Windsor Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Proven Windsor Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Here for You
There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind in your face and the rumbling of your motorcycle beneath you as you cruise down California’s scenic roads, oceanside drives, mountain roads, or breathtaking forests. Unfortunately, we all know that this transformative experience does come with a certain degree of risk.
Motorcycle Statistics
Motorcycle deaths generally account for about 15 percent of all California motor vehicle fatalities. It’s interesting to note, in recent years, that figure has actually decreased. But many attribute that decline in deaths to unfavorable weather that has kept many bikers off the roads entirely.
There are some interesting statistics when it comes to collisions and fatalities involving California motorcycles. For example, did you know that these counties are the most dangerous for bikers? (in descending order):
- Lost Angeles County
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
Statisticians have also determined that the age of the driver affects the rate of deaths and injuries for bikers. In the following list, number 1 is the most likely age range to be injured or die, and number 5 is the least likely:
- 25 – 34
- 15 – 24
- 45 – 54
- 35 – 44
- 55 – 64
If you have any questions, contact the highly-experienced Windsor motorcycle accident lawyers at Henderson Law.
Common Reasons for Windsor Motorcycle Accidents
The most common motorcycle accident is when an automobile collides with a motorcycle. The following are some of the most common actions that lead to a car crashing into a motorcycle.
Stopping Suddenly – If either vehicle stops suddenly, its chances of being rear-ended increases dramatically.
Changing Lanes – When a car changes lanes without checking their blind spot carefully, mayhem can result. This is especially true when the vehicle in their blind spot is as small as a bike, which can be missed if the driver of the car only gives the blind spot a superficial glance.
Speeding – Excessive speed could be the fault of the motorist or the motorcycle rider – or both. Speed not only reduces reaction time, but it also increases the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a collision.
Inexperience – As always, practice makes perfect – or close to it. As the statistics above pointed out, older and more experienced bikers get in far fewer accidents than younger, less experienced drivers. In order to get a motorcycle driver’s license in California, you only need to be 21 years old, have a valid automobile driver’s license, pass a vision and written test, and complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program. But fulfilling these requirements is only the first step. They get you on the road but do not do much to keep you safe while gaining the necessary experience to lessen your risk of a crash. So keep it slow and steady while learning.
Bad Road Conditions – Potholes, cracks in the road, debris, heavy rains, ice, and even a slow-moving turtle crossing the road can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.
DUI – Motorcycle crashes are caused far too often by bikers who drink alcohol and then take to the roads. In fact, about 24% of California bikers who are killed each year have a blood alcohol level of .08% (the legal limit) or above. As much fun as it may be to knock back a few beers with your friends while on a run, refraining from alcohol while riding is one way to greatly reduce your chances of becoming a tragic statistic.
Lane Splitting – Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, usually in an attempt to pass another vehicle. And while many states have laws against lane splitting, California does “not allow or prohibit” the practice. However, the law here does specify that if you lane split you must:
- Do it in a safe and prudent fashion
- Have your headlight on and wear reflective clothing
- Not travel in blind spots
- Only travel slightly faster than the traffic you are passing
- Not pass between two cars that are close together
- Return to your lane if traffic resumes speed and is moving above 30 miles per hour
- Not lane split between two lanes of traffic that are moving at a different pace
Speak with an Experienced Windsor Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Henderson Law, our Windsor motorcycle accident lawyers are here for you. We have decades of experience caring for our biker clients and fighting for their rights. We care about your story, your life, and getting you the money you need to recover from the traumatic event of getting into a crash while riding. We have Windsor motorcycle accident attorneys on standby who are waiting to find out how they can best help you to rebuild your life.
Our experienced legal team also represent clients with various types of injury cases such as:
So call us or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.