Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon on Los Angeles roads. In 2015, 4,493 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in Los Angeles County. More than half of those injuries occurred within Los Angeles city limits. When motorcyclists collide with larger vehicles, riders are at an increased risk of suffering serious injury and/or death. Installing a motorcycle crash bar can help to reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident.
Purpose of a Motorcycle Crash Bar
A motorcycle crash bar is a piece of protective gear that attaches to a bike to minimize damage caused by an accident. The bar is typically comprised of a few pieces of curved, tube-shaped metal (alloy or aluminum) and is attached to both sides of the motorcycle. The bar extends outward on both sides of the bike.
When a bike is involved in an accident, a crash bar can act as an extra layer of protection for the motorcycle and the rider. When the bike begins to tip over or fall, the crash bar will make impact with the ground and/or surrounding objects. This suspends the bike and prevents damage. This is beneficial for both the bike itself and the rider.
How Do Crash Bars Help?
When a motorcycle hits the ground, it can sustain significant physical damage. The bike’s frame, radiator, and engine can become severely compromised in an accident. This can generate thousands of dollars in repair bills or even require a rider to get an entirely new bike.
Crash bars are beneficial to riders because they can minimize the risk of injury. Motorcycles tend to weigh anywhere between 200 and 700 pounds. In an accident, riders can easily be crushed by their bike. Injuries can include amputation, spinal cord damage, and brain damage. When a crash bar is installed, the bike is prevented from hitting the ground. As a result, the rider cannot become pinned between the bike and the ground.
Are Motorcycle Crash Bars Effective?
Do motorcycle crash bars really help to reduce the risk of damage and injury in an accident? There don’t seem to be any conclusive answers. Crash bars seem to be most effective in minimizing damage and injury sustained in minor crashes. A study done back in the 1970s known as the Hurt Report found that crash bars were not particularly helpful in reducing serious injuries. However, advancements in technology and safety equipment over the past four decades may have changed things.
Crash bars will likely aid in reducing damage and injury caused by a motorcycle accident. However, how much a bar helps will depend on (a) the quality and strength of the bar and (b) how well it was installed on the bike. Riders who invest in a crash bar should make sure that they purchase the best quality piece they can find and take the time to put it on the bike properly.
Injured in a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident? Call Citywide Law Group
Installing a motorcycle crash bar on your bike is a great proactive measure to reduce the risk of injury in an accident. However, crash bars cannot guarantee that you will walk away from a motorcycle crash without a scratch. If you have been injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident you may be entitled to compensation. Call Citywide Law Group to learn about the benefits of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Our experienced attorneys understand that a serious injury can threaten your future. Filing a personal injury claim for damages can allow you to recover the money you need and deserve after a crash. We will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your motorcycle accident injuries. Contact our personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
For more information, call our law firm at (424) 248-2700 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.
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