Santa Ana Motorcycle Lay-Down Accident Lawyers
Understanding Santa Ana Motorcycle Lay-Down Accidents
Beautiful weather, open roads, and generous sunshine make Santa Ana an excellent place for motorcycle riding. One annual study showed that California had the most motorcycle registrations out of all U.S. states, at approximately 800,000. With the freedom of a motorcycle comes the increased risk of having less protection than other vehicles on the road. One of the dangers a motorcycle rider may face is a lay-down accident.
A lay-down accident occurs when a motorcycle rider maneuvers to turn sideways and slide across the pavement — it is often a rider’s last resort to avoid an even more severe injury during emergencies. For example, if a semi-truck trailer swerved across highway traffic in front of a motorcyclist. As the approaching rider slams on the brakes, he will need to make a tough decision:
- Remain upright. A motorcyclist can remain upright if he feels his brakes will stop him before reaching the trailer. If this doesn’t work, he will hit the truck head-first at high speed with very little chance of survival.
- Lay down the bike. If the rider calculates his brakes will not be able to slow him down sufficiently, he can choose to lean his bike to the side, causing the motorcycle and himself to slide across the pavement. This strategy may allow the rider to slide under the tractor-trailer or at least hit the side of the truck feet first in the collision, possibly increasing the chances of survival.
It is essential to know that riders should only “lay down” the bike in emergencies. A lay-down does not prevent injury but may result in less severe damage if the maneuver was not executed at all. If you have suffered injuries from a lay-down accident, call us at (657) 333-5726. The Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorneys at HN Injury Lawyers have over 50 years of combined legal experience and are ready to tell your story and bring your case to the most successful outcome possible.
Examples of When Motorcycle Lay-Down Accidents Can Happen
While it is advisable to be aware of driving circumstances so you never need to lay down your bike, many riders have experienced situations where it seemed inevitable. Here are some examples of when motorcycle lay-down accidents can happen:
- When a truck or car pulls out or changes lanes in front of you without warning. This situation can happen at high speeds or on inter-city roads.
- When driving on a bridge or overpass with low sidewalls. If evasive maneuvers send you toward the edge, hitting it sideways or horizontally rather than head-on may prevent you from being thrown over the railing.
- When driving on cliffs or mountain roads. If an emergency arises and you are sent towards the rocks or guardrail, laying down the bike may be the only solution to prevent you from going over the edge.
Common Injuries Sustained in a Motorcycle Lay-Down Accident
While laying down your motorcycle to avoid a head-on collision may keep you alive, it can still have some devastating effects. Some of the injuries that can be sustained include:
- Road rash
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Heavy bruising and deep cuts
- Concussions and head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
Seeking Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Santa Ana
If you have been involved in a lay-down motorcycle accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you may be able to receive compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Prescription costs related to your accident
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning ability
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering or agony
- Loss of life enjoyment
Why You Need a Santa Ana Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a Santa Ana motorcycle lay-down accident, it is essential to seek representation. Insurance agencies may attempt to use the fact that you laid down your vehicle to suggest that you are partially to blame for the accident. The attorneys at HN Injury Lawyers have won millions in compensation for clients and would be happy to help you take the following steps toward full recovery. Call us at (657) 333-5726 for your free initial case consultation.
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