Knowing Whether the Car or the Motorcycle Has the Right of Way

Thousands of miles that make up California’s roads and highways are found along the coast and in the mountains, which makes this state one of the greatest places to live if you ride a motorcycle. You can spend days taking in the sights and sounds of Newport Beach, the fresh salty breeze of the Pacific Coast Highway, or the scent of the pines up around Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. In addition, there are also plenty of deserts, valleys, and city streets upon which you can ride your motorcycle. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of motorcyclists on Southern California roadways, accidents are common, and one of the most common issues that comes up is knowing whether the car or the motorcycle has the right of way. A driver who does not understand when the motorcycle has the right of way can cause severe injuries that require not only medical attention, but the help of a lawyer. If you are unsure whether you need legal assistance in a right of way case, Jamal Injury Law P.C. can help.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents

Whether you ride for fun or just as a means of transportation, there are a lot of ways to enjoy life on two wheels in California, especially in and around the lively Newport Beach area. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of ways to get hurt, and not knowing whether the car or the motorcycle has the right of way is one of the most common. According to a study commissioned by the California Highway Patrol, in 2011:

  • 435 riders and passengers on two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, or motorized scooters) were killed in accidents.
  • 10,775 riders and passengers were injured while on a two-wheeled vehicle.

While the number of accidents involving cars is significantly higher, the chances of a serious injury or death as the result of a car accident are much lower than those for a motorcycle accident because there is little that can be done to prevent injuries to a rider. Unlike a car accident, where the impact is to the area surrounding the driver, the force of impact in a motorcycle accident is delivered directly to the rider’s body.

“I Never Saw the Bike”

Our experienced legal team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. knows that these words are among the most commonly used when a police officer takes a report from an accident between a motorcyclist and a driver of an automobile. Most Long Beach motorcycle accidents occur because there is an issue with knowing whether the car or the motorcycle has the right of way. In this case, the motorcycle was never seen, and the driver inadvertently cut into the motorcycle’s right-of-way. Though they tend to be louder than cars, motorcycles have a smaller profile, and can easily be lost in the blind spot of a driver who is changing lanes or making a turn. Plus, many automobile manufactures invest heavily in technology to make the passenger compartment of their cars soundproof to outside noise, which means that the driver may not even hear the sound of an approaching motorcycle. If you are a motorcyclist who is injured in this type of accident, getting help from a lawyer will ensure that you understand your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need an attorney who understands the laws relating to the rights of motorcyclists. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will also know how to combat the stereotypes thrown at motorcycle riders.

Contact Jamal Injury Law P.C. for Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Case

The impact of a motorcycle accident can be significant, including years of medical expenses, physical therapy, loss of wages due to time away from work, and permanent disability. This is why, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident in or around Newport Beach, it is essential to work with an experienced lawyer. If you are a motorcyclist who has suffered injury because of another person’s negligence, you should contact our offices for help as soon as possible. Call 714-907-1021 or complete our “Contact Form” and an experienced lawyer will call you.

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