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Road hazards such as debris, objects, and uneven surfaces are common causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States.
Motorcyclists should have enough training to understand what a hazard is . . .
identify hazards from a distance, and be able to evade them.
In the event that a motorcyclist receives serious injuries due to road hazards, California negligence law will determine who is liable for the accident.
To pursue legal action against negligent parties, Ehline Law and our motorcycle accident attorneys are here to recover compensation for your loss aggressively. Unlike cars that can easily overcome minor road hazards, it is just not the same for motorcycles. Small and lightweight, these vehicles can easily lose balance and cause an accident, even in the case of minor obstacles. It’s surprising to know that even leaves can make a smooth surface slippery, causing motorcycles to slip.
It is crucial that motorcycle riders know what a road hazard is before they hit the road. Let’s look at some of the most common road hazards for motorcyclists in California.
Poorly Maintained Roads
A major problem in California seems to be the unmaintained or poorly maintained roads. 87% of the roads in the San Francisco-Oakland area and 60% of the roads in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area are poorly maintained. Drivers in Los Angeles lose $61 billion annually due to uneven road surfaces.
Riding a motorcycle at high speeds on an uneven surface is an accident waiting to happen. Other drivers in their cars can easily speed over bumps and cracks, but riders must slow down as they could risk losing balance.
Gravel
Considered a tricky hazard to navigate for riders, gravel poses a dangerous threat during cornering. Some parts of California have long, winding roads that provide amazing views. Unfortunately, these roads are laden with gravel and require a lot of cornering, making them a hazard for motorcyclists to ride on. Riders without sufficient skills often end up in accidents due to gravel, especially if they’re speeding.
Edge Breaks
An edge break in a road is when one lane is slightly higher than the other. Although this is not an issue when it comes to cars, it can be troublesome for motorcyclists, especially those traveling fast on a freeway.
Open Bridge Joints
To hold pieces of the bridge together, open bridge joints are in place, and these gaps are sometimes wide enough to make it difficult for motorcyclists to navigate around. 56% of the bridges in the state are more than 50 years old, and around 77 of the bridges are structurally deficient. Open bridge joints add another challenge for motorists to the already crumbling infrastructure.
Animals
According to one report, tens of thousands of animals have become roadkill after being hit by California motorists. These include deer, lions, birds, lizards, and other wild animals.
A deer out of nowhere is a huge nightmare for cars as it can cause serious damage to vehicles. Now imagine hitting a small animal with a motorcycle. Hitting a small animal can affect the motorcycle’s balance, and most motorcyclists do not have enough shielding to protect themselves in such situations.
If you’re at a halt due to an animal in front of you, check your mirror and blind spot before maneuvering around the animal. Always travel at slow speeds to allow enough time for braking or evading the animal.
Slippery Surfaces
Due to its lightweight and two-wheeled nature, a motorcycle is more prone to causing a motorcycle crash due to slippery surfaces than a car. Slippery surfaces are even more dangerous when a motorcycle rider is turning. If you’re not careful, crosswalk lines, leaves, wet pavement, and oil on a surface make it slippery, increasing the chances of a motorcycle accident.
May, June, July, and August are some of the driest periods in the state, and rain after a dry spell is extremely dangerous for motorcyclists. The mud and oil and the rain in its first hour form a slippery surface. It is best to avoid traveling in the rain or decide to ride slowly.
Snow or Ice
California has an average annual snowfall of 450 inches, and it’s not unheard of that snow or ice on surfaces can cause motorcycle crashes with deadly consequences. Riding in the snow is just careless, and round motorcycle tires can cause riders to lose traction over icy surfaces.
Rail Tracks
For other vehicles, it is easy to overcome rail tracks, but for motorcycles, riding over the rail track can cause a motorcycle to lose balance and tip over. A motorcycle falling on a rider’s leg can cause broken bones or fractures.
Railroad crossings have tracks made from metal and wood, which become slippery when wet, making it difficult to maintain motorcycle control. Motorcyclists are highly advised to slow down, be aware of their surroundings, and cross cautiously.
Debris
Road debris and other obstacles like tire treads, branches, or rocks, do not only cause motorcycle accidents, but these objects can also hit the motorcyclist causing severe injuries.
Work with an Attorney on Your Motorcycle Crash Claim
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than car drivers or passengers. Injuries from a motorcycle are often severe and require extensive medical treatment.
Most accidents are preventable, and it is best to avoid them by riding slowly, wearing protective clothing, and always having your helmet on. However, you may be driving carefully at times, but due to an obstacle or an unexpected bump, you might end up in an accident. You may be eligible for compensation if you receive injuries from an accident that was not your fault.
Contact us at (213) 596-9642 for a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys. During the first consultation, our legal experts will listen to your case, provide you with legal options, and guide you accordingly.
When filing claims, you need to know the negligent party that caused your accident. An experienced attorney can investigate your case, identify the negligent party, file claims, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys
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- Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks
- Bad Weather Motorcycle Accidents
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- DUI Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Defects
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- Motorcycle Hit And Run Accidents in L.A.
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- Teenaged Motorcyclist Accidents
- Two-Wheeled Single Vehicle Collisions
- Common Motorcycle Rider Injuries
- Motorcycle Fracture Injury
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- Motorcycle Wrongful Death
- Motorcycle Accident Government Claims
- Motorcycle Accident Resources
- Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Motorcycle Accident Terms and Phrases
- Motorcycle Injury Stats
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