Redondo Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycles can be incredibly fun to drive, and many Redondo Beach residents use motorcycles for travel, leisure, or work on them as a hobby. While motorcycling in southern California can be very enjoyable, it is important to acknowledge that motorcycles are inherently some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, some motorcyclists engage in unsafe actions on the road, and motorcyclists are also extremely vulnerable to the bad behavior of other drivers in larger passenger vehicles.

If you have suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, a Redondo beach motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your damages and help you recover the compensation you need through a personal injury claim. At McLachlan Law, APC, our personal injury legal team has successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases in the Redondo Beach area and can help you streamline your path toward recovery.

Why Choose McLachlan Law, APC as Your Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?

Attorney Mike McLachlan has handled personal injury cases for more than 24 years in California, and the legal team at McLachlan Law, APC, follows his client-focused approach to legal representation. We know that motorcyclists harmed by the actions of negligent drivers often face scrutiny when it comes to the personal injury claims they file. However, we also understand that motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as all other motor vehicles on the road. If you were riding your motorcycle and another driver failed to uphold their duty of care to drive safely and caused an accident with you, a personal injury lawsuit can allow you to hold them accountable for the damages they caused.

Our firm will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your claim, review all available evidence — such as negligent drivers and dangerous roads — and help you gather the evidence and documentation necessary for proving the full extent of your damages. We have handled a wide range of personal injury claims in Redondo Beach. Our team can help you maximize your recovery after a motorcycle accident, whether you were the motorcyclist, a passenger, or the driver of another vehicle.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

One of the most dangerous aspects of motorcycles is the fact that they offer virtually no protection to riders and passengers. Unlike enclosed passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not have doors or roofs that protect riders from external forces. They also do not have seatbelts or any other safety devices typically found on passenger vehicles. When a motorcycle and a larger passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle have an accident, it is almost always the motorcyclist who will suffer the worst injuries.

Motorcycle accidents can cause a host of severe injuries, including broken bones, deep lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and friction burns caused by sliding on asphalt. Many motorcyclists who sustain severe injuries face long recovery times, permanent disability, and even brain damage. Some motorcycle accident victims may be left fully or partially paralyzed or otherwise unable to work and support themselves.

Recovering Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Typically, insurance is the first step toward recovering from a motor vehicle accident. California’s fault-based laws mean that an injured driver would file an insurance claim against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. While available coverage may be enough to cover the cost of an injured driver’s damages in a mild accident, a motorcycle accident could easily entail damages that eclipse the total amount of available insurance coverage. It’s also possible for a driver who does not have auto insurance to cause a motorcycle accident.

If your Redondo Beach motorcycle accident attorney believes you have a solid case against another party for recovering your damages, you can begin the process of filing a personal injury claim against the party responsible for causing your motorcycle accident. A personal injury lawsuit could help an injured plaintiff recover their immediate and future medical costs, property damage, and lost income. California courts also award pain and suffering compensation based on the severity of a plaintiff’s injuries and other damages.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Motorcycle accidents happen for many of the same reasons as typical passenger vehicle accidents. However, some of these risk factors are more dangerous for motorcyclists due to the nature of their smaller, less visible, and less protected vehicles:

• Poor visibility. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than larger passenger vehicles, especially at night. Drivers who fail to stay alert during periods of low visibility may cause accidents with nearby motorcycles if they cannot see them.
• Speeding. Driving at excessive speed is dangerous in any vehicle. When motorcycle accidents occur at higher speeds, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases dramatically. Motorcyclists who drive at unsafe speeds may not be able to react in time to account for changing road conditions or lose control of their bikes. Other drivers who speed may not be able to stop or move in time to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
• Aggressive driving. Making aggressive maneuvers while driving creates an unsafe environment for every driver nearby. Some examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, swerving, changing lanes without signaling, sudden braking, and other unpredictable actions that may cause accidents. When a driver does these aggressive things around a motorcycle, they may cause an accident and absorb liability for the rider’s damages.
• Failure to signal. Turn signals allow drivers to help other drivers anticipate their actions more easily. Failing to use turn signals when appropriate can easily lead to an accident. For example, if a motorcyclist does not expect a vehicle to be turning and the vehicle swerves into the motorcyclist’s lane, this could easily cause a catastrophic accident.
• Intersection visibility. Motorcycles are especially vulnerable in crowded intersections with turning lanes. Even if a motorcyclist has the right of way and a turning arrow, traffic coming in the opposite direction may not see them about to turn. Left-hand turns are some of the most dangerous maneuvers for motorcyclists.

No matter how a motorcycle accident happens, the injured victim should know their legal rights and options for recovery if another party’s negligence caused the accident in question. At McLachlan Law, APC, our team believes in individualized representation in every case we take.

Our team will thoroughly analyze your motorcycle accident claim in Redondo Beach, help you determine your chances of succeeding with your claim, and provide you with a breakdown of the value of your claimable damages. If you believe you have grounds for a motorcycle accident claim and are ready to discuss your case with an experienced Redondo Beach motorcycle accident lawyer, contact McLachlan Law, APC today and schedule your consultation.