Riding a motorcycle on the scenic roads of California can be a fun way to spend your Sunday evenings, but that comes with risks. Motorcyclists are more likely to face deadly accidents than other vehicles. The sad truth is that motorcycle fatalities have gone up sharply in recent years. This directly increases the number of wrongful death claims by families.
The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that motorcyclist deaths are a major part of all traffic-related fatalities. Passenger vehicle drivers often do not see motorcyclists or misjudge their speed. Other risks include lane splitting, poor road conditions, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They also do not have a protective cover like that of a car.
If your loved one has been in a motorcycle accident and they have lost their life, you may wonder whether you are eligible for compensation. Only certain family members can recover damages. This is why understanding the rights with the help of an attorney Saeedian Law Group is so important.
Factors contributing to high fatality rates in motorcyclists
Various factors are responsible for the high fatality rates among motorcyclists in California.
-
Lack of physical protection.
Cars have various safety features, including seat belts, airbags, and a protective metal frame. Therefore, even if there is a collision, they are protected to a certain extent. There are no physical protection features in motorcycles, which makes the rider 28 times more vulnerable to severe injuries in the case of an accident.
-
Visibility issues.
Motorcycles have narrower and smaller body sizes, which makes them easy to miss on the road. Many accidents involving motorcycles occur because other drivers fail to notice them. High-visibility gear and constant use of headlights can help motorcyclists become more noticeable on the road. However, not all motorcyclists adhere to these safety measures.
-
Road conditions and weather.
Bad road conditions, such as uneven road surfaces, gravel, potholes, and slickness, pose a much greater risk to motorcycles than cars. Motorcycles are less stable and can easily lose traction on irregular surfaces. Rough weather conditions, such as rain or ice, can also reduce a motorcycle’s handling and stability.
-
High speed and aggressive driving.
Speeding is one of the major factors in motorcycle accidents, contributing to 33% of such crashes. High speeds increase the severity of injuries for motorcyclists in a crash. On the other hand, aggressive driving, such as tailgating or frequent lane changes, adds to the risk. Behaviors like this can reduce reaction time and space to move safely in traffic.
How high fatalities relate to increased wrongful death claims
The fatality rates in motorcycle accidents keep rising, and families of victims continue to seek justice and compensation from liable parties. A wrongful death claim arises when one party dies in an accident caused by another party’s negligent behavior. For example, a distracted driver hits a motorcycle because they were looking at their phone.
A lot of fatal motorcycle accidents occur due to the negligence of the driver. When negligence on the driver’s part causes the motorcyclist’s death, the family of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim against the liable party.
In other cases, the cause of the accident may be the bad conditions of the road. In these accidents, another driver or car may not even be involved. A motorcycle can lose control on a poorly maintained road. If an accident occurs due to a road defect or insufficient safety measures, the responsible government entity or property owner could be liable.
Have you lost a loved one?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, you deserve justice. Fighting for your rights while talking to the liable party and handling insurance companies can seem impossible, especially at a time when you are grieving. Hire an attorney today to ease your burden!
