Following a motorcycle too closely can cause a fatal motorcycle accident. When such accidents happen, the biker or the grieving family may be able to get compensation for the loss.
To summarize the reason that it is important to give motorcycles some extra distance is that, the way motorcycles work, they are much more likely to slow or stop suddenly and do so with relatively little warning. The reason motorcyclists may have to slow, swerve or take other evasive action is that, given their size, they may have to respond to something very simple on the road, even rough pavement or a rock in the road.
What this means is that when drivers of cars do not give motorcyclists extra following distance, they run the risk of rear-ending the motorcycle. Any rear-end accident involving any type of vehicle can be serious. It therefore almost goes without saying that hitting someone from behind who has very little protection is likely to lead to broken bones, a brain injury, paralysis or even death.
Unfortunately, even though it is publicized that motorcycles require some extra following distance, some drivers choose simply to ignore this rule. Others may have every intention of following the rule but then get distracted behind the wheel or otherwise just forget in the moment of driving. Even if not intentional, this sort of carelessness can be disastrous for a motorcyclist.
Thankfully for motorcyclists on the roads of Los Angeles do have remedies when a negligent driver strikes them from behind. For example, they can pursue a personal injury cause of action against the negligent driver in an effort to recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, other expenses and pain and suffering.