Motorcycle accidents are a serious problem on America’s roads. In 2015, 4,976 people died in motorcycle accidents, and 88,000 were injured.
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers. If another driver hit you while you were riding your motorcycle, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. The lawyers at The Law Offices Of Gerald J. Noonan have experience handling all types of personal injury claims, including those arising from motorcycle accidents.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Holbrook motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Offices Of Gerald J. Noonan for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.
What to do if you’re in a motorcycle accident
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps you should take:
Check to make sure everyone is okay: Your first priority after a motorcycle accident should be to make sure everyone is okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Get to safety: Once you’ve confirmed that everyone is okay, move yourself and your motorcycle to the side of the road if possible.
Call the police: You should always call the police after a motorcycle accident, as the police report is an important piece of evidence for your case. Having a police report essentially will add a police officer’s view of the accident as evidence, while also locking in statements from others so that they can’t later change them.
Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to see a doctor or go to the hospital. Some injuries, such as head injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Exchange insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident: When doing so, don’t argue about the accident while also not accepting any blame.
Get the contact information of any witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Their testimony may be crucial to your case.
Take photos of the scene of the accident: If you can, take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your motorcycle or the other vehicle involved. Today, most of us have smartphones with a camera that we can use to take photos.
Contact a Holbrook motorcycle accident lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
There are many factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Inattentive driving: Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents happen because another driver simply doesn’t see the motorcycle.
Speeding: Speeding is a major cause of accidents, and speeding drivers are less likely to see motorcycles.
Driving under the influence: Drunk or impaired drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, including motorcyclists.
Defective motorcycle parts: In some cases, an accident may be caused by a defective motorcycle part. If this is the case, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the defective part.
Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a major problem on America’s roads. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are more likely to cause an accident.
Failure to yield the right of way: Many motorcycle accidents happen when another driver fails to yield the right of way.
Making an illegal turn: Making an illegal turn is another common cause of motorcycle accidents.
Reckless driving: Reckless driving, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, is dangerous and can lead to an accident.
Weather conditions: Bad weather, such as rain or snow, can make roads slippery and can make it difficult to see motorcycles and can cause accidents.
Dangerous road conditions: Poorly maintained roads, such as roads with potholes or loose gravel on them, can be dangerous for motorcyclists.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver.
Types of injuries caused by motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Some common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include:
Head injuries: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are some of the most serious injuries that can be caused by a motorcycle accident.
Neck injuries: Neck injuries, such as whiplash, are common in motorcycle accidents.
Back injuries: Back injuries, such as herniated discs, can be caused by the impact of a motorcycle accident.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis and can be caused by a motorcycle accident.
Broken bones: Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, as the rider typically will be hitting the ground hard and may have other objects hitting them.
Internal injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage, can be caused by a motorcycle accident.
Road rash: Road rash is a common injury in motorcycle accidents and can range from mild to severe.
Types of damages that may be available
If you win your motorcycle accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of all past and future medical expenses related to your accident.
Lost wages: If you have been unable to work because of your accident, you may be able to recover lost wages.
Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering that you have endured because of your accident.
The benefits of working with a lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
A lawyer can help you:
Investigate your accident: Your lawyer will investigate your accident, including talking to witnesses and reviewing police reports, to determine what happened and who is at fault.
Gather evidence: Your lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records and bills, wage records, and testimony from witnesses.
Handle communications: Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies and other parties involved in your case, so you can focus on your recovery.
Negotiate a settlement: If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Get the compensation you deserve: Your lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation available for your case.
How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case?
The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the evidence available, the insurance company’s position, and whether the case is going to trial.
In general, most cases take several months to resolve. However, some cases may take much longer, while others may be resolved more quickly.
Contact the Holbrook Motorcycle Accident Attorneys At The Law Offices Of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free consultation
At The Law Offices Of Gerald J. Noonan, our Holbrook motorcycle accident lawyers have years of experience working with clients who were involved in motorcycle accidents. We understand the challenges that you are facing and we are here to help.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and answer any questions that you have. We will also help you understand your legal options and what to expect as your case proceeds.
