Motorcycle Accident Attorney in San Jose
Advocating for Motorcycle Riders in Santa Clara County
Riding motorcycles is one of the most exhilarating experiences anyone can have in life. The feeling offreedom, adventure, and being truly alive that you have when riding motorcycles is something that cannot be found anywhere else. Slinging your leg over your bike, firing it up, and heading out on the open road is something that so many riders live for. Whether you’re taking a solo ride or riding with buddies, taking a long motorcycle ride to some far-off destination is something that can’t be beat.
Although riding motorcycles can be one of the greatest joys in life, it can also expose the rider to significant potential danger. Motorcyclists face an incredible array of potential hazards every time that they head out on the road. The risk of being hit by a careless and inattentive driver and severely injured is always present. Motorcyclists take great measures to stay safe on the road. They wear helmets and other protective gear, they pay careful attention to the traffic around them, keep their bikes well-maintained, and diligently watch for any unexpected hazards to appear. Despite taking all of these safety precautions, a driver of another motor vehicle can make a terrible mistake that causes a collision, leading to serious injury to the rider.
Motorcyclists vs. Automobile Drivers
Professor Harry Hurt of the University of Southern California conducted the most comprehensive study of motorcycle accidents in the United States, which was called the Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures (also known as the “Hurt Report”), where 900 motorcycle accidents in California were carefully analyzed by a team of researchers. The following are 21 key findings from the study that illustrate the perils that motorcyclists face on the roadways:
- 3/4 of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger car, whereas 1/4 of motorcycle accidents are a solo accident involving only the motorcycle.
- In collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way and caused the accident in 2/3 of the accidents.
- The predominant cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other motorists to see the motorcyclist.
- The most frequent accident situation is where the motorcyclist is proceeding straight and the driver of another vehicle makes a left turn directly in front of the motorcycle.
- The most common location for motorcycle accidents is at intersections.
- Most motorcycle accidents occur during short rides relating to shopping, errands, friends, entertainment, or recreation, rather than on long distance rides.
- Most motorcycle collisions occur at relatively low speed, with the median pre-crash speed being about 29.8 miles per hour.
- Only 1 in 1,000 motorcycle accidents involve the motorcycle traveling at speeds in excess of 85 miles per hour.
- More than 50% of motorcycle riders had less than 5 months of experience riding the motorcycle involved in the accident.
- Motorcycle riders with dirt bike riding experience have a lower accident rate than those without such experience.
- Alcohol is involved in almost 50% of fatal motorcycle accidents.
- The typical accident only gives the motorcyclist 2 seconds to take action to avoid the collision.
- Motorcyclists carrying passengers are not at a higher risk of collision than solo riders.
- The likelihood of being injured in a motorcycle collision is 98% for collisions with other vehicles and 96% in motorcycle-only collisions.
- 45% of motorcycle accidents result in a major rather than minor injury.
- The use of heavy boots, jackets, and gloves are effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations.
- Severity of injury increases with speed, alcohol involvement, and motorcycle size.
- The most deadly injuries involve the motorcyclist’s chest and head.
- The use of the safety helmet is the most critical factor in preventing or reducing head injury.
- Helmets were not found to be a contributing factor to accidents, such as limitations on the rider’s pre-crash visual field.
- Full-face helmets increase protection and significantly reduce face injuries.
Advocating for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will be facing serious injuries and challenges in the months and years ahead. Because motorcyclists don’t have the protection that other motorists have, they will sustain much more severe injuries in a collision. Injuries to the head, neck, spine, torso, and extremities can lead to permanent disability that changes your life forever. Enduring the necessary medical treatment, trying to get insurance coverage for the best medical providers, being off work due to your injuries, having your motorcycle destroyed, and living with daily pain and physical limitations can be completely overwhelming. Beyond the injuries, another careless driver made an inexcusable mistake and caused all of this. You know that legal action is going to be necessary to hold the other driver accountable for the injuries that you are suffering through.
Suits Litigation, Inc is here to help you get through all of the legal challenges that you will face after a motorcycle accident. You need an experienced and determined lawyer on your side to obtain the maximum recovery possible under the law for your injuries. The Founder and Principal, James C. Suits II, is not just a motorcycle lawyer, he is also a motorcycle rider. He has been riding motorcycles since he was a young kid growing up here in the Bay Area. Stop by his law office in San Jose and you’re likely to see his Harley-Davidson Fat Bob parked outside, which he frequently rides to and from his office. James understands first hand the dangers that motorcycle riders face on the road because he is a rider just like you. Feel free to call around to other personal injury lawyers and ask if they have ever ridden a motorcycle. Chances are they have never ridden a motorcycle in their life.
James personally handles every call from prospective motorcycle accident clients, so you can discuss your injuries and concerns with him directly, rather than speaking with a paralegal or someone else who isn’t even licensed to practice law, which is what will happen at many other firms. Once retained, James will handle your case from start to finish, make the process as simple and easy for his clients as possible, communicate with his clients frequently, and explain the entire process so his clients know what is going on with their case at all times.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, please feel free to call the Law Office of James C. Suits II in San Jose today at (408) 479-7622 for a free consultation. James will be happy to speak with a fellow rider about what needs to be done to successfully get through the challenges you’re facing.