Common Myths about Motorcycle Accidents in California

Motorcycles give riders a sense of freedom that few other modes of transportation provide. However, there are many potential dangers motorcyclists face that drivers of other vehicles do not. This means they must be extra careful when it comes to what’s happening on the roads, the operating condition of their motorcycle and safety precautions like helmets and other protective gear.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You And Others

Knowing the facts about motorcycles and motorcycle safety is a major factor staying safe. The problem is, there are a lot of popular legends, myths and misinformation about motorcycles, rider safety and the legal rights of motorcyclists who have been in an accident. A safe, responsible motorcyclist knows the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to riding and taking care of their bikes.

Motorcycle Myths

There are some popular myths about motorcycles that are just plain wrong when you look at the facts. You’ve probably heard quite a few of these:

• Bigger bikes are safer for beginners. Every make and model of motorcycle has its own pros and cons. Bigger isn’t always better, especially when beginning riders purchase a bike more powerful than they can handle.
• Loud bikes are safer. Not necessarily. Since the noise is directed behind the bike, vehicles ahead of the motorcycle may not even hear you. And just because a driver hears you doesn’t mean they also see you.

“Lay It Down” If You Are Going to Crash. This happens a lot in the movies. It looks so cool, right? But in real life, it just doesn’t make sense to crash your bike because you think you’re going to crash. Motorcycle accidents, like car and truck accidents, often happen without warning. There’s usually no time to “lay it down.” If you have time to “lay it down” you have time to hit the brakes.

The majority of accidents resulting in injuries to motorcyclists are caused by three factors: the negligence of other drivers; rider error; or defective parts.

Myths about Motorcycles and the Roads

In addition to myths about motorcycles, there are a number of factually wrong assumptions about how motorcycles handle on the roads, such as:

• You’re Safer on City Streets than on the Freeways. It’s true a rider will probably suffer more serious injuries if the accident occurs at 60mph instead of 35mph. But motorcyclists are actually safer riding on the freeways than on the streets. This is because on the freeways, traffic is moving in the same general direction at the same relative speed, and there is less likelihood of a vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right-of-way than there is on the streets.

Helmet Safety Myths

Some of the most often repeated myths about motorcycles have to do with helmets and their impact on rider safety:

• Helmets Restrict A Rider’s Visibility and Hearing
• Motorcycle Helmets Increase Your Risk of Head and Neck Injuries
• A Helmet Doesn’t Provide Adequate Protection During a Crash

“Helmet myths” form a whole subgenre of motorcycle myths. Most got their start as misinformation aimed at inciting opposition against state motorcycle helmet laws. Many bikers mistakenly believe that it is safer to not wear a helmet because it impairs their hearing and vision.  

However, extensive testing and years of statistics clearly show that a helmet is the most important piece of safety gear a rider will have. A helmet protects bikers from serious head and neck injuries by absorbing the shock and impact from an accident.

Myths About The Rights Of Motorcyclists Who Have Been Involved In An Accident

There are also a number of popular misconceptions about the rights of motorcyclists who have been involved in an accident:

• Motorcyclists are at fault for most accidents. In a majority of multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle didn’t see the motorcycle and caused the accident.
• Motorcyclists Are Bad/Dangerous People. Despite the popularity of movies and television shows like “Sons of Anarchy” and “Easy Rider,” the vast majority of people who ride motorcycles are normal, law abiding people from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions.
• Attorneys Do Not Like Taking Motorcycle Accident Cases. Many attorneys don’t accept motorcycle accident cases because they don’t have the expertise or resources to successfully pursue them. Thankfully, there are law firms like the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC who have the legal experience and dedication to handle a motorcycle injury case, no matter how complicated it may be.

Get the Facts – Speak with an Experienced Manhattan Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fact: Motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver on the road.

While motorcycle accidents are no more common than car and truck accidents, they can be more catastrophic in terms of injury to the rider. Were you injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence? You need to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows the facts about your rights to compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses under California law.

Our Reputation Is No Myth

The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys of the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC have been helping victims of motorcycle crashes in Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Lawndale, Torrance and other South California communities for over 30 years. It’s no myth that we have the skills, resources and expertise to obtain a successful resolution in some of the most challenging types of personal injury litigation.

Don’t let common motorcycle accident myths and misinformation keep you from seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC at (310) 318-1220 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Manhattan Beach injury attorneys. We’ll review the facts in your case, answer any questions you may have and offer you legal advice on the best way to move forward.

We handle motorcycle injury cases on a contingency basis. That means we charge our clients no upfront fees to start their case and we only get paid when our clients collect their settlement or verdict after trial.