Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating and fun. Riding one, however, can also be a dangerous hobby. Figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal crashes. In the year 2019 alone, more than 5,000 motorcyclists died on roadways throughout the United States. While there can be many causes of motorcycle accidents, other motorists’ negligence frequently plays a role.
If you or a loved one suffered the tragic consequences of a serious motorcycle accident, such as injuries and financial losses, the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine can help explain all of your legal rights and options. Contact our legal team today to discuss your case in a free, no-obligation consultation: 727.849.5353
Motorcycle Accident Causes
Motorcycle accidents happen for various reasons, including inclement weather, construction work, road defects, and other drivers not paying attention. However, some of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol use contributes to a considerable number of motorcycle accidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 1,549 motorcyclists were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2018, making up 31 percent of all motorcycle fatalities in that year.
Speeding
According to the NHTSA, in 2007, 36 percent of motorcycle crashes occurred due to speeding. Speeding drivers have less reaction time to prevent a crash. Moreover, the impact of an accident will be much greater at high speed, potentially causing fatalities and catastrophic injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcyclists are not as easily visible as a car or a truck. Side-swiping motorcycle accidents can happen when a car driver fails to check their blind spot while changing lanes.
Opening Car Doors
In urban areas, in particular, motorcycle accidents can happen when drivers or passengers of parked cars open doors without checking for other road users such as motorcyclists.
Sudden Stops and Abrupt Braking
Sudden stops can cause rear-end accidents throwing a motorcyclist off their bike, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Improper Turns
Improper turns, such as turning right on red without looking for oncoming traffic, or ignoring a “no turn on red” sign, can cause devastating motorcycle accidents. Improper left turns can also cause motorcycle accidents, as motorists do not see the motorcycles directly to the left of them, causing catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
While there can be various causes of motorcycle accidents, all have the potential to cause severe permanent injuries such as head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal organ damage. Serious injuries can change the lives of victims and their families forever, potentially causing permanent disability, astronomical medical bills, and considerable income losses. If the devastating effects of a motorcycle accident has happened to you or a loved one, contact The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine to learn how you can receive compensation for your injuries and losses today.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can defend your legal rights and can take over all aspects of your case. Having a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm by your side can help you with an accident claim in several important ways.
Recovering Evidence to Prove Your Case
Although you may be sure that the other party is to blame in an accident, you will still have to provide comprehensive evidence of their fault, particularly if you are hoping to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents are not always straightforward and can be challenging to prove, especially when several vehicles are involved or there are no eyewitnesses who directly saw the motorcycle crash. Moreover, there could be several liable parties in your crash, including but not limited to:
- Another driver
- A local government body in case of road defects
- A company if the other driver was working while the crash happened
- A motorcycle or car manufacturer
A motorcycle accident attorney will analyze the cause of your accident and determine all liable parties. This can be crucial for recovering an adequate settlement as you may have several avenues for recovering compensation.
Additionally, an experienced personal injury attorney can also help with gathering the relevant evidence to prove your claim and damages, including:
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Police accident reports
- Traffic camera and dash-camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Testimony of accident reconstruction experts
Accurate and Full Calculation of Your Damages and Financial Losses
Calculating damages and future losses correctly after a motorcycle accident can be challenging and legally complex. However, not knowing what a claim is worth can make it next to impossible for a motorcycle accident victim to negotiate for a fair settlement.
A seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer can carefully assess all your damages and can liaise with medical providers to understand the extent and expense of any future medical treatments. While calculating your economic damages such as medical expenses, damage to your motorcycle, and out-of-pocket costs can be relatively easy to determine, knowing the value of non-economic damages is more challenging in general.
However, non-economic damages can be considerable, especially with serious and catastrophic injuries. An experienced attorney can ensure that all your losses and damages are taken into account, including:
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Pain and mental anguish
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Legal Representation Provides Peace of Mind
Having a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner, fighting for your best interests can be reassuring and comforting. Handling settlement negotiations and a lawsuit on your own can be overwhelming, complex, emotionally and physically exhausting, and time-consuming. However, having a lawyer taking on all aspects of your case means that your best interests are defended at all times. Your attorney can save you the stress and anxiety of negotiating with insurance companies and defendants, leaving you free to concentrate on your well-being and recovery.
The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine Can Fight for Your Rights
There is no need to struggle with a motorcycle accident case on your own, especially if you are still recovering from injuries. Our experienced, determined and compassionate attorneys can work to fight for justice and adequate compensation on your behalf.
Moreover, we understand that being involved in a motorcycle accident not only causes physical and emotional harm but can also cause considerable financial hardship. When we take on your case, you can rest assured that there will be no upfront attorney’s fees to pay as we only recover our fee when we win your case and you receive a settlement. Consider visiting with our experienced team of attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine to schedule your free case review at 727.849.5353.
