Lane Change Motorcycle Accidents

If you are a Newport Beach motorcyclist, you may love the feeling of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, but you’ve probably also experienced first-hand the terror that results when an inattentive or aggressive driver abruptly changes lanes. Unsafe lane changes cause a large number of motorcycle accidents each year, many of which result in injuries serious enough to require both medical attention and help from a trusted area lawyer. In the unfortunate case that you’re the victim of a lane change motorcycle accident, Jamal Injury Law P.C. is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

As a Newport Beach area law firm, we have seen countless motorcycle accidents caused by unsafe lane changes. Knowing what you can do to prevent or avoid these types of accidents is essential, and the first step is to know what causes them.

Unsafe lane changes often occur when a driver fails to use their rear view or side mirrors and doesn’t see the motorcyclist. There is no excuse for this negligent behavior, but regardless you should be ready to respond with defensive driving tactics. If you notice that a vehicle is moving into your lane, pull into the next lane or slowly onto the shoulder to avoid the driver.

Another common cause of lane change motorcycle accidents is road rage. When a driver has road rage, they tend not to care whether they are endangering a motorcyclist’s life. Never respond to road rage by trying to irritate the upset driver, as this only increases the likelihood of an accident. Instead, find a way to distance yourself from the driver as soon as possible.

Distracted driving can also pull drivers’ attention away from other vehicles on the road, so if you notice someone texting or using their cell phone while driving, the best plan is to move away from their vehicle as soon as you can.

In addition to these, there are many other causes of unsafe lane changes, including:

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol while driving
• Failing to use turn signals to alert other drivers of lane changes
• Aggressively moving a vehicle into another lane

While we would all like to believe that drivers of other vehicles understand what it’s like to ride a motorcycle, and to assume they know that motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other drivers, this is unfortunately not the case. While helmets can help prevent some injuries, the fact that motorcyclists don’t have an outer protective shell causes many serious motorcycle injuries in Newport Beach every year. Many of these result in costly medical bills, time off work, serious injuries, and even lifelong disability.

At Jamal Injury Law P.C., we have seen the many devastating effects of these types of accidents, including:

• Head injuries, including concussions and open wounds
• Brain damage
• Permanent paralysis
• Severed limbs
• Internal and external bleeding
• Serious lacerations
• Severe burns

It is absolutely crucial that drivers observe their duty of care by driving safely, and if they do not they must be held legally responsible. The drivers of other vehicles are often negligent, which means they did not exhibit the level of carefulness that a reasonable driver would exhibit in a similar situation. If you are in this type of accident, seeking medical help and assistance from an experienced Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer is essential.

Suliman Jamal and his team will ensure that any negligent driver who has caused your injuries will be fully prosecuted so you receive the level of compensation you are entitled to.

If you were struck by another vehicle in a lane change motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Newport Beach lawyer right away. Since there are statutes of limitation in these kinds of cases, it’s in your best interest to do this sooner rather than later.

At Jamal Injury Law P.C., our team of local attorneys will give you a free consultation, answer your questions, help you understand your legal rights, and fight for your rights if you do in fact have a case. Our lawyers have successfully represented motorcyclists throughout Southern California and we are committed to helping you recover the maximum damages you are entitled to.

Get in touch with an experienced lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation today.