Located in the heart of Southern California, Long Beach offers an abundance of scenic routes and views that make it a perfect destination for motorcycle riders. Whether cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or taking advantage of one of the city’s many different motorcycle-centric events held throughout the year, Long Beach is among California’s foremost cities for riding your motorcycle.
However, there are also risks associated with riding a motorcycle in Long Beach. Not only are more vulnerable on the road than other vehicles due to a variety of factors, but they are also more susceptible to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Additionally, Long Beach’s busy streets and high traffic volume can make riding a motorcycle more dangerous, as you must navigate through congested traffic and watch out for distracted drivers.
All of these factors increase the risk of being in a motorcycle accident, so it’s important to understand how these accidents happen and what your options are if you find yourself in one in Long Beach.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation
At Maison Law, our team of experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyers can help you through what is almost guaranteed to be a difficult time for you and your family. No matter how aware you are of the risks inherent in riding your motorcycle and how careful you are on Long Beach’s roads, accidents still happen. When they do, we can help.
If you or a loved one have been in a Long Beach motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about what your options are.
What Are Some of the Popular Motorcycle Routes in Long Beach?
Because of its location within California, Long Beach is a popular destination for both locals and travelers looking to enjoy the exhilaration of riding their motorcycle. Long Beach offers a number of different types of scenic routes motorcyclists can take all year round, including the following:
- Ocean Boulevard – Ocean Boulevard is a scenic route that runs along the coast of Long Beach. The road offers beautiful views of the ocean and the city skyline. It’s a popular route for motorcyclists and is often busy on weekends.
- PCH – The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a classic California route that offers breathtaking views of the ocean. The stretch of PCH that runs through Long Beach is a popular route for motorcyclists, especially during the summer months.
- Palos Verdes Drive – Palos Verdes Drive is a winding road that offers stunning views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The road features sharp turns and steep drops, making it a challenging but rewarding ride for experienced motorcyclists.
- San Gabriel Canyon Road – San Gabriel Canyon Road is a scenic route that runs through the San Gabriel Mountains. The road features tight turns and sweeping curves, making it a popular destination for motorcyclists looking for a challenging ride.
- Ortega Highway – Ortega Highway is a popular route for motorcyclists looking for a challenging ride. The road features steep climbs, sharp turns, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to these routes, Long Beach also offers several motorcycle-friendly events throughout the year, including the Long Beach Motorcycle Swap Meet and the International Motorcycle Show. All of these attractions mean that a healthy number of motorcyclists are out on the road in Long Beach, which also increases the likelihood that accidents will occur.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Long Beach?
Motorcycle accidents can happen in Long Beach for many of the same reasons they happen anywhere else in California. As a city, Long Beach is a bustling area with a high volume of population and traffic.
More to the point, this means that there are a large number of drivers on the road, which only increases the risk of an accident–especially with motorcycles because of the inherent difficulty that they pose to both riders and other drivers. In order to better understand motorcycle accidents in Long Becah, here is a closer look at some of the more common causes:
- Distracted Driving – Distracted drivers who use their phones or engage in other distracting activities can cause accidents involving motorcycles.
- Speeding – Speeding is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When a driver is traveling too fast, they may not have enough time to react to a motorcycle that suddenly appears in front of them.
- Lane splitting – Lane splitting–or riding along the middle line of a road–is technically legal in California, but it can be dangerous for motorcyclists. If a rider is not careful, they can collide with a vehicle while attempting to pass between lanes of traffic.
- Driving under the influence – Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs always poses a significant risk to all motorists, including motorcyclists.
- Poor road conditions – Poor road conditions such as potholes, loose gravel, or debris can cause a motorcycle to lose control, resulting in an accident.
- Lack of visibility – Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than other vehicles, especially in inclement weather or low-light conditions.
- Inexperienced riders – Inexperienced riders are more likely to make mistakes that can result in accidents. It is essential for motorcyclists to receive proper training and education before riding on public roads.
It is important for both motorcyclists and other drivers to be aware of these potential causes of accidents and take appropriate measures to prevent them from happening. Further, as a motorcycle rider, you can protect yourself by wearing appropriate safety gear and being aware of your surroundings at all times. However, if you do happen to get into an accident, it’s important to understand how the legal process works.
Options For Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Victims
Generally speaking, victims of Long Beach motorcycle accidents have two options: file an insurance claim and file a lawsuit. These claims will allow you to recover certain benefits and support for your injuries and other damages. In California, like in other states, the person at-fault (usually another driver) for the accident is responsible for paying for these damages.
- Insurance claim – The insurance claims process after a motorcycle accident typically involves:
- Notifying your insurance company
- Providing details of the accident and damages
- Working with an adjuster
- Reviewing the settlement offer
- Accepting or rejecting the offer
It’s important to be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including the names of witnesses and any police reports, to support your claim. Insurance companies usually try to pay out as little as possible, so it’s recommended to have our experienced team help you through the process.
- Lawsuit – The other option you can take is to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek benefits and support for your injuries and damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
This can be a complex process, but our team can guide you through the entire process from start to finish. We will gather evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, to build a strong case and negotiate with the other side. It’s important to remember that California has a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, meaning you have a limited amount of time–two years in most cases–to file a claim after an accident.
No matter which option you choose, working with our team can ensure that your rights are protected and your claim remains as strong as possible. We have extensive experience with both insurance claims and lawsuits, so we know how the process work and how we can make it work to your advantage.
Don’t Wait To Contact Experienced Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Being involved in a Long Beach motorcycle accident is a stressful and scary experience. At the same time, it’s also fairly common. Thus, you need an experienced legal team on your side to guide you through the process.
At Maison Law, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. Our lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex legal system and stand up for your rights.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the support you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
