Getting Back On Track: Recovering From Motorcycle Accidents

In many countries, motorcycles are the primary means of motorized transport. In the United States, increasing fuel prices and urban congestion has resulted to an increase motorcycle registration by 51% from 2001-2005.

However, from Simon Milward, a road safety advocate to Bryan Cassell of Daytona, thousands have succumbed to motorcycle accidents. Despite the high rate of accidents, motorcycle sales continued to grow in popularity all over the world amidst the global economic crisis, raking up a 6.5% growth. This in turn means a greater need for education and awareness on motorcycle safety and legal rights of bikers.

Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit of distance travelled than other automobiles such as cars. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compared that in 2006, 18.06 out of 100,000 cars ended up in fatal crashes while the rate for motorcycles is 55.82 per 100,000. With over four million motorcycles registered in the United States, motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year.

Approximately 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. One of the main reasons for the high fatality rate is because of the fact that the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. In situations like bike accidents, Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys are the best person to turn to especially if riders want to get back on track with their lives.

Most riders after an accident, are literally in pieces. It is very important to remember that despite the common misconception that motorcycle crashes are caused by rider himself such as reckless speeding. The Hurt Report, a motorcycle safety study conducted in the United States and published in 1981 actually showed that speed is not a factor in majority of the car crashes. The sad fact is that most crashes involve collision with a passenger vehicle.

The wisest decision following a motorcycle accident, is to seek expert legal advice. Motorcycle accidents involve a lot of legal aspects, from personal injury claims, insurance claims, repair and replacement of your vehicle, reimbursement or compensation for medical bills so Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys are best equipped to handle the nitty-gritty details so that one can recover as quickly as possible.

Motorcycle accidents are also a race against time. Like most lawsuits, motorcycle accidents have a deadline for filing of a case. Having the right counsel such as Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys could help guide you through the whole process of filing a claim that would prevent the defendant from setting up a defense of laches, which means that one is barred from recovery of damages because the deadline has lapsed.

The expertise of a Los Angeles motorcycle attorney is required in resolving various issues involved in the accidentfrom ones potential claim, including compliance with traffic laws, motor vehicle regulations, and liability determinations. Another factor in motorcycle accidents is a possible defect in the motorcycle's design or manufacture. An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle attorney will be knowledgeable on relevant product issues or recalls involving certain motorcycle models, and can help determine whether you have a claim against the motorcycle manufacturer. For sure, with their help, motorcycle riders will have no difficulty getting back on track.