Every day, drivers on California roads expose themselves to the risk of getting into a car accident. Although driving may be an everyday activity that does not seem dangerous, 2.5 million people die each year from involvement in a car accident.
Some accidents are more serious than others, and the types of vehicles involved can have a large impact on this level of severity. For example, due to the nature of the vehicle, a motorcycle accident has the potential to be much more serious than an accident involving two passenger vehicles.
For example, a recent accident in California has left a motorcyclist comatose in a hospital. The motorcyclist was driving down the road early on a weekday morning when he was sideswiped by another vehicle traveling on the same road. He is said to be in critical condition. So far, his condition remains unchanged; no increase in severity, but no improvement.
Motorcyclists enjoy some benefits that other drivers do not have, but, at the same time, those benefits can also be the factors that expose them to more risks on the roads. For example, riding a motorcycle may feel very free with no restrictions such as seatbelts or a vehicle surrounding the rider. However, that very freedom is also very risky, and leaves motorcyclists prone to very serious injuries in an accident. Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in an accident than someone in a passenger car. They are five times more likely to suffer injuries.
All drivers on the road are expected to exercise a certain reasonable amount of care and watch for other vehicles including motorcycles. However, statistics show that negligent drivers and distracted drivers often cause accidents with motorcycles. In two-thirds of motorcycle accidents, the other vehicle violated the bike rider’s right of way, causing the accident.
It is important that motorcycle accident victims understand, when they are injured by a negligent driver, that driver may have liability for their injuries. The negligent party may owe the injured individual compensation for items such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage. Only a thorough analysis of the accident and evidence will determine what kind of recovery may be possible.
Source: Newsmax.com, “Christian Radio Host Frank Pastore Critical After Motorcycle Accident,” Nov. 24, 2012
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