What makes a DUI motorcycle accident so serious?
For obvious reasons, motorcyclists are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a collision with a car than the driver of the larger, more protective vehicle. Tragically, those who love biking for its sense of freedom and independence, are five times more likely to be injured and 28 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of passenger cars. When the driver of the car is under the influence of alcohol, the risk to the biker greatly increases.
Why DUI Makes Accidents More Likely
Driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) over 0.08 is considered drunk driving throughout the county and alcohol is involved in almost half of all traffic fatalities. This is not surprising since DUI is known to:
- Impair vision — slow eye muscle function, alter eye movement, and alter visual perception, possibly resulting in blurred vision.
- Slow reaction time (the time it takes to react to changing situations)
- Slow involuntary reflexes
- Slow ability to track (judge a vehicle’s position on the road, lane locations, road signs)
- Impair concentration and cause drowsiness
- Hinder the ability to make rational decisions
- Decrease eye/hand/foot coordination
All of the above consequences of DUI make drivers more likely to [1] fail to notice motorcycles on the road [2] speed or drive recklessly [3] be unable to maneuver skillfully [4] take more time to brake or steer away from danger at a critical moment and [4] fall asleep at the wheel.
Why You Need Compass Law Group’s Help and Support
When you’ve been severely injured, you are in no position to assess the sobriety status of the motorist who hit you. You are focused on receiving the urgent medical attention you require, and then on relieving your pain and recovering as quickly as possible.
Once you become our client, we will take over all insurance and legal matters. We will investigate your case thoroughly, including:
- Examining all police records (especially regarding whether the driver that hit you was intoxicated)
- Interviewing witnesses
- Checking out the accident site
- Reading your medical records carefully
- Consulting with experts (medical, automotive, and otherwise) who may be able to bolster your case in court
- Checking the defendant’s history to see whether he/she has any prior DUI accidents or arrests
The team at Compass Law Group will become not only your legal advocates but your loyal supporters, always looking out for your interests. We are not only accomplished DUI motorcycle attorneys, we are also compassionate people. We know that you are going through a terrible time that is not only physically and emotionally traumatic, but financially challenging. We will help you receive the very best medical care available and never charge you any attorneys’ fees until after we win your case.
The Severe Consequences of DUI Motorcycle Accidents
The exhilaration of riding a motorcycle may come with a heavy price — you are far less protected than the motorists who surround you with the heavy armor of their cars between them and the dangers of the road. At Compass Law Group, we have seen the awful injuries suffered by victims of DUI motorcycle accidents up close. Not only do many motorcyclists suffer life-altering brain and spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and loss of limbs, bikers are at high risk of fatality.
Whether you have surgery and a lengthy recuperation in your future, or are faced with permanent disability, you have a long row to hoe. Or you may even be confronting the misery of the wrongful death of a loved one. Whatever your situation is, our excellent motorcycle accident attorneys are fully prepared to help you reclaim the damages that are rightfully yours.
Damages Compass Law Group Will Fight to Win for You
Whether you have been the victim of, or lost a close relative in, a DUI motorcycle accident, you are entitled to legal recompense. Our team has in-depth knowledge and consummate skill to provide you with the best chance of winning damages for:
- Medical costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or other disfigurement
- Long-term nursing care
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral costs and loss of financial and emotional support (in cases of wrongful death)
If the motorist whose negligence caused your motorcycle accident was especially egregious in her/his misconduct, the court may also award you punitive damages.
When You Are Partly Responsible for the DUI Motorcycle Accident
Let’s face it, a great many accidents are the result of mistakes made by both parties. If you were partially at fault in the DUI motorcycle accident in which you were injured, Compass Law Group may still be able to obtain meaningful damages for you. If, for example, you were speeding or impaired at the time of the collision, we may still be able to get you a sizable settlement.
California law follows the principle of “pure comparative negligence.” Comparative negligence means that the court will assign a percentage of fault to each party; any damages awarded to you will be diminished by your percentage of fault. So, if the court determines that you were 20 percent responsible for the accident and it awards you $100,000 for your injury, you will actually receive $80,000. The word “pure” in this context means that we will be able to fight for your right to compensation even if you are determined by the court to bear more responsibility than the other party.
This is good news for the motorcyclists who were themselves intoxicated when the accident occurred, especially because more than 25 percent of motorcyclists are inebriated when motorcycle accidents occur.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles DUI Motorcycle Attorneys Today
In spite of the fact that most motorcyclists are careful and responsible, we are aware that they are often treated as second-class citizens on California roads and highways. The DUI motorcycle accident attorneys at Compass Law Group will level the playing field and make sure that you are treated with the fairness and respect you deserve.
Contact our skilled DUI motorcycle accident attorney today to schedule a free, initial consultation.
This list isn’t all-inclusive many personal injury suits have been raised based on different factors that aren’t included above. Our team of Los Angeles car accident attorneys can work on cases without anything out of pocket.
We’re old enough to have the necessary experience, yet young enough to use the most cutting-edge technology and tactics, and are determined enough to fight and outsmart the other side, every time.
