Motorcycle accidents may result in far more severe injuries than many vehicular accidents, and often the motorcycle itself does not survive a bad crash. Costly damages and injuries mean that you will be facing serious financial debt, and may be unable to work due to your injuries. Motorcycle accidents, particularly those involving another vehicle on the road, may mean that you are entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages, depending on the circumstances of your accident.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
The most common factor in a motorcycle accident involving another vehicle is a failure to yield to the right of way of the motorcyclist. This is often seen in intersections where a vehicle is preparing for a left turn in the path of a motorcycle. If the driver of the motor vehicle is speeding, distracted, or driving while impaired, they may not see the small motorcyclist in their path.
Another hazard of motorcycle riding are dangerous road conditions: a pothole or bump in the road might hardly be noticeable in a full-size automobile, but uneven road conditions can seriously impact a motorcycle. When combined with inclement weather conditions such as rain or snow, this is a lethal combination for a motorcyclist. Additionally, if the hazardous road conditions have been reported before and caused accidents previously, you may be able to take your case to the city or county in charge of the roadway.
Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are also common causes of motorcycle accidents. It can be difficult to spot motorcycles in the side mirrors and if you are in a driver’s blind spot, they may attempt to merge into your vehicle.
What Kind of Injuries Happen in a Motorcycle Accident?
Even when protected by the best motorcycle gear and helmet, there’s no denying that injuries are often more severe in a motorcycle accident. These injuries may range from something as simple as road rash to paralysis:
- Road rash: Skin abrasions caused by scraping against the pavement, road rash is the most common and least severe of injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are common after a motorcycle accident, and, in the worst case scenario, may lead to amputations of the limb.
- Degloving: This is a more severe version of road rash in which the skin is actually removed from a hand or foot, leaving the muscles and tendons exposed.
- Burns: When it comes to any kind of vehicular accident, gasoline is inevitably on the scene and fires are common.
- Brain injuries: Wearing a helmet will only protect you to a point, and traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. Brain injuries may lead to long-term memory impairment, cognitive and motor function impairment, emotional changes, and serious changes to the personality.
- Paralysis: If the motorcyclist collides with another vehicle or the pavement, the resulting nerve damage can cause permanent paralysis, especially if there is damage to the spinal cord.
No matter what your injuries, reaching out to a motorcycle accident attorney will help you find the answers you’re looking for after a devastating incident.
Willis & Toews Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you have been in a motorcycle accident and are unsure if another driver was at fault, contact Willis & Toews today. We have a team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who will help you deal with the legal aftermath of your accident, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
