Driving a motorcycle in California is dangerous.  You are out there fighting traffic on two wheels instead of four.  A leather jacket, sturdy riding boots and a helmet may be all that you have as protection from the road and other drivers. Your helmet is likely to save your life. There’s no doubt that riding is an adventure, but hopefully the ride doesn’t end in tragedy.

Statistics show the risk of driving motorcycles you are 35 times more likely to wind up in an accident than driving any other vehicle on the road. In fact, motorcycle drivers in California represent 2.1% of all vehicles registered, but their drivers and passengers account for nearly 9.5% of all traffic deaths in the state.  It’s for these reasons you need to protect yourself and practice safe driving. Make sure you are not invisible to other drivers by making safe passes and avoid driving between vehicles.

Injuries are also more likely to be serious if you are in a motorcycle accident than if you are in a car accident so you will need to have the best representation when you pursue a lawsuit. While broken bones, cuts and bruises may eventually heal, more serious injuries to the head may need long-term medical treatment. Sometimes the injuries may result in permanent disability.

Tragically, you may have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash that was not their fault. There were 4,281fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents in the United States in 2009, according to the latest research reported by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.  Indeed, a  motorcycle driver is up against some pretty heavy hitters on the road. Whether it’s a 3,000-pound passenger car, a massive commercial truck or pretty much any vehicle on the road, the biker is at a tremendous disadvantage.

Additionally, more than half, some 55% of accidents involved multiple vehicles in the accident compared to 45% involving single vehicle accidents. Motorcyclists are quite often hit by one vehicle which in turn propels them into the path of yet another vehicle. Finally, nearly half of the accidents involving motorcycles, or 1,806 of the drivers and passengers, were not wearing a helmet. While it is the law to wear a helmet here in California, some provide better protection than others and some cyclists make the mistake of not securing the strap when they put it on their head. While protecting yourself on the road is important it cannot prevent an accident from happening, nor can it ensure you  will come out of it unscathed.

Finding the right attorney who understands your case is as important as wearing the right protection when you ride on the streets. It’s important that you focus on getting the medical attention you may need and that your attorney focuses on your case.

This morning brings news of a near-fatal motorcycle crash on Highway 101 as the rider clings to life in an area hospital. We have warned of the dangers of motorcycles in the past and just wish to not only reiterate our sincerest hope that this crash victim will make a full recovery but that others will take extra precautions when riding to avoid further accidents and injuries. Motorcycles are a great recreation for many around California and can provide a much-needed escape from the congestion of Californian’s urban areas. However, these bikes also present a significant safety risk and all necessary precautions should be followed- including participation in a state-sanctioned road safety course.

This morning’s report stems from an accident occurring on Highway 101 in Palo Alto around 7:30pm, Friday evening. California Highway Patrol responded to the scene and found the victim lying on the ground with no pulse or breathing activity. The motorist was immediately rushed to Stanford Medical Center where his current condition is unknown at this time. The coroner has not been notified of the accident as of late Friday evening.

As details and witness statements emerge, it is possible that one of the three vehicles involved in the accident may have been driving recklessly- causing the chain of events which resulted in the severe injuries to the cyclist. Officers conducted a 90-minute investigation and closed the left lane of southbound 101.

If you or a loved one enjoy riding motorcycles- perhaps as a hobby or a primary mode of transportation- we urge you to always practice extreme safety and prudence when operating your bike. Never exceed posted speed limits or weave in and out of traffic. As always, be sure to wear a helmet even if just going up the street. Helmets have saved countless lives in serious accidents that would have otherwise proven fatal for the rider.