Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Santa Barbara

Head-On Motorcycle Crashes

Among all the kinds of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions are the most devastating. Even if it’s possible for a motorcyclist to brace for the oncoming impact (which rarely happens) to try and avoid a crash, from a physics standpoint, both the motorcyclist and the other vehicle’s impact forces inevitably combine and result in a tragic head-on crash.

Moreover, the motorcyclist’s position as it relates to the impact of the collision increases the risk of the rider being thrown off the motorcycle, resulting in further injuries from being thrown or getting hit by oncoming traffic.

Risky Driving Accidents

Whether due to drunk driving, drugged driving, distraction, fatigue, speeding, or some other behavior or driver error that causes a substantial deficit in a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely, risky driving is a leading cause of motorcycle vs. vehicle crashes in California and elsewhere. While motorcyclists are used to paying extra attention while riding because plenty of drivers fail to drive safely around motorcyclists, there are specific situations that they can’t just avoid. Likewise, impaired drivers can be especially hazardous for riders because they depend on instinct and muscle memory due to being impaired. When this happens, an impaired driver may not respond accurately to navigate around a motorcyclist and provide the space required to prevent a crash.

Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

Rear-end crashes are very dangerous for motorcyclists because they don’t expect the crash and can’t possibly do anything to try and keep it from happening. These accidents simply don’t give motorcyclists the chance to prepare for or avoid a crash, which exposes them to an increased risk of serious injury. It is likewise important to note that even seemingly minor rear-end crashes can result in serious injuries.

Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes

Left-turn crashes commonly occur at intersections. Usually, these accidents happen because of a driver’s failure to see a motorcyclist turning left. The driver may then cut off and crash into the motorcyclist. But keep in mind that right-of-way is given to vehicles based on how they’re approaching an intersection. For instance, drivers must yield the right-of-way to motorcycles or other vehicles that are making a left turn at intersections.

Hit and Run Motorcycle Crashes

Unfortunately, hit and run motorcycle crashes are common, mostly because a crash can completely disable a motorcyclist, leaving them unable to identify the liable party and stop them from speeding away. If you were injured by a hit and run driver, you will have a significant advantage when you file a claim against the driver. But first, you will need to identify and track down the negligent driver. Our Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorneys here at Bamieh & De Smeth have the resources to identify and locate the driver and hold them accountable for their negligent actions.

Motorcycle Accidents Due to Right-of-Way Violations

The most important thing to remember with right-of-way rules is that they are intended to help ensure the safety of all road users. Otherwise, all kinds of traffic accidents can and do happen. Right-of-way isn’t assigned based on whether you’re a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or motor vehicle driver. Traffic control devices must be followed regardless of what type of road user you are. This means that if a motorist injures a motorcyclist who had the right-of-way during the crash, the motorist must be held liable for the rider’s damages.

Intersection Motorcycle Crashes

Sideswipe accidents, broadside crashes, T-bone collisions, or any other collision that impacts the motorcycle’s side usually results in severe injuries for riders because there’s literally no material or shield to absorb the impact of the crash. In such accidents, motorcyclists feel the full force of the crash, so their injuries tend to be more catastrophic.

Impaired Visibility Collisions

Because motorcycles are small, they’re fun, exhilarating to ride, and easily maneuverable. But it’s exactly their small size that makes them very hard to spot on the road in certain circumstances. For instance, if a negligent driver is speeding at night, they have a better chance of seeing a truck or another four-wheel vehicle than seeing a motorcyclist on the same roadway.

Unsafe Lane Changing Motorcycle Crashes

In accidents resulting from unsafe lane changing, drivers usually change lanes abruptly and recklessly, without properly assessing their mirrors and surroundings for the presence of motorcycles or other vehicles.