
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
