According to Statista, almost 800,000 motorcyclists reside in California. This means that the Golden State is home to the largest population of motorcyclists in the entire nation. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, as the state offers excellent weather and plenty of picturesque roads for bikers. Unfortunately, this population density also leads to a relatively high number of motorcycle crashes each year – many of which are caused by serious negligence. If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash, you might be wondering whether you can sue.
Horrific Motorcycle Pileup Leaves Three Dead in Azusa
On October 4th, it was reported that three people had lost their lives after a shocking motorcycle “pileup” in Azusa, California. It started when five vehicles entered an intersection at approximately the same time. Two of these vehicles were motorcycles, and they were apparently traveling at a “high rate of speed” according to authorities. What happened next isn’t exactly clear, but these motorcyclists ran straight into several vehicles as they passed through the intersection.
These impacts not only ejected the motorcyclists but caused at least one of the motorcycles to spin wildly off course – eventually flying through the air. Tragically, this motorcycle then impacted a pedestrian who was apparently seated on a nearby grassy area. Both the rider of this vehicle and the pedestrian were pronounced dead by first responders who arrived at the scene. A third victim was apparently transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to their wounds while receiving treatment. It seems as if this third individual was the other motorcyclist since police have announced that none of the other vehicle occupants were injured.
One Motorcyclist Killed After Impact With Truck Parked in the Middle of the Road
On October 8, 2023, it was reported a motorcyclist had lost their life after slamming into the back of a parked pickup truck. Another motorcyclist was also hit at the same time but survived with unspecified injuries. Although this description seems to indicate fault on the part of the bikers, it is worth mentioning that the pickup truck was parked in the middle of the I-5 for unknown reasons. It is also not clear whether the motorcyclists were speeding, and police were careful to point out that drugs and alcohol were not factors in this incident.
So, why was the pickup truck parked in the middle of the road? It is not exactly clear, but police apparently received complaints about the truck blocking the number-two lane on the I-5 before this accident occurred. With this in mind, it seems as though the truck was stopped on the road in a somewhat unlawful manner, perhaps due to a mechanical problem or a medical emergency. In fact, an unlawfully stopped car is one of the few exceptions to the general rule: Those who rear-end other vehicles are at fault. This crash is still under investigation.
Motorcycle Crashes May Be Caused by Product Defects
In the first accident, the deaths and injuries seem to have been caused by negligence on the part of the motorcyclists. In the second accident, the fault seemed to lie with the pickup truck which parked the vehicle in a dangerous manner. However, there is also a third possibility: The fault may lie with the motorcycle manufacturer. These manufacturers are constantly forced to issue recalls for defective parts and unforeseen hazards.
Such was the case when Harley-Davidson – arguably the most successful motorbike company in the world – was forced to recall 65,000 of its vehicles. This recall occurred in September of 2023, and the company was careful to point out that the hazard “increased the risk of a crash.” The issue is a fastener that secures the rear shock absorber on certain “Softail” models. This fastener may break unexpectedly, leading to a loss of tire pressure and increased crash risk. It is not clear whether accidents of this nature have actually occurred, or whether Harley-Davidson is simply being proactive in an attempt to avoid future incidents.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles County?
If you have been searching for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Southern California, look no further than the Miracle Law, APC. Over the years, we have assisted numerous accident victims as they seek compensation after motorcycle accidents. We know that due to the lack of protection that most motorcyclists experience, these accidents can lead to some of the most serious injuries imaginable. Book your consultation today to determine the most appropriate and effective pathway toward compensation.