Motorcyclists can jump on Sunset Boulevard to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sunset Strip. They may also trace Sunset Boulevard’s curves and steep grades to the west through the canyons all the way to Sunset Beach.
No matter what type of rides they are enjoying, motorcyclists won’t always be able to avoid the dangerous stunts of careless and reckless Los Angeles drivers.
If you’ve been struck and injured by a distracted driver along Sunset Boulevard, don’t accept that your recovery costs should be your responsibility. Contact a skilled Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident for a free case review and find out how to make sure an unhelpful car insurance company takes full responsibility.
Motorcycle Accident Dangers on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles
Over the course of Sunset Boulevard’s 22-mile stretch through Los Angeles, motorcyclists will see a lot of poor choices by drivers. Some of these crazy L.A. stunts will just leave you shaking your head, but sometimes even a small mistake can put a rider in serious jeopardy.
Instead of monitoring for someone on a motorcycle, drivers can stare at a cellphone screen or attempt to eat behind the wheel. And let’s face it, some motorists get in the way of riders on purpose. Perhaps they are jealous of the freedom a bike represents. Whatever the reason, these and other reckless acts force riders into frightening motorcycle accidents every day in Los Angeles.
These are just a few of the dangerous maneuvers Los Angeles drivers will make on Sunset Boulevard:
- Switching Lanes without Looking – Drivers changing lanes or merging can fail to check mirrors properly and scan a blind spot for riders. A motorcyclist might have the choice to get side-swiped or to run off the road.
- Speeding Drivers – Excessive speed is especially dangerous on Sunset Boulevard. On the western portion, drivers can travel too fast to hold a curve and end up striking the motorcyclist in the next lane or striking an oncoming rider head-on. On the eastern stretch, speeding is just a bad idea because it won’t be more than a block before drivers enjoying the Hollywood sights bring traffic to a crawl again. Speeding drivers may not be able to avoid rear-ending the motorcyclist in front of them.
- Vehicle Turning Left in Front of a Motorcycle– Drivers preparing for a left hand turn against Sunset Boulevard traffic often get jumpy. They can see cars pass and gun it, only to cross in front of the rider they didn’t spot.
- Lane Splitting – California allows lane splitting for those on motorcycles. Drivers may not even be aware of this legal option, but that’s their responsibility. A rider filtering between slowed or stopped cars can be hit by a motorist switching lanes without checking on either side of their car. A passenger can also open a door in front of a lane-splitting motorcyclist and create a collision. Some motorists who misunderstand lane splitting can even try to block a rider and end up causing a crash.
- Dooring Collisions – Even parked cars along Sunset Boulevard pose a real hazard to motorcyclists. Occupants might open car doors after failing to look for any riders approaching on the right side of the lane beside them. The door represents a solid obstacle of metal and glass for a rider traveling at full speed.
After a serious accident, victims can greatly benefit from having a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer investigate their case. Presenting strong evidence can block an insurance adjuster from attempting to shift blame to the rider just to save money.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Win After a Sunset Boulevard Motorcycle Accident?
One way to get the most out of your Sunset Boulevard motorcycle accident injury claim is to be sure your submitted claim contains a thorough list of the hardships you’ve faced.
It’s important to get this list right because any damage you’ve suffered not included on the list won’t contribute to the total on your settlement check. Your Sunset Boulevard motorcycle accident attorney will make sure every bill, loss, and non-economic damage is listed, including some things you may not have known could earn you additional compensation.
These factors and others determine the amount you’ll receive on a motorcycle injury settlement check:
- Totals on all medical costs and physical therapy now and the costs for care expected in the future.
- Estimates on all costs associated with a permanent physical disability. This will include medical equipment required and home renovations needed to help a victim enjoy as much freedom as possible. Support for career training could also be required if an accident leaves a rider unable to perform previous job duties.
- Support for dealing with pain during recovery from a motorcycle crash.
- Support for emotional trauma. A loss of enjoyment of life may be experienced in recovery while victims are unable to get on a motorcycle. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms are common.
- Past and future lost income and benefits while victims are forced to miss time at work.
- Money for a new motorcycle and to replace damaged clothing and a helmet.
- 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 Sunset 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 a good idea 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 victim of a careless driver on Sunset Boulevard, 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. If you decide we can help you earn more in a motorcycle accident settlement, you won’t need any money right now. We only get paid if we win your case for you.
