Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call 1-800-ATTORNEY for a Free Consultation.

Motorcycles can be exciting to drive, but as you well know, they are also very dangerous. Unlike cars and trucks, a motorcycle is completely open and travels on two wheels (or three) compared to four on motor vehicles. This puts the motorcyclist in a vulnerable position, especially when another motorist makes a mistake.

Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle

One thing that is problematic for motorcyclists is the interaction with other motor vehicles on the roadway. While a large portion of the public believes all motorcyclists ride recklessly (and this is something your attorney will need to overcome in trial), a 2013 study found that the majority (60%) of motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers.

While there are some number of motorcyclists out there who cause accidents by driving recklessly, many times we’ve found the exact opposite. Larger vehicles often feel that they have a right of way and do not take into consideration the repercussions that a motorcycle accident can have on the rider. Did you know that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be killed in an accident than those in passenger cars? Because of this, other motorists really owe bikers a heightened duty of care when traveling in close proximity.

There are several potential injuries that can occur in collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles, such as:

• Head injuries (including traumatic brain injury)
• Broken limbs
• Road rash, burns, and scarring
• Muscle or joint damage (soft tissue injuries)
• Spinal cord injury (paralysis)
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death

There is also the risk of further injury caused by a defective motorcycle helmet. These type of “defective product” claims fall under what is known as product liability law, and are often filed separately from your main accident claim or lawsuit.

Compensation for Injuries

One thing that is almost always true about motorcycle accidents is that they usually result in more serious injuries than other types of motor-vehicle accidents. When the majority of the fault lies with the driver of the other vehicle, the victim and/or the victim’s family is entitled to seek compensation for the damages caused by the incident through a claim or lawsuit.

Some of the recoverable damages include, but are not limited to:

• Payment of medical bills
• Compensation for lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of faculties
• Funeral expenses (if the accident was fatal)
• Payment for future medical expenses such as therapy, nursing services, and rehabilitation
• Replacement of lost or damaged property
• And more

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to consult with an attorney about your legal options (for free), call our attorneys at 1-800-ATTORNEY today.