California Motorcycle Collision Lawyers

Motorcycle Accident Causes

Motorcyclists require a good deal of training to become skilled riders. Not only does a motorcyclist require a tremendous amount of balance and confidence, but also specialized licensing. However, despite these requirements, motorcyclists are still involved in thousands of accidents each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 5,037 motorcyclists perished in crashes in 2007. Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons that motorcyclists are involved in accidents.

Inexperience is a major factor that often leads to motorcycle accidents in California and throughout the United States. Enrollment in motorcycle training classes is always a good idea. Furthermore, it is vital that traffic laws are adhered to and all motorcyclists are certified and issued a license stating that they are in fact legally permitted to ride a motorcycle. Sadly, many motorcycle accidents involve riders who are either unlicensed to operate motorcycles, or have had their license suspended or revoked for any number of reasons.

Other motorists often play a significant role in causing accidents that involve motorcycles. That is, motorists of passenger cars and other larger vehicles either fail to properly look over their shoulders or check their mirrors when changing lanes, consequently not noticing motorcyclists and barreling into them as a result. Similarly, motorists may not recognize motorcyclists in oncoming traffic, which becomes crucial when one party or the other is attempting to make a left hand turn without a turn arrow, or even a right hand turn against a red light. Motorcycles are not as noticeable as other motorists are, and consequently pay the price of potential injury when negligent motorists fail to properly yield or take into account motorcyclists on the road.

Furthermore, other factors, such as the use of alcohol or drugs, or even dangerous road conditions, such as unevenly paved roads and improperly maintained traffic signage, can lead to motorcycle accidents. In fact, many California motorcycle accidents do not even involve another motorist. The previously mentioned causes, with the exception of negligence on the part of other motorists, can all affect motorcyclists on an individual basis, and can all result in motorcycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact the San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers at Van Der Walde & Associates. Our skilled Cupertino motorcycle collision attorneys will examine the details surrounding the accident, will hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, and will seek monetary damages on your behalf to help assist with the fees associated with your accident. Please call us today at 877-862-6288 for a free consultation.