Fallbrook Motorcycle Accidents: Personal Injury Liability

Although motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities are on the decline in California, thousands of bikers are still killed or seriously injured in accidents every year. In Fallbrook, located in northern San Diego County, serious injury and fatality motorcycle accidents have been reported on Interstate 15, Highway 76, Mission Road, Sterling View Drive, among other locations.
Most Frequent Causes of Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Fallbrook are often caused by reckless or careless actions of other motorists, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving while distracted, and falling asleep at the wheel. One of the most common causes of vehicle collisions involving motorcycles is a motorist simply not seeing or recognizing a motorcyclist in traffic. Failure to yield to a motorcyclist’s right of way while making a left turn is a common cause of car vs. motorcycle accident. Other motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperience or reckless operation of a bike, and the fault of the motorcyclist.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Without the steel walls of protection a vehicle offers, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injury or death in a collision with another vehicle. Fortunately, motorcycle helmets offer significant protection to head trauma and can prevent many fatalities. According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motorcyclist riding without a helmet is three times more likely to sustain a brain injury in an accident. Motorcyclists are also susceptible to other serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, and road rash injuries.

Determining Who Was Responsible

A comprehensive investigation beyond the investigation performed by law enforcement may be necessary following an accident to determine who was responsible. An experienced Fallbrook motorcycle accident lawyer can arrange for accident reconstruction and if necessary, an assessment of road conditions for defects and safety hazards. Motorcycles are more prone to accidents on badly maintained streets and intersections than passenger vehicles. If injuries or a motorcyclist’s death is the result of a dangerous road condition or intersection, the city or county responsible for maintaining the roadway may be liable.

Recovering Maximum Compensation

Accident victims have one opportunity to pursue damages for their injuries in a personal injury claim. If your injuries are more than minor, talk to a lawyer about you’re the value of your potential case and what type of damages you may be entitled to. In the interest of preserving important evidence and witness accounts, it is advisable to contact a Fallbrook personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your immediate medical needs have been met.