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Torrance Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
In urban areas like Torrance and the South Bay with heavy traffic and road congestion, motorcyclists are injured in accidents all too frequently. Between an increase in cell phone and vehicle touch screen use while driving, traffic congestion worsening, and road rage increasing, the risk is only rising for bikers – in addition they to dangers they already face from mechanical failures or alcohol-related accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk for serious or fatal injuries even with:
- Proper protective equipment,
- Wearing proper riding clothes, and
- Practicing safe riding techniques.
Smaller motorcycle size compared to other road vehicles, other motorists’ negligent driving, and lack of extra protection on motorcycles such as protective metal frames put riders at risk of catastrophic, life changing injuries in the blink of an eye. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced Torrance motorcycle accident lawyer to find out whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries today.
Motorcycle Accidents in Southern CaliforniaCities in Los Angeles County such as Torrance, Lawndale, and beach cities like Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach with mild winters, mostly sunny weather, and beautiful scenery are particularly popular places to ride motorcycles but also the scene of a large number of accidents and injuries each year – hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries happen each year in California.
Additionally, motorcycles are more likely not to be seen by larger vehicles such as trucks and autos, resulting in unsafe motorist behavior and injury-causing collisions. Congestion, unsafe or negligent driving by motorists, and extensive, poorly maintained roadways can all enhance the risks for this large population of riders. It is common for injuries to result from:
- Distracted driving;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Motorists illegally crossing a double yellow lane in stopped traffic to enter the carpool lane;
- Unsafe left hand turns when in front of a motorcycle; and
- Cars pulling out of parking lots or smaller roads without checking for oncoming riders.
Motorcycle riders are particularly at risk for serious injuries in Torrance due to the smaller size of their bike relative to other motor vehicles. This is true even when all proper safety precautions are taken by the biker. Serious physical trauma to the head, neck, back, tendons, bones, ligaments, ankles, internal organs, and skin may all occur and have long-lasting or life-changing consequences for bikers.
If a biker can show they were injured by another party’s negligence – be it a motorist, manufacturer, or mechanic responsible for maintenance, they may be able to recover provable damages if the other party cannot show they have a valid legal defense to liability. Riders may recover for quantifiable damages such as:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning potential, or
- Long-term accommodations they must make because of their injuries.
They may also be able to recover for nonquantifiable damages that resulted in emotional or physiological trauma such as: pain and suffering, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of consortium.
The theory of negligence can be difficult to establish to render another party liable for your motorcycle accident injuries. Additionally, it can be complicated to put forth successful arguments for damages such as mental anguish that do not have a concrete price tag. Due to the complexity of successfully bringing a case against a responsible party, you should contact an experienced Torrance motorcycle accident attorney to put forward the best arguments possible to show you deserve compensation for your injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Torrance, the South Bay, or the surrounding area in Southern California, there are steps you need to take that are important for your health and the potential health of any legal claims you may have.
Though some injuries are obvious to see in motorcycle accidents, it particularly common in these cases for some injuries such as closed head injuries to present symptoms a significant period of time after the accident has occurred. It may be advisable to consult with neurologists or other medical specialists in addition to seeking proper emergency medical care as soon as possible after an accident has occurred. It is also important for any legal claim you may bring that you be examined by a medical professional and follow any and all treatment, recommendations, and physicians’ instructions in a timely manner avoid a denial of any claims you make for recovery by your insurer. Take medication as prescribed, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep copies of all records, receipts, and bills related to medical treatment of your injuries.
Obtain Documentation and Collect EvidenceIf you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important for you to start gathering relevant evidence and other information that can help prove the extent of your damages and show how the accident occurred. Time is of the essence as witnesses may not remember what they say after a long period of time and accident scenes are cleaned up, so if able get witness contact information and photograph the accident, the scene, and your injuries.
You should also get a copy of the police accident report, document any property damage to your motorcycle or equipment, and keep paystubs to demonstrate lost wages from being unable to work. A knowledgeable Torrance motorcycle accident lawyer should also be able to advise you regarding any information which could be helpful with your case.
Contact a Torrance Motorcycle Accident AttorneyIf you were injured during a motorcycle accident in Torrance, the South Bay, or the greater Los Angeles area, the skilled lawyers at Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience delivering personalized representation to clients like you and securing millions of dollars in compensation. Steven M. Sweat has been named a “Super Lawyer” by both Los Angeles Magazine and the Thomson Reuters News Service designating him among the top 5% of all California motorcycle accident attorneys. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)-966-5240 or on our online Contact Page to set up a risk-free, confidential case review – there is no obligation and you do not pay until we win your case. Let us help you make the best out of a bad situation by speaking with us today.
