At Compass Law Group, LLP, we know that motorcyclists are often seriously injured due to the negligence of other motorists. This frequently happens when the drivers of parked cars recklessly open their doors into traffic, toppling unsuspecting bikers onto the pavement. Our talented motorcycle accident attorneys, who work from multiple offices throughout California, are experienced in making sure that you win a fair settlement if you have been hurt in an open car door motorcycle accident.
We are sharp negotiators, used to developing successful strategies to make insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys come around, but if necessary we are fully prepared to pursue your claim in a court of law. Our superior litigation skills are well-known throughout the state and we have a remarkable track record of winning damages for our clients. If you have been injured in an open car door motorcycle accident, contact our office today.
Compass Law Group’s Attorneys Are Determined To Win
When it comes to seeking a fair settlement for you as you work hard to regain your physical strength and emotional balance, we will pull out all the stops.
Reasons Bikers Are More Vulnerable to Injury in Open Car Door Accidents
While open door accidents can also occur between two cars, those that involve motorcycles are far more likely to result in severe injuries to the biker in question. Even if you are stopped at a traffic light, the incident may destabilize you, resulting in an imbalance that may easily knock you to the ground. In spite of wearing a helmet and other protective gear, bikers are prone to grave harm and may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury or other neurological damage
- Internal bleeding, damage to, or loss of, an organ
- Lacerations, deep bruising, fractive
- Friction burns (road rash)
- Loss of a limb
- Scarring or other permanent disfigurement
Some injuries may involve surgery, long-term rehabilitative treatment, or result in permanent disability. In any case, a serious injury is life-altering, incapacitating you during recovery and/or as you adjust to the devastation of paralysis, blindness, cognitive impairment or some other major trauma.
If you and your family have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one to wrongful death in an open door accident, the skilled, compassionate accident attorneys at Compass Law Group are here to support you in your quest for just treatment. We will stand by you throughout your ordeal, making your cause our cause when you need us most.
Though Motorcyclists Are Too Often Denigrated, the Law Is on Your Side
While all drivers, no matter what type of vehicle they drive, are required to be alert and cautious, the California Vehicle Code (§ 22517) takes a firm stand in its attempt to prevent open car door accidents, stating that:
No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
Unfortunately, bikers can still expect to be targeted by the opposing side in a court case since our culture continues to assume that motorcyclists are risk-takers who disregard the safety of others. Nonetheless, when you have Compass Law Group attorneys on your side, you can relax, knowing that you will be well-protected. We have direct knowledge of the tendency of motorists to fail to check for motorcycles coming from behind. This dangerous oversight can cause not only direct collisions, but accidents resulting from motorcyclists being forced to swerve into traffic.
Common Causes of Open Car Door Motorcycle Accidents
Besides the failure of drivers to look before opening their doors, or to notice motorcycles because of their more compact size, there are several other common causes of open car door motorcycle accidents, including:
- Double-parked or otherwise illegally parked vehicles whose drivers are rushing to dash in and out o the car to avoid being ticketed, paying less attention to caution than speed
- Motorcyclists who are required to make right-hand turns by moving to the extreme right of a shared lane and so become dangerously close to parked vehicles
- Poor visibility due to inclement weather, night driving, or absence of lighting
- Bad road conditions, including slippery surfaces, debris on the road surface, or unrepaired potholes
When bad road conditions cause or contribute to your accident, Compass Law Group may be able to sue the city, county, or state responsible for negligence in maintaining roads properly. It is also possible that the manufacturer of either the car or motorcycle has passed on defective merchandise. If bad brakes or ineffective steering contributed to your accident, for example, our accomplished attorneys will also look for damages from either of those parties.
Because assigning blame in open car door motorcycle accidents can be difficult or confusing, it is critical that you have a legal advocate who is well-equipped to navigate the justice system.
Contact Compass Law Today So We Can Begin Moving Your Case in the Right Direction
Our open car door motorcycle attorneys are ready whenever you call. We know how pressing the issues are when you have suffered serious injury. We will fight to obtain damages for all the harm you have endured, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Pain and suffering
- Extended nursing care
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Compass Law Group is here to provide you with superior legal representation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win you damages.
Contact our dedicated open car door motorcycle accident 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.
