Reseda Boulevard is a popular route through the San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles motorcyclists merge with cars, SUVs, and big rigs to fill its busy lanes. And it’s on these trips that riders must be especially cautious of the careless moves of drivers.
Reseda’s six or more lanes of traffic can get congested and that’s when motorcyclists are most vulnerable to accidents. Motorists can change lanes in front of a rider, turn directly in front of a motorcycle they weren’t looking out for. Drivers can also smash into the back of motorcycles when they’re looking at cellphones instead of traffic lights.
Riders may find themselves with traumatic motorcycle accident injuries and with little way to pay for their care while they miss more and more work hours in recovery.
Contact a Los Angeles Motorcycle Lawyer and Book a Free Consultation
Once a serious injury has occurred, riders must be free to focus on healing and eventually returning to their bikes. They definitely don’t need to be forced to worry over medical bills or how their rent or mortgages will get paid.
A skilled Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can handle the frustrating parts of an injury claim and maximize the compensation victims and their families receive. Victims should contact Maison Law after a Reseda Boulevard motorcycle accident for a free legal consultation to find out what their injuries are worth.
Reseda Boulevard Motorcycle Accident Dangers
Reseda Boulevard runs for around 12 miles north/south in Los Angeles and traffic feeds onto the thoroughfare from all directions. Reseda intersects with Ventura Boulevard, Devonshire Street, Highway 118, and other busy routes to carry much more traffic than it was designed to handle.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic causes plenty of fender benders, but unfortunately, those on motorcycles don’t always get to drive away from fender benders. Even the smallest collision can send a rider from a bike to suffer serious harm in collisions with a vehicle or the pavement. This reckless behavior leaves victims forced to file a motorcycle injury claim in order to be able to pay for proper medical attention.
These are just a few of the careless mistakes made by drivers that cause Reseda Boulevard Motorcycle Collisions:
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers switching lanes or merging can fail to give a long enough look at mirrors and blind spots to see the smaller profile of a motorcyclist. A rider can be sideswiped or run off the lanes on Reseda Boulevard.
- Vehicle Turning Left – Drivers preparing for a left-hand turn often wait for cars and SUVs to pass but miss the motorcyclist approaching. Anxious motorists can see an opening and hit the gas only to put the full broadside of their vehicles in front of an unseen rider in the opposite lane.
- Lane Splitting – California allows lane splitting for riders and drivers on Reseda Boulevard are responsible for knowing the law. Unfortunately, riders who lane split can be struck by careless drivers at intersections who didn’t bother to notice they were sharing the lane.
- Rear-end Collisions – Riders can approach a redlight or slowed traffic ahead while they are staring at a cellphone screen. They may never hit the brakes as they crash into the motorcycle in front of them. Distracted motorists may also look up to see the single red brake light of a motorcycle and misjudge the distance between vehicles. Drivers must be held liable for these types of mistakes that can badly injure a rider.
- Dooring Collisions – Even parked cars along Reseda Boulevard pose a deadly threat to motorcyclists. Occupants can swing car doors open after failing to spot the rider coming down the right side of the lane. The door places a metal and glass obstacle in front of a rider traveling at full speed.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident on Reseda Boulevard
After an accident, motorcycle accident victims can help their own causes by trying to collect evidence on the scene. If they are feeling strong enough, they should take photos of the accident scene. They should show the damage to vehicles and show any visible injuries. Riders should also take a picture with a helmet on if they were wearing one when the collision occurred.
Victims should get contact information from witnesses. They can also glance around to see if businesses or homes nearby might have security cameras that captured what happened.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Earn After a Reseda Boulevard Motorcycle Accident?
Another way to get the most out of your motorcycle accident injury claim is to be sure every hardship you’ve faced is noted on a list of your bills and losses. This is a critical step as you file a claim because any damage you’ve absorbed that’s not on this list won’t be compensated by the insurance company.
These factors and others determine the amount you’ll receive on a motorcycle injury settlement check:
- Totals on all medical costs now and those bills expected in the future.
- Estimates on all costs associated with a permanent physical disability.
- Support for dealing with pain during recovery.
- Support for emotional trauma. A loss of enjoyment of life may be experienced in recovery and while victims are unable to get on a motorcycle. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms are common.
- Past and future lost wages and benefits while victims are forced to miss work hours.
- Money for a new motorcycle or repairs to the previous motorcycle.
- Wrongful death benefits. Families can earn support after losing a loved one in a tragic Los Angeles motorcycle accident. The support can cover the cost of a burial and any remaining ambulance and hospital bills. The income the deceased can no longer provide for a spouse and children would also be covered.
Contact a Reseda Boulevard Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accident victims and their families have up to two years to file an injury claim or a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver. It’s smart to act as soon as possible after a Los Angeles motorcycle collision. This gives your Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney the best chance to secure still-fresh physical evidence, security footage, and documents.
If you or a loved one are the victims of a careless driver, take advantage of a free case consultation from Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law. This evaluation comes with no obligation to you or your family. We only want to make sure you and your family are treated fairly and receive the support you need to rebuild your lives.
