How Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Are at Higher Risk for Injury
If you have been injured in a bicyclist or motorcyclist accident, you have probably been subjected to extremely serious injuries. Those injured in bicycle and motorcycle accidents are most susceptible to serious injuries because they do not have the same protections that drivers of motor vehicles and trucks have. In either a high or low-speed accident, these accidents can take an extreme toll on a rider, much more than somebody who is driving inside a vehicle that is tens of thousands of pounds heavier.
Why Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents Are So Prevalent
In 2008, about 517 motorcycle riders lost their lives on roadways. Hundreds of bicycle riders are injured or killed every year in the U.S. as well due to the serious injuries that stem from these accidents. To increase the dangers out there for both motorcyclists and bicyclists, most motorists fail to pay attention to these riders on the roadways. And, there are many other conditions that threaten rider safety, such as failing to check blind spots before changing lanes, tailgating or following a rider too closely, incorrectly estimating the speed of a motorcycle or bicycle, and failing to concede right-of-way. It has been estimated that about 80% of these accidents lead to either serious injury or death, which is why it is important to know what rights you have after an accident.
Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Have a Duty, Too
Though other drivers on the roadways owe motorcycle and bicycle riders a duty of care, riders also have a duty of care to be mindful of others they share the roads with. Cyclists of any nature have the same duty to exercise care and operate their bikes as safely as possible, which means being on the constant lookout for other drivers and dangerous conditions on the roads and sidewalks. However, every year motorcyclists and bicyclists follow the rules of the road and are still involved in serious accidents when drivers fail to abide by the rules of the road.
In California, bicyclists have a right to pursue any road that is not expressly prohibited by law. This means that bike riders are permitted to use state highways, city roads, and more unless the law says differently about certain roadways. However, in doing so, they must abide the many rules of the road just like motorists are supposed to do every day. This includes keeping slower traffic to the far right lane, and looking before they merge onto a roadway.
When You Have Been Injured
Have you been injured in a serious accident on your motorcycle or bicycle? Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers are speeding or breaking traffic laws, which contribute to negligence in a case. At the Los Angeles Injury Group, we have experience litigating these serious cases that often bring about severe injuries. We want to talk to you immediately if you are a bicyclist or motorcyclist who has been injured by the negligence of another vehicle driver. Call us today for more information at 310-954-7248.