Motorcycle riders risk serious injuries in an accident scenario – especially if they are not wearing their helmets. If you suffered injuries in a recent motorcycle crash that another driver caused, you need to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in your area as soon as possible. Your lawyer can take all necessary legal steps, including promptly investigating your accident scenario, gathering documents, filing a personal injury claim on your behalf, and negotiating with insurance company settlement adjusters. Moreover, if litigation becomes necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit and litigate your case at a civil jury trial or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceeding.
Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, primarily because of motorcyclists’ direct exposure to their surrounding environment. Head injuries are among the most common and critical injuries that motorcyclists suffer. Even with helmets, riders remain vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries upon impact. These injuries can have long-term consequences, affecting cognitive functioning, memory, and overall quality of life for accident victims.
Road rash, caused by friction between the skin and the road surface, is another prevalent injury in motorcycle accidents. The lack of protective enclosure means that riders are at risk of extensive skin abrasions, which can lead to infections and scarring. Wearing appropriate protective gear, including abrasion-resistant clothing, can help mitigate the severity of road rash.
Fractures and broken bones are also frequent outcomes of motorcycle crashes, affecting limbs, the pelvis, and the spine. The impact forces during a motorcycle collision can lead to fractures, and the extent of these injuries varies depending upon factors such as vehicle speeds and the specific type of motorcycle accident that occurs.
Internal injuries pose a significant threat as well, especially injuries to the motorcyclist’s chest and abdomen. Blunt force trauma from the motorcycle or other objects during a crash can result in damage to vital organs. Internal bleeding and organ damage require prompt medical attention and may necessitate surgery for treatment.
Injuries to the extremities, such as arms and legs, are also common. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures or even traumatic amputations. The exposed nature of limbs on a motorcycle makes them susceptible to direct impact and injury during a severe crash.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as quickly as possible. Your lawyer can investigate your accident circumstances and gather the necessary documents while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents encompass various types, each presenting its own set of risks and potential injuries. One of the most common accident types involves collisions with other vehicles at intersections. Motorcycles, being small vehicles, are sometimes invisible to other drivers making turns or crossing intersections. These accidents often result in broadside collisions, where the collision occurs on the side of the motorcycle and leads to severe injuries.
Rear-end collisions are also a significant risk for motorcyclists, particularly in heavy traffic. If a car or truck fails to maintain a safe following distance, it can collide with the rear of a motorcycle. The force of the impact can propel the rider forward, causing injuries such as whiplash, fractures, or, in extreme cases, ejection from the motorcycle.
Left-turn accidents, where a car hits a motorcycle while turning left, are another frequent scenario. Drivers often misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle, leading to collisions at traffic intersections. The vulnerability of riders in such situations can result in serious injuries, as they often absorb the full impact of the collision.
Lane-changing incidents also contribute to motorcycle accidents – especially on busy, multi-lane highways. When a vehicle changes lanes without checking blind spots or activating a turn signal, it can collide with an unseen motorcycle. The limited space for maneuvering makes it challenging for riders to avoid such accidents, leading to side-impact collisions.
If you suffered injuries in one of these types of motorcycle accidents, you need to involve an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away. Your lawyer can handle every step of the claims-filing and litigation processes for you and work to secure the full compensation you deserve.
How Does a Motorcycle Accident Happen?
Motorcycle collisions occur for a variety of reasons but usually involve some form of negligence by another driver. One primary contributor to motorcycle collisions is the lack of visibility. Motorcycles are smaller and less conspicuous than other vehicles, making it challenging for drivers of larger vehicles to notice them, especially in blind spots. Many collisions result from drivers failing to see motorcycles when changing lanes or making turns, leading to vulnerable situations for riders.
Another common cause of motorcycle collisions is poor road conditions. Uneven surfaces, potholes, gravel, or debris can pose serious hazards for riders, causing them to lose control and crash. Weather conditions like rain or snow may further amplify these risks by reducing traction and visibility. Motorcycles lack the stability of four-wheeled vehicles, making them more susceptible to adverse road conditions. Suppose defective roadwork causes or contributes to a motorcycle accident. In that case, the injured rider can file a claim or lawsuit against the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway in that area.
Distracted driving also plays a significant role in many motorcycle collisions. Drivers using smartphones, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or engaging in other distracting activities may not be fully aware of their surroundings, increasing the risk of collisions with motorcycles. The limited protection for riders makes them particularly vulnerable in such scenarios. Moreover, the absence of protective features like airbags and seatbelts makes motorcycle riders more susceptible to injury upon impact. The size and weight disparity in collisions involving larger vehicles further exacerbates the potential harm to the motorcyclist.
Motorcycle accidents can also happen when other drivers violate standard traffic laws, such as speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way at the appropriate time, and tailgating. Accidents can also happen when other people drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. People driving in excess of the legal limit may exhibit erratic maneuvers, bringing about a collision with a nearby motorcycle. Alcohol intoxication can also result in various physical and mental impairments that prevent a driver from operating their vehicle safely, including blurred vision, poor muscular coordination, delayed reflexes, and delayed reaction time.
Suppose you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that a negligent driver caused. In that case, a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer can introduce the evidence necessary to satisfy your legal burden of proof and aggressively pursue the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Ways that a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to have a lawyer advocating for you and handling the legal aspects of your case. At the same time, you attend all of your medical appointments and focus on getting better.
First, a motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your motorcycle accident. These investigations are especially common in cases where an insurance company is disputing fault for the motorcycle accident. Your lawyer may retain a certified accident reconstructionist or other professionals to speak with witnesses, obtain forensic evidence, and conclude how the accident occurred and who was responsible. A professional may also draft a report and testify on your behalf at a deposition or civil jury trial.
Furthermore, your attorney plays a crucial role in assembling essential documents vital to substantiating the legal aspects of your claim. These pertinent documents encompass various elements:
- Comprehensive police reports detailing the circumstances surrounding the accident.
- Relevant medical bills reflect the expenses incurred due to the accident.
- Detailed medical treatment records outlining the care received following the incident.
- Professional reports from professionals providing assessments or opinions on the accident.
- Detailed photographs capture the extent of damage to your motorcycle.
- Photographs vividly depict the visible injuries you sustained in the accident.
By meticulously gathering and organizing these documents, your attorney builds a robust case demonstrating that your accident stemmed from someone else’s negligence. They utilize this comprehensive documentation to establish the direct correlation between the accident and the injuries you suffered, strengthening the foundation of your claim for appropriate compensation.
Next, your attorney can handle all settlement negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. These negotiations may include oral and written communications with insurance company adjusters and, sometimes, a threat of litigation in the court system. Your attorney can aggressively represent you during all negotiations and highlight the favorable components of your case, including medical records and professional testimony.
Finally, if your case moves towards litigation, your attorney becomes pivotal in advocating for you through diverse legal proceedings. This includes engaging in meticulous discovery depositions, participating in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration, and actively representing you throughout the trial process, vigorously defending your interests at each phase of the legal process.
Potential Financial Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for those involved. Seeking financial compensation is often crucial for victims to cope with medical expenses, property damage, and other losses incurred due to the accident.
Medical expenses constitute a significant portion of compensation claims. Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Compensation should cover current medical bills and anticipated future expenses, ensuring that the accident victim receives adequate care and support for recovery.
Lost income is another vital financial compensation component in a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit. Motorcycle accident injuries can result in temporary or permanent disability, preventing victims from working and earning income. Compensation aims to offset these financial losses, considering both the immediate effects on an accident victim’s current earnings and the long-term effects on their future earning capacity.
Property damage reimbursement is also relevant when a motorcycle sustains damage in an accident. These damages include compensation for repair or replacement costs and any additional gear or accessories that incurred damage in the collision. Ensuring the accident victim receives adequate compensation for these losses helps them recover and return to normal life.
Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that factor into an accident victim’s total compensation award. These damages attempt to compensate the accident victim for all of the physical and emotional distress they experienced due to the accident. This can include pain, emotional anguish, and the effects on the accident victim’s overall quality of life. Determining an appropriate compensation amount for pain and suffering is often subjective, taking into account the severity of the accident victim’s injuries and the lasting effects on their well-being.
In cases of wrongful death resulting from a motorcycle accident, compensation may extend to funeral expenses and the loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance that the decedent provided. This type of compensation acknowledges the profound effects of the decedent’s loss on surviving family members.
Insurance coverage is also crucial in providing financial compensation for motorcycle accidents. The at-fault party’s insurance may cover the damages, or the victim may seek compensation through their insurance policy, particularly if they are uninsured or underinsured.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash that someone else caused, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in your area can explore all of your legal options for you. Additionally, your attorney can assist in navigating challenging decisions in your case, including whether to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company or pursue litigation in the state court system. Whatever you decide, your attorney will be in your corner throughout the process and will work hard to maximize the settlement or litigation compensation you receive for your losses.
Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Your Area Today
If you recently suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney right away about your options. Your lawyer can take prompt action on your behalf – including filing a claim or lawsuit within the statute of limitations deadline. Your attorney will also aggressively fight for your rights during settlement negotiations and litigation to maximize the financial recovery you receive for all of your motorcycle accident injuries.