How Likely Are You to Crash on a Motorcycle?

Crash on a Motorcycle

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

February 26, 2023

If you’re riding near a careless driver, you’re more likely to get into a motorcycle accident.

A motorcycle needs a particular license and competence to operate. The thrilling sensation of being on the open road is also what puts you in danger for catastrophic injury in the event of an accident.

Your chances of colliding are determined by the conduct of the cars around you, as well as whether you have the time to respond. Both motorcyclists and drivers should share the road. If you are injured due to the acts of one or more drivers, you should speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer about your legal options.

A motorcycle accident occurs in a fraction of a second, and the rider has little to no time to avoid colliding. A motorcycle’s size and weight are incomparable to a car, SUV, or heavy truck.

Motorcyclists may suffer severe injuries or even death when another driver fails to exercise caution behind the wheel.

Free Consultation 

In Person | Phone | Zoom

Motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), intersection risks, blind spots, “impossible to see,” and braking are four of the most deadly kinds of driving mistakes that lead to motorcycle accidents; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Dangers of crossroads

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersections account for 42% of motorcycle accidents involving motorists. A motorist’s refusal to cede the right-of-way to a motorcyclist travelling straight through an intersection is hazardous and often fatal.

Blind spots

A car’s blind spots cover around half of its surrounding area, preventing drivers from seeing motorcycles. Adjusting a car’s mirrors properly is a proactive step in avoiding a potential motorcycle collision.

Difficult to see

According to the NHTSA, the tiny profile of a motorcycle causes many drivers to miss it. Motorcycles must be observed in various highway settings, behind obstacles, and in severe weather conditions, in addition to blind spots.

Instead of braking, motorcyclists downshift or roll off the throttle to slow down. The lack of a brake light might lead a motorist to underestimate both the motorcycle’s and their own car’s stopping distance.

Many motorists may avoid colliding with a motorcycle rider by simply following the laws of the road. Drivers who disobey traffic regulations are also more likely to engage in risky conduct behind the wheel. Motorcyclists are in danger of severe injury and death as a result of drivers’ reckless conduct.

Dangerous Driver Behaviors Everyone’s safety depends on responsible driver conduct. If the motorist who hit your car did one or more of the following, they might be held accountable for your losses:

Driving when inebriated

Driving under the influence of drugs

Aggressive driving is defined by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety as purposefully speeding or tailgating other cars. Aggressive driving may rapidly turn into road rage, leading to even more hazardous conduct such as throwing things.

Distracted driving: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visual, manual, and cognitive distractions are the three primary categories of distraction. Motorcyclists are put at risk when a motorist takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their thoughts off driving.

Drowsy driving: Drowsiness may cause a driver’s judgement to be affected and response times to be delayed, comparable to the effects of drinking.

Even if the liable motorist isn’t prosecuted or convicted in a criminal case, you may still sue for damages in civil court. A civil claim is distinct from any criminal proceedings that may be brought against the motorist.

If a driver’s irresponsible activity behind the wheel resulted in significant injury to you, you might be entitled to compensation. While no money will bring your life back to the way it was before the accident, it may help you pay for medical treatment.

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

In a major collision, motorcycle safety equipment can only protect you so much. In an accident, a motorcycle operator and rider are often separated from the motorcycle due to the lack of a seatbelt. When you collide with the hard surface of the road or another car, there are no airbags to cushion the blow.

The injuries you sustain might vary from those that need lengthy rehabilitation to those that are devastating and permanent. A major motorcycle accident alters your life regardless of the sort of damage you get.

The following forms of motorcycle accident injuries may result in excessive medical bills and a loss of employment. When your major emphasis should be on your medical treatment and operations, your lack of money might generate a lot of concern.

Injury to the spinal cord

Injuries to the spinal cord may cause loss of motion and feeling. Accident victims often need the use of a wheelchair and changes to their homes to accommodate the chair. Over time, a wheelchair accessible car and other requirements, as well as ongoing medical treatment, might cost millions of dollars.

TBI stands for traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Even though evidence suggests that wearing a helmet may help avoid major injuries, not all states compel motorcyclists to do so. Furthermore, a traumatic brain injury may occur with or without a helmet. This kind of severe damage may disrupt normal brain function. Depending on the degree of a loved one’s brain damage, they may need ongoing, costly treatment.

Bleeding from inside

A doctor can only diagnose internal bleeding. This sort of injury is significant since it has the   potential to cause organ damage and death. Internal bleeding frequently goes undetected, so even if you feel OK, you should seek medical assistance.

Bones are broken.

Striking a harsh surface, such as the road or another car, might result in several shattered bones. The time of your rehabilitation depends on the sort of break you took. Broken bones may have a significant impact on your life and income. Future operations, physical treatment, and help with everyday duties may be required, all of which might result in high costs.

While not exhaustive, the injuries described above are substantial in physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If a negligent motorist turned your weekend motorcycle trip or your motorcycle commute to work into a tragedy, you have alternatives. Now is the time to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer about your case.

In the event of a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

In a motorcycle accident case, there is no assurance of compensation; nonetheless, the following

sorts of compensation are often included in civil claims and lawsuits:

Medical expenses related to long-term care, such as physical rehabilitation

Hospital charges for your treatment immediately after your motorcycle accident

Income lost owing to time spent healing from injuries

Income capacity reduced if you are unable to return to your previous career

Pain and suffering

You may be contacted by the insurance company representing the motorist who caused your accident. Accepting a settlement offer may put you at a disadvantage later if you develop difficulties due to your injury.

Accepting their offer puts an end to your claim as well as your lawsuit. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you by negotiating on your behalf for a reasonable payment. Your matter may be resolved without going to court.

The capacity to present before a jury is critical in cases that go to trial. The majority of motorcycle accident attorneys have tried cases before. They may use this knowledge to offer the strongest possible case for damages if required.

A motorcycle accident is a terrifying event. It takes time to collect your thoughts and learn about your injuries. You must move quickly if you want to pursue a civil claim and litigation. Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible might give you peace of mind that someone is on your side.

What Does the Limitation Period Mean for You?

Because of the statute of limitations, it is critical to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. In Colorado, for example, a motorcycle accident claim may be filed after four years. The injuries you’ve sustained, as well as the changes in your life, have the potential to make this time fly by.

You may not have any other possibilities for compensation after you understand the statute of limitations for your lawsuit has passed. A motorcycle accident lawyer can guarantee that your case meets all of the court’s deadlines.

The importance of doctor’s visits, medical treatments, and relaxation time is critical to your health and recovery. Relax by entrusting the specifics of your case to a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.

When a Motorcycle Collision Becomes Fatal

Each year, tens of thousands of motorcyclists and their passengers are killed in collisions with other cars. Consider calling a motorcycle accident attorney straight away if you lost a close loved one who died doing something they enjoyed.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the unexpected funeral expense and the loss of income are only two examples of potential compensation. You might be eligible for a wrongful death claim and lawsuit if the motorist who killed your loved one was negligent.

Your close loved one’s death in a motorcycle accident is deserving of justice. Most motorcycle accident lawyers provide free case reviews, and many operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if your case is won.

When a driver fails to exercise caution, a motorcycle accident is likely.

Even if you take every care necessary while riding your motorcycle, you may still be injured due to the conduct of a single driver. Your life may be changed forever in a fraction of a second.

When your motorcycle crashes, there isn’t much you can do to protect yourself from a major injury. After you’ve processed what happened, you could feel frustrated and angry at the careless driver’s reckless behavior.

Serious injuries need immediate medical treatment and rest on your part. Any effort to seek compensation on your own might deplete and worry you out. When it comes to dealing with insurance providers, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

Insurance companies will use a range of strategies to pay you less than you deserve—or to reject your claim entirely. The appropriate attorney will battle to hold them responsible and ensure that they are compensated fairly. If they have to go to trial, your lawyer will be able to utilize their presenting abilities in front of a jury.

It should not be a catastrophe if you exercise your freedom to ride a motorcycle on highways and city streets. While exercising care and wearing protective gear might assist, there is no way to foresee what another motorist would do.

Speak with a Colorado Springs Motorcycle Attorney that knows what they’re doing. Following aN Accident

Motorcyclists will continue to be at risk as long as motorists participate in unsafe driving behavior. Consider calling an attorney if you were seriously injured while riding your motorcycle due to the irresponsible behavior of another car. You should gather as much information about your accident as possible, including police records and pictures.

Take action right now. According to the statute of limitations, a civil case must be filed within a certain amount of time. If you don’t file before the deadline, you can lose your right to compensation.

Your medical expenses lost work time, and pain and suffering are not justified. A motorcycle accident caused by an irresponsible driver is nearly always avoidable, from catastrophic injuries to the untimely death of a loved one. Hold another motorist responsible by seeking justice for your loss if they fail to exercise caution and share the road with you or someone close to you.

Free Consultation

NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

You May Also Like…