Motorcycle Accidents vs Car Accidents In California
The Difference Between Motorcycle and Car Accidents is Severe - Insight From the Best Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
Motorcycles are viewed as more dangerous in comparison to cars. They are also far more likely to be involved in a collision due to their lack of protection and small size. Additionally, a large portion of motorcycle accidents have been caused due to the rider operating their motorcycle under the influence of alcohol. Below, we will discuss several key similarities and differences between motorcycle and car accidents.
Common Causes For Motorcycle Accidents
For motorcycle accidents, there are a variety of common causes that can contribute to an accident.
- Speeding. Riders may not have the skill to handle the speed of their motorcycle, thus increasing the chances of them getting into an accident.
- Intoxication. Prior to operating their motorcycle, riders may consume alcoholic beverages. This will make it difficult for them to control their motorcycle properly.
- Left-hand turn. A car might make a left hand turn without noticing an oncoming motorcycle.
- Lane splitting. This illegal action is done when a motorcycle is occupying two lanes. Due to the lack of space, they will be very close to the vehicles around them. This will make it highly likely for an accident to happen.
- Road hazards. Since a motorcycle is small, bad road conditions may have a bigger impact. Motorcycles can become unstable when dealing with faulty pavement, potholes, puddles, or poor weather conditions.
Common causes for car accidents are:
- Speeding. Drivers who exceed the speed limit are putting themselves in danger of getting into a collision.
- Intoxication. Drivers will not have clear vision or control if alcohol is consumed prior to operating a car. This may result in an injury or death for both the driver and the victim(s).
- Distraction. Drivers get distracted by various things, including cell phones. It has become common for drivers to utilize their cell phones while they are driving their car. About 25 percent of car accidents are primarily caused by cell phone distraction.
- Fatigue. If a driver suffers from lack of sleep, it may affect their driving. The urge to close their eyes and go to sleep will result in lack of attention, thus causing a potential accident.
Aggression. Angry drivers will get themselves into a bad situation trying to start an argument with another driver on the road. They will be distracted and possibly hit other vehicles surrounding them.
Driving Under the Influence
When it comes to alcohol consumption, a motorcyclist is far more likely to be under the influence. One out of three motorcycle accidents involve alcohol, compared to 25% for car accidents. Riders who are involved in motorcycle accidents late at night have been commonly known to have a high BAC level of at least 0.08.
Injuries And Death
When comparing the structure of both, cars offer more protection for their drivers compared to motorcycles. This is primarily why motorcyclists endure more severe injuries compared to drivers.
Common injuries for motorcyclists include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Broken bones,
- Spinal cord injury,
- Harsh cuts,
- Back injury,
- Bruises,
- Internal bleeding,
- Road rash, or
- Neck injury.
Common injuries in car accidents include:
- Cuts,
- Bruises,
- Whiplash,
- Broken bones,
- Internal bleeding,
- Back injury,
- Abdominal pain,
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
- Head injuries.
Overall, in California, both motorcycle accidents and car accidents are serious and occur on a day-to-day basis. Nearly 3,651 motor vehicle deaths have been recorded in 2018, with cars and motorcyclists contributing to the total.
Also, both accidents have similarities when it comes to the types of injuries victims may suffer. However, motorcyclists are expected to endure more severe injuries or pain due to their lack of protection compared to individuals operating a car.
Available Damages
Accidents happen. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Below is a brief explanation of damages. Damages are a type of monetary award that is determined by a court of law to help compensate an aggrieved individual for any losses or injuries sustained as a result of someone’s negligence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. Economic damages are calculated by determining the amount of out of pocket losses an aggrieved individual has or will expect to incur as a result of their injuries.
A few examples of economic losses include:
Loss of Earning Capacity
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out of pocket losses. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:
- Emotional Distress
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
Punitive Damages
The third type of damages a California court may award are known as punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended as punishment and are only awarded when a defendant’s behavior is especially harmful. Punitive damages are relatively rare and in fact were only incorporated in 5% of all verdicts.
Furthermore, there is no real set standard for calculating and awarding punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and will vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help
If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, West Coast Trial Lawyers has experienced personal injury attorneys that will work tirelessly to ensure that you are getting the maximum financial and medical compensation you deserve. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with the attorneys at our firm. No financial risks are associated with our services. Fees are not charged until we win your case. Reach out to our legal team 24/7 by calling (213) 927-3700 or emailing [email protected] to schedule a free consultation with our caring and compassionate legal team.