Motorcycle Accident Causes
Proving Fault Against Drivers, Municipalities and Manufacturers
The Rudman Law Firm, APC dedicates our resources and experience exclusively to personal injury law. Our lawyers have more than 75 years of combined experience helping Southern California riders recover just compensation from negligent drivers, municipalities and manufacturers responsible for serious motorcycle accident injuries.
Because we only handle PI claims, we have developed the tools and refined our processes to recover the maximum compensation possible. Our lawyers look below the surface of a given fact scenario to discover the truth and present the strongest case possible for our injured client.
One of the crucial components of recovery is establishing fault. Under California laws, the injured motorcycle operator may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or insurance company. Furthermore, the amount of compensation is based on percentage of fault. We therefore consider the causes of your accident carefully during a thorough investigation of your motorcycle accident.
Driver Negligence
Motorists often do not respect motorcyclists on California’s roadways. In fact, driver negligence is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Conduct that puts you in danger includes:
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Swerving into your lane
- Speeding
- Running a red light or a stop sign
- Texting or talking on a phone while driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
These actions are all the more dangerous to a motorcyclist whose bike does not have the same safety protections, such as an enclosed cabin, seatbelts and airbags, as other vehicles.
Poor Roadway Conditions
Motorcycles are more responsive to road conditions, making them more dangerous to riders than to other motorists. Local, state and federal governments have a duty to keep up their roads to protect the public who uses them. Poor road conditions that can result in a motorcycle crash include:
- Potholes
- Cracked and raised asphalt
- Missing manhole covers
- Road debris
- Dim streetlights
- Missing stop signs
- Broken traffic signals
- Poor road design
Suing a government agency involves special procedures, about which our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys are very familiar. We vehemently protect your rights in municipal claims.
Products Liability
On a motorcycle, you have much less room for error than you would if driving another type of vehicle. You rely upon the manufacturer to build a safe and smooth machine without defects. Design and manufacturing defects that severely compromise the safety of your bike include:
- Rear tire misalignment that causes the bike to weave
- Tire failure that causes blowout and skidding
- Fuel tank malfunction that creates a fire hazard
- Brake failure that affects ability to stop in time or causes sliding
- Handlebar cracking that suddenly manipulates steering
Additionally, defective helmets may contribute to a head injury suffered in a motorcycle accident.
Get the Help You Need After Your Motorcycle Wreck
The Rudman Law Firm, APC is a dedicated advocate of motorcycle riders’ rights. If your accident was caused by a negligent driver, poor road conditions or a defective motorcycle part, a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney at our law firm can help you reach justice against the negligent party.
To discuss your claim free of charge, call our Encino office at (818) 769-6969 or call our PI law firm toll free at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN. Your accident claim is handled on a contingency basis.