Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating of all roadway accidents. Unfortunately today, many drivers fail to operate their vehicles responsibly. Many drivers are distracted by on-board technology, others simply drive carelessly and some speed in excess to put other drivers on the roadway including motorcyclists in peril.

Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than car drivers, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries when involved in roadway accidents. Some of these injuries are permanent to forever change the lives of the victims. Motorcycles are smaller than cars which makes them more difficult to see. It can be especially hard for careless or wreckless drivers to see a motorcycle on the road.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident which was caused by another driver’s lack of attentiveness or poor driving, you may be able to claim compensation for your medical expenses, hospitalization, critical care costs, rehab fees and more. A competent, experienced California personal injury attorney can help you claim all the compensation you are lawfully due so you can begin to pick up the pieces of your life once again.

Reasons Other Drivers Don’t See Motorcycles

There are many reasons other drivers may not be able to see motorcycles on the road including:

Driver Intoxication – Driving while intoxicated is not only an unwise thing to do, but it is also behavior that causes many devastating and often deadly accidents including those involving motorcycles. Because a drunk driver’s reaction times are greatly slowed and his/her perception is altered, a motorcycle can do something as simple as pass alongside the vehicle wherein the person behind the wheel swerves out of his lane and strikes the motorcycle. Drinking and driving is a main cause of roadway accidents in California and unfortunately many people are killed because of it.

Reckless Driving – A motor vehicle operator who is driving recklessly can easily fail to see a motorcycle on the roadway. Careless and reckless driving plays a major factor in motorcycle accidents in California and all across the United States. Since drivers cannot see motorcyclists as easily as they can passenger vehicles, the results of these accidents are usually devastating.

Neglecting to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals – Drivers who fail to obey traffic signs and signals are often the reasons motorcycle accidents occur. A driver blasting through an intersection because he or she thinks they can “beat the light” can very easily fail to see a motorcycle lawfully crossing the intersection. This type of accident rarely turns out well for the motorcyclist as severe injuries are often sustained since there’s nothing between the motorcycle operator and the road to provide any protection.

Cellphone Use – The widespread use of cellphones has led to a significant rise in the number of traffic accidents that happen in the United States. A driver who is preoccupied with talking or worse yet texting while driving can easily fail to see a motorcycle.

Failure to Use Lights – Drivers who fail to use their lights during the nighttime hours or when it is raining or foggy put motorcycle riders at great risk. Many drivers neglect to use their lights until it’s completely dark. Such a driver can easily fail to see other cars and motorcycles on the road just before sunrise and prior to sunset. If a driver fails to use lights when it’s raining heavily or when dense fog is present, a motorcyclist can easily be hit by that driver and either badly injured or killed due to the driver’s negligence.

If someone caused you to become injured while on a motorcycle and that person failed to see you due to negligence or carelessness, you may be able to collect compensatory damages for your injuries. That is why you should seek the assistance of an experienced California personal injury lawyer.

If someone you love was killed due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit wherein you are compensated for the loss of your loved one.