Understanding Motorcycle Accident Injuries


Motorcycle accidents are particularly hazardous due to the lack of protective barriers for the rider, making even well-equipped riders (with helmets and safety gear) vulnerable to severe injuries.


Common injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord and head injuries, whiplash, fractures, internal and organ damage, road rash, and injuries to the back, neck, and burns.
Despite these risks, victims might be eligible for compensation for their pain and suffering, underscoring the importance of consulting a personal injury attorney to handle your claim while you recover

Wrongful Death in Motorcycle Accident Cases


In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcycle deaths throughout the country. Because motorcycles don’t offer the same level of protection as other motor vehicles do, being in a crash involving a bike puts people at a high risk of suffering catastrophic injuries. If a loved one has died in a crash, then it may be possible to begin a wrongful death claim

These claims are the same as personal injury claims except for one crucial difference: the victim can’t advocate for themselves. Each state has laws on who has the right to begin the claim, though the beneficiaries are typically the people closest to the deceased.

In wrongful death claims, you can receive compensation for funerary and medical expenses. If your loved one provided essential services for which you’ll have to now hire someone, like childcare, that expense can also be covered.


Additionally, you may be able to receive compensation for the wages that your loved one would have made throughout their life. If they were the main provider for the family, compensation could help ensure that you have the financial assistance you need.


Wrongful death claims in some states address the emotional distress that you have experienced because of the loss, too.

Identifying Causes of Motorcycle Accidents


Motorcycle accidents often share similarities with other vehicular accidents such as ATVs, with the difference being the visibility of motorcycles. A frequent cause cited for these accidents is the failure of vehicle drivers to notice motorcycles. Other prevalent causes include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, failure to yield, lane splitting, improper lane changes, and aggressive driving.


How Do Blind Spots Impact Motorcycle Safety?

One of the main reasons drivers often don’t see motorcycles is that they easily fit into most vehicles’ blind spots. Different cars have different blind spots, but a common one is beside the vehicle toward the rear. Understanding blind spots might not prevent all motorcycle accidents, but it will help you stay safer on the road.


Motorcycle Accident Damages


In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, your lawyer will try to recover damages for you. The term “damages” refers to compensation for losses you’ve suffered. Your lawyer will likely try to secure compensation for losses like:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• The psychological impact of disfigurement


Typically, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance will cover these and other losses. If the driver caused an accident without insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation instead

The Impact of Helmet Laws

Helmet laws vary by state, with most requiring protective headgear. These laws aim to reduce the risk of brain injuries, supported by studies highlighting the dangers of riding without a helmet. Failure to wear a helmet can be detrimental in accident claims, potentially affecting the compensation received.

Motorcycle Design or Manufacturing Defects

In some cases, a malfunction or defect in the motorcycle itself may cause an accident. If an investigation reveals that either a design or manufacturing flaw was to blame, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit.


Potential Liability Issues for Riders


Riders' actions, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or weaving through traffic, can contribute to partial liability in an accident, affecting compensation claims. It's vital to understand how these factors can influence the outcome of your case.

Comparative and Contributory Negligence in Motorcycle Accidents

In motorcycle accidents that allow you to pursue a personal injury claim, you will need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent or wrongful in their conduct. If, however, you’re partly responsible for your injuries, this will play a role in your claim, too.


States follow either comparative or contributory negligence. Comparative negligence states that you may be able to receive compensation for accidents in which you were partly responsible, but your winnings will be reduced by your percentage of liability.

Some states have modified comparative negligence rules. These laws typically allow you to recover losses if you don’t hold the majority of fault for the accident. States that follow pure comparative negligence allow you to receive compensation even if you were 99% responsible.


A few states in the country have contributory negligence laws. In these states, you will not be allowed to recover losses if you were partly responsible for your injuries.


Because of these complexities and what’s at stake, hiring attorneys to present evidence that shows whether you are in any way liable is essential. You can expect insurers to try to pin as much of the blame on you as possible, so don’t attempt these claims alone.

Understanding Insurance in Motorcycle Accidents

Insurance requirements vary depending on the state. In most states, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance would cover your losses. If those losses exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you might also be able to file a claim with your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.


However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies aren’t on your side (or the other driver’s side, for that matter) — their primary focus is protecting their bottom line. If you make a statement without talking to an attorney first, the insurer may distort what you say to make it seem like you were at fault.


As such, it’s always wise to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer before talking to the insurance company.

Navigating Post-Accident Steps

Following an accident, taking specific steps can protect your legal rights, including reporting the accident to the police, seeking immediate medical attention, consulting a lawyer, and understanding your options for compensation and recovery after a motorcycle crash.. These actions are foundational in building a strong case for your claim