‘Look Twice And Save A Life’. Sharing The Road Is Vital For Motorcycle Safety

Preliminary state data shows that more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in 2020, and more than 11,500 people were injured in California, according to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

In all, California has more than 1.4 million licensed motorcycle riders, and Kern County riders certainly make up a large percentage. So, with May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Chain | Cohn | Clark reminds us all to make sure motorcyclists and drivers stay safe on the road, by sharing the road.

“Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on our roadways, which is why it’s vital for us all to be mindful of all riders, as we are drivers,” said Matt Clark, senior partner at accident attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “For drivers, taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.”

Accidents involving motorcycles account for nearly 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States, but motorcyclists make up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

One way to make sure motorcyclists stay fresh on riding safety is to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, which trains about 55,000 motorcyclists each year. To find a training site near you, visit motorcyclesafetyca.com.

To help drivers and motorcyclists alike on the road, here are some tips to prevent motorcycle-related collisions.

DRIVERS

• Always us a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Stay alert. Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Follow at a safe distance when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:

MOTORCYCLISTS

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
• Ride safely when lane sharing and always proceed at safe speeds.
• Get properly licensed, and obey all traffic laws.
• Use turn signals at every lane change or turn.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Ride safely when lane sharing and always proceed at safe speeds.
• Never ride distracted or impaired.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT Q&As

In times of tragedy, clients often have a number of questions regarding their case. To better accommodate our clients’ needs, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers for many of the practice areas that the firm specializes in, including motorcycle accidents. Here are a few of the questions and answers:

Is an investigation of my motorcycle accident case important?

It is critical. Since there is almost a presumption in the general public that motorcyclists assume the risk for their own injuries and they are usually at fault for causing accidents, it is essential that a quick and thorough investigation is performed to establish fault on other responsible people or entities and to establish that the motorcyclist did little or nothing to contribute to the accident.

Investigation should consist of an examination of the scene, an examination of the instrumentalities that were involved in the accident, obtaining statements from witnesses and obtaining the reports from investigating agencies. Of prime importance is maintaining the motorcycle and helmet in the exact condition they were in at the moment when the motorcyclist came to rest after an accident.

How long do I have after my accident to file my motorcycle injury case?

A motorcycle accident or wrongful death action, under California law, must be brought within two years of the date of the accident.

In cases against public entities, a claim must be filed against the public entity within six months from the date of the accident. If the plaintiff is a minor, a minor has until their 19th birthday to bring a case unless there is a government claim in which a minor should bring the claim within six months of the accident, or one year at the latest.

Is it important to retain an attorney for my motorcycle accident case?

Yes, if the motorcycle accident has resulted in a serious injury or death. Without an attorney, there will always be an assumption that the motorcyclist was at fault and evidence will be gathered by the other side to support that contention. You need to hire an attorney to perform investigation and retain the right experts to prove your case and your injuries. Further, through the litigation, an attorney will be able to cross-examine witnesses against you and hopefully turn their testimony to your favor.

KERN COUNTY CASES

The attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark have successfully represented people who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents. In fact, we have obtained more multi-million dollar personal injury case results on behalf of our clients than any other law firm in Kern County.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form at chainlaw.com.