Personal Injury Lawsuits: How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Personal Injury Lawsuits: How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Over 5,000 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes in 2017. The number dropped by about 5% in 2018, with just under 5,000 deaths. Still, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger car drivers.
 
From lane splitting to road hazards, there are common causes of motorcycle traffic accidents.
 
Do you want to learn about the different types of accidents and cases commonly represented by a motorcycle accident lawyer? Keep reading for a guide that breaks it down for you.
 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

 
Motorcycle accidents are not more frequent than other vehicle accidents. However, they are more likely to result in fatalities or serious injuries.
 
Motorcyclists must learn about common accident causes to maintain awareness and caution and reduce their risk levels while driving with other vehicles on the road.
 

Lane Splitting

 
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of slowly moving or stopped cars. The most common time for lane splitting is during traffic jams.
 
There are a few reasons why motorcycle accidents happen during lane splitting:

• The closeness of the other vehicles to the motorcycle
• The reduction in space that the motorcyclist has to work with and maneuver around
• The fact that vehicles do not expect anyone will pass them during stopped or slow traffic

When an accident occurs during lane splitting, many factors come into play in determining fault. It depends on whether or not lane splitting is allowed in the state where the accident occurred.
 
Police reports, witnesses, the actions of both drivers before the accident, and a judge all play a part in determining fault.
 

Left-Hand Turns Made by Other Vehicles

 
The most dangerous situations for motorcyclists involve cars and other vehicles making left-hand turns. Typically, the car turns left and then hits the motorcyclist while they are:

• Trying to overtake the vehicle
• Passing the car
• Going straight through the intersection

Cars do not expect motorcyclists to be there and often forget to look.
 
If the motorcyclist was in the wrong lane or speeding, there is a chance they are partly responsible for the crash. However, most of the time, the vehicle which turns and hits the motorcyclist is at fault.
 

Road Hazards and Fixed Objects

 
Motorcycles face more dangers from road hazards. They are smaller and less stable, which is why uneven lane heights, slick pavement, potholes, dead animals, and other unexpected hazards become threats to motorcyclists.
 
Sometimes motorcyclists collide with fixed objects and sustain significant injuries. In addition, motorcycle drivers have less protection and are thus, more likely to be thrown from their bikes.
 

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

 
Motorcyclists do not have the same protection as drivers and passengers of cars and other vehicles. They lack many of the safety features of cars, leaving motorcycle drivers at more significant risk for injuries.
 
Not wearing a helmet and riding without the necessary clothing puts drivers at even higher risk.
 
Here are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:

• Road rash
• Bone fractures
• Concussion or other head injuries
• Disfigurement
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain damage
• Paralysis

Wearing the right body and headgear and staying aware make driving a motorcycle more safe. However, when a crash is the fault of another driver, things are not always preventable.
 
It is important to remember that even if you do not feel injured after a motorcycle accident, that does not mean you have none. As a defense mechanism, our brains release endorphins and adrenaline after a traumatic experience. As a result, injuries are not always felt until the chaos and aftermath of an accident calm down.
 
Medical costs add up quickly, especially if a driver requires immediate medical care. Motorcycle accidents are emotionally and mentally traumatic, too. As a result, people can suffer PTSD, missed work, and a variety of other life-changing consequences.
 

What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?

 
When you hire a motorcycle accident attorney at Sweet James, they will comb through every aspect of your case. They will gather any records pertaining to your claim, including:

• Insurance policy information
• Medical bills
• Medical records

They will gather evidence, including camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and anything that could help build your case.
 
Your motorcycle accident attorney will make an accurate assessment of your deserved compensation based on current and future medical expenses, and several other forms of pain and suffering.
 
Motorcycle accident legal cases are complicated, which is why a reputable attorney will not leave any stone unturned.
 
When you have your first case evaluation, your attorney may tell you about other cases like yours. After that, they can indicate whether or not you are entitled to compensation.
 

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

 
If you are in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to get a medical professional to examine you. Even if you are not sure you have any injuries. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately, so it is essential to see a doctor before any underlying injuries become worse.
 
If you are moving around at the scene of the crash before you visit a doctor, be sure to collect as much information as possible, including insurance, contact information, and vehicle information from other drivers.
 
In addition, take as many pictures of the scene as you can, including street names and location, all vehicles involved, any property damage, and all injuries.
 
Get a police report or ask officers how you can obtain a copy. Do not post anything about the accident on social media, do not admit any type of fault, and be sure to call a motorcycle accident attorney.
 
If an insurance company makes you a settlement offer, do not accept without first discussing it with your attorney.
 

Call A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If You Are In A Crash

 
If you were in a car crash on your motorcycle, it is vital that you call a motorcycle accident lawyer to assess your claim. Even if you were partially at fault, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.
 
Getting into a crash is traumatizing, no matter how minor.
 
Alleviate some of the stress that comes with an accident by getting advice from or hiring a lawyer to help with your claim. Above all, you have nothing to lose. Especially since we will not take a penny from you unless we win.
 
Are you ready for a consultation? Contact us with any questions or concerns. Our priority is to get our clients the compensation and justice they deserve.