While police officers are usually the ones who respond to traffic accidents, a recent crash in Orange County demonstrates that law enforcement officers are not immune to getting in crashes of their own, many of which can cause severe injuries. The Orange County Register reports that an Orange County sheriff’s deputy was riding his department motorcycle when a collision occurred in Aliso Viejo. A driver of a passenger vehicle collided with the deputy’s motorcycle near the intersection of Woodfield and Pacific Park Drive at around 3:30 p.m.
This recent story involving a motorcycle collision in Orange County highlights the dangers that all cyclists face on our roads in Southern California.
The deputy was unconscious at the scene of the crash. He later regained consciousness and reports stated he was stable and his injuries were not life-threatening. Authorities were investigating what caused the collision, although they did state the other driver was cooperative and officers do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.
Motorcycle accidents like these have the potential to result in extremely serious injuries or even fatalities. This is why it is imperative that victims reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County as soon as they can to protect their rights.
Head injuries from motorcycle crashes
Though the specific nature of the deputy’s injuries was not reported, accident victims often lose consciousness due to head trauma. Head trauma can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when the brain tissue hits the inside of the skull and sustains damage. A common sign of a brain injury is unconsciousness, which can last for a few minutes, days, or—in the event of a severe TBI—even months. Some victims spend long periods of time in a coma and, when they wake up, they may or may not have serious memory loss and other cognitive impairments. When these injuries are the result of another driver’s negligence, impairment, or distraction, accident victims should enlist the services of a motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County to help them recoup compensation for their losses.
California law mandates that all motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets. It is unlawful for a passenger with a helmet to ride with a driver not wearing a helmet, and vice-versa. Needless to say, the State of California takes motorcycle helmet protection very seriously. However, it is important to remember that you can sustain head and brain injuries even if you are wearing an approved motorcycle helmet. Such helmets can only protect riders from severe brain and head injuries a certain percentage of the time, which is certainly better than the odds when wearing no helmet at all. However, many people with helmets are surprised to learn after an accident that they suffered a serious TBI, even with the appropriate headgear.
Head injuries are only one example of potential motorcycle accident injuries. Other common injuries include:
- Fractures to the limbs, jaw, or face
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal hemorrhaging
- Internal organ damage
- Fractured pelvis or ribs
All of these injuries require immediate medical assistance, and the recovery time can be significant.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, and it is important to identify the cause of your crash to determine the party who might be liable for your injuries and losses. This can be a more difficult task than first imagined, and you should always seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County.
Some common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Distracted drivers
- Aggressive drivers
- Drivers who cut off motorcycles
- Drivers who fail to check their blind spots
- Other drivers speeding or tailgating
- Other drivers failing to yield
- Other vehicles not obeying traffic signals or laws
Many accidents happen because of another driver’s negligence. In this situation, injured motorcyclists can file an insurance claim against the liable driver to seek payment for medical bills and other losses. Insurance companies can challenge claims in several ways, including questioning liability for the accident, as well as challenging the severity of your injuries and losses. It is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side when dealing with the other party’s insurer.
Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County right away
At the law firm of Blair & Ramirez LLP, our Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries after a serious accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call (213) 568-4000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.