Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in San Luis Obispo
In our experience at the Law Office of Daniel J. O’Neill, motorcycle accidents are only rarely the fault of the biker. Even in light traffic, the very nature of cycling demands total concentration and a quick response to any change in conditions. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by auto or truck drivers who simply fail to see the bike.
Proving Liability and Damages
To learn how our experience with the resolution of serious accident claims can benefit the victim of a motorcycle crash, contact our office in San Luis Obispo. Simply fill out our online contact form to discuss your legal options with a highly skilled personal injury attorney.
Representing Seriously Injured Bikers and Passengers
We advise and represent people who need help with damages claims related to such injuries as:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back or neck injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Extensive soft tissue trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic pain problems related to CRPS or thoracic outlet syndrome
- Fatal injuries/wrongful death
Motorcycles Involved in Fatal Crashes
The debate on whether or not protective gear should be required for motorcycle riders still stands strong, many people agree that having some sort of gear (helmets, gloves, etc.) can prevent serious injuries. Unfortunately, like bicycles, motorcycles lack the protective shell that other motor vehicles have, which decreases the risk of serious harm or a fatality. This is a common reality (and fear) for thousands of riders each year. Although protective gear can prevent some serious injuries, over 19,000 motorcycle riders were involved in fatal crashes from 2012-2015.
This following motorcycle accident fatality data includes both single-vehicle and multiple-vehicle crashes.
Deadliest Types of Motorcycle Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 11,700 motorcycle riders were killed due to front impact collisions. That’s almost 60% of riders! 2012 saw the most fatalities, totaling over 5,000. From 2013-2014, there was a steady decline at 4,800 and 4,705 respectively. However, the number of fatalities rose again in 2015 by over 1,600.
Overall, the least fatal accident by point of impact is rear, totaling at 882 over the 4-year span.
Similarly to the United States total for motorcycle accident fatalities, front impact collisions leads to the greatest number of motorcycle accident fatalities in California. Over a 4-year span, 937 riders died from this type of impact. Non-collision accidents (fatalities not caused by a collision) followed in second place, totaling 435 fatalities.
The pie chart below details the average amount of fatal motorcycle accidents in California, by percent. As you can see, almost half of the total fatalities were caused by front collisions.
Daniel O’Neill has over 35 years of litigation experience, and has been recognized three times as the Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Central Coast Trial Lawyers Association. Much of his success on behalf of accident victims reflects his ability to present detailed evidence of the plaintiff’s injuries and losses without losing sight of the overall impact of the accident on the victim and the family.
Fighting for full compensation: While the law states what losses and future needs are properly included in a damages demand, it’s up to your attorney to develop and present specific evidence that can withstand attack in settlement negotiations or at trial. Our ability to present these facts in a clear and persuasive manner can help protect your legal right to full compensation for your injuries.
Questions? Contact Us For a Free Consultation.
For a free initial consultation about your legal alternatives and a preliminary assessment of the value of your claims, call 866-702-1935. Contact us today.