Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom and adventure on the open road, but they also come with significant risks. Motorcycle accidents are inherently more dangerous than car accidents due to the lack of protective barriers between the rider and the road.
As a result, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries or even fatalities in the event of a crash. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents and the types of injuries that can occur is crucial for riders and drivers alike.
Additionally, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, the injuries they can cause, and the importance of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney after an injury.
1. Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, and identifying the cause is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Left-Turn Accidents: One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection. The driver of the car may fail to see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed, resulting in a collision. These accidents can be particularly dangerous because they often occur at higher speeds.
- Lane Changing and Merging Collisions: Motorcycles are smaller and can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spot. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use their turn signals while changing lanes or merging can collide with a motorcycle.
- Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision involving a motorcycle can be far more devastating than a similar collision between two cars. Even a low-speed impact can throw a motorcyclist off their bike, causing severe injuries. Distracted driving, tailgating, and sudden braking are common causes of rear-end collisions.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to see and react to motorcycles on the road. Similarly, reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changing, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage, significantly increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol or drug-impaired driving is a leading cause of all types of vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause an accident.
- Doored by Parked Vehicles: “Dooring” accidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents are particularly common in urban areas with parallel parking. When a motorcyclist is “doored,” they may be thrown off their bike or forced to swerve into traffic to avoid a collision.
- Road Hazards: Motorcycles are more sensitive to road hazards such as potholes, loose gravel, wet or slick surfaces, debris, and uneven pavement. While a car may be able to handle these hazards without issue, they can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash.
- Inexperienced or Unlicensed Riders: Inexperience and lack of proper training can lead to poor decision-making, overconfidence, and inability to react appropriately to hazards. Riders who lack the necessary skills are more prone to accidents, particularly in challenging road conditions or heavy traffic.
- Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Regular maintenance and inspection of motorcycles are crucial to preventing accidents caused by equipment failure.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, and ice, can reduce visibility and create slippery roads. Motorcyclists must exercise extreme caution in poor weather conditions, as their risk of skidding or losing control is higher than that of car drivers.
2. Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protective barriers around the rider. The most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs are among the most severe injuries a motorcyclist can suffer. Even when wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist can sustain a TBI from the impact of a collision. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, a motorcyclist may experience paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs).
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents due to the force of impact. Common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and wrists. In severe cases, fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and extensive recovery time.
- Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin makes contact with the road surface during a crash. It is more than just a scrape or abrasion; severe road rash can result in deep wounds, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Facial Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can result in facial fractures, dental injuries, and lacerations, especially if the rider is not wearing a full-face helmet. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and reconstructive procedures.
- Amputations: In severe accidents, a motorcyclist may suffer traumatic amputations or injuries that necessitate surgical amputation of a limb. Amputations can be life-changing, leading to permanent disability and requiring prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, are common in motorcycle accidents. While these injuries may not be life-threatening, they can still be painful and require significant recovery time.
- Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims may suffer from psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to riding or driving.
3. Why You Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After an Injury
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be critical in ensuring you receive the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Here’s why hiring a motorcycle accident attorney is essential:
- Understanding of Motorcycle Laws and Bias: Motorcycle accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced attorney understands the unique laws and regulations that apply to motorcycle accidents and can counteract any biases that insurance adjusters or juries may have against motorcyclists. Many people mistakenly assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless, but an attorney can ensure that your rights are protected and that fault is determined fairly.
- Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection: A motorcycle accident attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction analysis. They will also obtain medical records to prove the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life. This evidence is essential to building a strong case and proving liability.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability, downplaying injuries, or offering lowball settlements. A skilled attorney will handle all communications with the insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages. They will ensure that insurance companies do not take advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
- Calculating the Full Extent of Your Damages: Motorcycle accident attorneys understand how to accurately calculate both economic and non-economic damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. They will work to maximize your compensation to account for both immediate and long-term needs.
- Access to Medical and Expert Witnesses: Attorneys often work with a network of medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and economists who can provide expert testimony to support your case. These experts can provide detailed analysis and opinions on the cause of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your future.
- Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a motorcycle accident attorney is prepared to take your case to court. They have the litigation experience and resources to present a compelling case to a judge or jury and advocate for your rights.
- No Upfront Costs: Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay any upfront legal fees. The attorney only gets paid if they win your case, which allows you to pursue justice without worrying about financial risk.
- Peace of Mind: Suffering an injury in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case. Knowing that a professional is fighting for your rights can provide peace of mind during a challenging time.
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the lack of protective barriers between the rider and the road. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents and the injuries they can cause is crucial for riders, drivers, and policymakers alike.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Remember, the right legal representation can make all the difference in achieving a fair outcome in your case.
