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If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, schedule a consultation with Santa Ana and Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer Jeff Roberts at The Roberts Law Firm.
The Roberts Law Firm
5000 Birch Street, Suite 9600,
West Tower
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Toll Free: (800) 349-5570
Ph: (949) 719-6885
Fx. (949) 719-6881
It is without question that motorcycles can be fatally dangerous. Whether a motorcycle accident is caused by the negligence of another driver or by the reckless riding by the motorcyclist, the harm that can result is potentially devastating. Statistics show that even those riders who wear helmets are vulnerable to major injuries. Below, you'll find motorcycle accident statistics, as well as other valuable information for Orange County victims of motorcycle accidents. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, contact The Roberts Law Firm today. A lawyer from our firm will discuss your legal rights and determine whether or not you should pursue compensation from the party who caused your injury.
According to an October 2009 report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over two-thirds (67.6 percent) of motorcycle accidents occur between noon and 8:59 p.m. Furthermore, crashes involving motorcycles are more likely to occur during the summer months (June, July, and August). As for location, 38 percent of crashes occurred at intersections.
The NHTSA report indicates that motorcyclists between the ages of 20 and 29 represent the largest age group of riders. The second largest age group of riders is the 40-49 year old riders. Only 10 percent of riders in this study were under the age of 20. Male motorcyclists were most likely to be in their early 20s. On the other hand, female motorcyclists are more likely to be between 40 and 49 years old.
Motorcycle riders risk serious injury and death every time they sit on their bikes. The NHTSA reported increases in the number of fatalities every year between the 1997 and 2007. Riders under 30 years old saw fatalities increase from 800 to 1,500 between 1997 and 2007. Fatalities of riders between 30 and 39 years old increased from 600 to 900 respectively. The 40 and older age group however experienced the most drastic increase in fatalities. In 1997, 700 riders in this age group died as a result of an accident. In 2007, that number almost quadrupled to 2,600 fatalities.
One may think that the increase in fatalities is simply due to an increase in the number of motorcycle riders on the road. However, while there has also been an increase in motorcycle registrations during this period, the rate of increase in fatalities has been greater than that of registrations.
The majority of hospitalized motorcyclists suffered injuries to the upper and lower extremities. Furthermore, more than 15 percent of motorcyclists sustained injuries to the head, and 17 percent sustained injuries to the face.
Treating injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can be pricey. The median hospital charge for minor injuries is $3,786. Where the accident leaves the motorcyclist in critical condition, the median hospital charge is $73,179 for the necessary treatment. That's a 19 fold increase.
The California Highway Patrol reported 9,602 motorcycle collisions in 2007 (and that's only counting the top 10 counties). Los Angeles County dominates the number of collisions in our state – 3,472 motorcycle collisions occurred in LA County in 2007, while 1,162 motorcycle accidents occurred in San Diego and 980 in Orange County.
The number of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities in California increased between the years 2004 and 2007 as well. In 2004, 9,488 motorcyclists were injured and 350 killed as a result of collisions. Those numbers jumped to 11,172 and 465 respectively in 2007.
You should first, immediately get to a point of safety, in order to avoid subsequent injury. Second, you should seek medical care in order to treat injuries and prevent further injury. Next, report the accident. If you were not transported by ambulance after the accident, then you should call the police after the accident. A report will document the facts and will identify parties and witnesses. Finally, you should contact a reputable and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to represent you and protect your rights. A lawyer from The Roberts Law Firm in Orange County will ensure that your claims are competently handled from the outset.
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents. Accidents can be caused by the negligence of the motorcycle rider, another motorcycle rider, the driver of another vehicle, natural conditions, and even dangerous conditions of a public road. In any event, the motorcycle rider may be in a position to recover for his/her damages.
If you as the rider are not at fault for the accident, then you should be entitled to recover 100 percent of the assessed damages.
On the other hand, California is a comparative fault jurisdiction. This means, even where the injured motorcycle rider filing the claim is partially at fault for the accident, he/she still may recover some damages. The jury will first assess the total damages caused, not taking into consideration the level of faults. Next, the jury will assign the fault to each plaintiff and each defendant in the form of a percentage. This percentage will determine how much recovery each party is entitled to. This means, you as the rider are entitled to some recovery, even if, in some instances, you are partially at fault for the accident.
You are entitled to past economic losses, and future economic losses. These include lost earnings, lost profits, medical expenses, other economic loss, and noneceomic loss (physical pain, mental suffering). Your damages will be paid either as a result of a settlement or a verdict, depending on the case.
Injured victims of motorcycle accidents in or around Orange County should contact The Roberts Law Firm to learn more about filing a legal claim.