Why So Many Orange County Motorcycle Accident Happen at Intersections—And How to Get Help if You’ve Been Injured

A recent article appeared in the Orange County Register that addressed the occasional strange jogs or kinks in some roadways, especially before intersections. While the answer has to do with orderly road grids fitting to the curvature of the planet (and there’s not much we can do about that), motorcyclists and other motorists in Orange County should be aware that intersections are the most common place for accidents—especially if the roadway features an unexpected abnormality.

Why Are Orange County Motorcycle Accidents So Common at Intersections?

Our Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers see numerous cases of motorcycle wrecks at intersections. It shouldn’t be a secret; intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists for many reasons, including:

• Other motorists turning left. This is the leading cause of car-motorcycle accidents at intersections. Oncoming drivers may be distracted, unable to see the motorcycle, trying to beat the light, or simply not paying attention when making a left turn.
• Other motorists breaking the law. Whether they are intoxicated or simply inattentive, drivers regularly miss stop signs, run red lights, make sudden moves, or try to turn from the wrong lane. When you are out on your bike, always try to make yourself visible to motorists and keep your own eyes open, too.
• Increased traffic complexity. A busy intersection may involve multiple lanes of traffic, right and left turns from oncoming traffic and side roads, pedestrian crossings, and confusing signals or lanes. This makes intersections dangerous for everyone, especially those who are virtually unprotected and hard to see on a motorcycle.

Additionally, the condition of the road, the weather, and even an unexpected curve, bump, or change in the road surface can complicate the dangers already posed by the intersection.

How Can I Get Help if I’ve Been Injured in an Orange County Car-Motorcycle Accident?

The injuries that riders sustain in an accident can be extremely severe and cause long-term difficulties. It is hard to know what to do next to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may be able to pursue compensation for things like medical bills, time away from work, and pain and suffering.

The Orange County motorcycle accident lawyers with Russell & Lazarus would be happy to explain more and help you sort through the options available to you and your family. Please reach out to us today at (949) 851-0222, or simply fill out the confidential online contact form on this page to learn more.