Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accidents
Drunk driving is an extremely dangerous driver behavior that threatens the lives of all other road users. However, motorcyclists are disproportionately at risk due to their lack of protection from the forces of an automobile accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 22 times more likely to die in accidents than passenger vehicle occupants per vehicle mile traveled.
Why Are Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
A driver who is under the intoxicating influence of drugs and/or alcohol cannot make smart or safe choices behind the wheel. Drunk driving alters a driver’s ability to control a vehicle and make wise driving decisions. This can result in serious and fatal car accidents involving reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, racing, red-light running and wrong-way driving.
When a drunk driver strikes a motorcyclist, the effects can be catastrophic. These accidents are especially dangerous due to a motorcyclist’s lack of protection from harm. Motorcyclists often only have the clothes they are wearing and their helmets to protect them from injury.
Injuries Caused By Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accidents
The combination of a drunk driver’s reckless driving behaviors and a motorcyclist’s vulnerability to injury means that these accidents often inflict life-changing or fatal injuries.
Common examples include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Facial, dental and eye injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Cuts and severe lacerations
- Road rash and traumatic tattooing
- Broken bones and shattered limbs
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
Injuries suffered by motorcyclists in drunk driving collisions can affect them for life, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages and disability.
Liability for a Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident in California
As the victim of a drunk driving motorcycle accident in California, you may be eligible for financial compensation from one or more parties for your accident-related damages. The most obvious choice for liability (financial responsibility) is the drunk driver. According to Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, proving that the driver who hit you was under the influence may be possible with evidence such as breathalyzer test results, police bodycam footage, an accident report or a DUI conviction.
Another potential option for liability could be holding a dram shop responsible. In a legal context, a “dram shop” refers to a licensed alcohol vendor. If a bar or another vendor overserved an already visibly intoxicated individual or an underage person who went on to cause a drunk driving motorcycle crash, the dram shop could be held liable under state law. A dram shop claim could lead to a higher payout due to more than one insurance policy covering the crash.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help You?
Protecting your rights and holding someone accountable for your drunk driving accident in California may require you to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. An attorney can investigate your crash to search for evidence of the other party’s intoxication. Then, your lawyer can use this evidence to build a strong claim to damages on your behalf.A lawyer will search for all potential sources of financial compensation for your losses, including holding the alcohol seller or a social host liable. A proper evaluation of the legal elements of your claim can help you understand your options and the true value of your case. Find out how a lawyer can help with your particular case by contacting us for a free consultation.