Motorcycles are popular vehicles for people who enjoy riding outdoors. Riding motorcycles is one of the most dangerous ways to travel, and accidents involving motorcyclists are common. Compensation may even be available for injured motorists with the help of experienced car accident lawyers.
Over 5,000 motorcyclists are killed each year in accidents, according to the NHTSA. Motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in accidents than other drivers. Their chances of surviving an accident are lower than those of other drivers. When a motorcyclist survives an accident, they may suffer severe injuries such as spinal cord injury, internal bleeding, severe bone fractures, road rash, and burns. Drivers who cause motorcycle accidents should know that there are many ways that they can cause motorcycle crashes. Some of these include: speeding, driving without a helmet, running red lights, following too close behind another vehicle, failing to yield right-of-way, and using cell phones while driving.
Injuries sustained during a motorcycle crash depend on several factors, including speed, type of collision, and the rider's position at the time of impact. The severity of the injuries depends upon where the body parts hit the ground when the motorcycle hits the ground. Here are some examples of possible injuries:
Head - Head injuries occur when a person's head strikes the ground first. They can result from being thrown forward or backward by the force of the impact. If the head impacts the pavement first, it will often break bones. This usually results in death.
Neck - A neck injury occurs when the head is forced back toward the spine. It commonly causes whiplash, which can lead to paralysis.
Spine - A spine injury occurs when the head and torso are propelled into the air. The spine then slams down onto the ground. This can result in serious damage to the vertebrae.
Chest - Chest injuries occur when the chest hits the ground first. They typically involve broken ribs.
Back - Back injuries occur when the torso is propelled upward. The back then slams downward. This can result in broken bones.
Legs - Leg injuries occur when the legs strike the ground first. They commonly involve broken bones.
Shoulder - Shoulder injuries occur when the shoulder is thrust forward. They can result in dislocation (separation) of the joint.
Arm - Arm injuries occur when the arm is thrust outward. They can result in broken bones or nerve damage.
Other Body Parts - Other body parts can also sustain injuries during a motorcycle accident. These include knees, ankles, hands, feet, etc.
The causes of motorcycle accidents vary depending on where the accident occurs. Here are some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents:
• Speeding - Speeding refers to traveling too fast for traffic conditions. In this case, the driver was speeding due to a lack of visibility. He should slow down or pull over until he can see better.
• Distracted Driving - Distracted drivers driving on the part of both automobile and motorcycle drivers often are the cause of motorcycle accidents. These mishaps might result in serious injury or death.
If a motorist is texting instead of paying attention to the road, a car may wander into oncoming traffic. A motorcycle rider who is enjoying the open road may not notice cars slowing in front of them. In this country, distracted driving is a problem, and both automobiles and motorbike riders share some of the blame.
• Alcohol - On and off the road, alcohol impairs judgment. Riding a motorcycle necessitates lightning-quick reflexes, and even a single drink might slow down reaction times. In 2018, alcohol was involved in over 40% of all single-vehicle motorbike deaths. In 2018, motorcyclists with a blood alcohol percentage of more than.08, the legal limit, made about 26% of multiple-vehicle crash deaths.
• Failing to yield - In fatal collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the other vehicle turned left 42% of the time while the rider was doing one of the following:
Continue straight ahead.
Passing
Passing by another vehicle
Motorcycles, unfortunately, are more difficult to see. Before turning left at a junction, many cars do not spend enough time searching for bikes.
• Failing to wear a helmet - The NHTSA claims that helmets saved the lives of 1,784 motorcyclists in 2007. An additional 800 deaths could have been prevented if the motorcyclist were wearing helmets.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, your insurance company might not pay for all of your medical expenses after the accident. Your insurance company has its own set of rules about how much money it will pay out for medical expenses and other damages.
To get the maximum amount of money that you deserve, you must file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you wait too long, your right to compensation could be lost forever. You need to make sure that you have proof of your medical bills so that you don't lose any money because you didn't send them in.
Your insurance company will try to settle your claim as quickly as possible. They want to avoid going to court and having to prove their case. However, they cannot always give you what you ask for. The best way to know whether your claim will settle is to talk to an experienced lawyer.
You can hire a personal injury attorney to represent you in your lawsuit. An accident lawyer will help you gather evidence and prepare your case. You can also use a law firm. Most lawyers charge a fee based on the value of your claim. Some firms offer free consultations.
Insurance companies usually cover most of your medical bills. However, there may be limits on how much you can receive. These limits depend on your health insurance plan and the type of treatment you received.
In addition, you may be able to collect additional money from the person or people responsible for your accident. There are several types of claims available. You can sue the driver of the other vehicle, the owner of the property where the accident occurred, or the manufacturer of the defective product.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you may feel confused and overwhelmed. This is normal. But getting legal help is important. You need to find a lawyer who knows how to handle motorcycle cases. The experienced law office of Garden State Justice Group offers free consultations. Victims injured in motorcycle accidents are urged to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss their legal options.
