Last month, a 61-year-old man died from his injuries after an accident in La Mirada.
Roland Sarabia was riding his motorcycle when a vehicle pulled out of a parking lot. Sarabia collided with the vehicle and was sent over the median and hit the curb, which propelled the motorcycle into a light pole. Sarabia was launched from his motorcycle upon the impact.
Though no charges have been filed in this incident, it does highlight some of the concerns and dangers that motorcyclists face every day.
At the Compass Law Group, we commonly represent motorcycle riders who have been injured due to other drivers’ negligence. If you need a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney, we are ready to help you get the compensation you need.
The Numbers
California is a very popular place to ride a motorcycle. In fact, there are nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state. It is hard to beat the beautiful scenery and weather here.
Unfortunately, we also have our fair share of motorcycle accidents and injuries. For the latest reporting year in California, there were:
- 13,656 motorcycle accident injuries
- 548 motorcycle accident fatalities
The number of fatalities actually increased by 11 percent from the previous year. These numbers are very high compared to other states.
How It Happens
We know that reckless and negligent drivers are a problem for motorcyclists. Those who speed or drive aggressively are not likely to have time to slow down if a motorcycle is around. Drunk and distracted drivers pose significant threats to motorcyclists.
It is important to remember that any accident involving a motorcycle is likely to result in an injury or fatality. This is because motorcyclists have almost no protection from the impact of vehicles. Even riders who wear a helmet are susceptible to other severe injuries. It is not uncommon for a motorcyclist involved in an accident to sustain the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Lacerations or amputations
In all of these cases, medical treatment is necessary. Sometimes, it can become very costly, especially if an accident victim needs long-term treatment. If you are disabled for the short or long-term, you may lose out on earned income if you are unable to work.
Do you know if your insurance company or another party’s insurance company will cover these expenses?
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, then we advise you to seek legal assistance. We know how many things you have to deal with, especially if you are healing from injuries. We want to help you get compensation for your accident-related medical expenses, lost income if your injuries keep you from working, and pain and suffering damages.