One of the scariest moments a motorcyclist may encounter is that sharp pang of fear when a car is headed their direction in a reckless manner. Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable due to having no protective outer shell to act as a barrier like cars do. If a rider is involved in collision due to a passenger vehicle, it most often leads to awfully painful injuries. If you have recently suffered such an accident, you can count on a motorcycle accident lawyer residents trust.

There are many ways a car and motorcycle collision may happen. Attorneys have gone into further detail below about how these terrible accidents can occur, recommended defensive riding tips, common injuries and how an attorney can be of assistance during this time.

Causes of Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents

If a vehicle driver is being negligent while behind the wheel, it can seriously put a nearby motorcyclist at risk. A car driver may act carelessly by committing any of the following unsafe actions:

Operating vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
Failing to follow traffic laws
Failing to watch out for passing motorcyclists
Driving vehicle while sleepy, fatigued or ill
Speeding through an intersection and running a red light
Distracted driving by talking to passengers, adjusting radio or texting

Common Motorcyclist Injuries

It is not uncommon for a motorcyclist to suffer a range of severe and agonizing injuries. It can be rare for a rider to walk away unscathed. The range of conditions a motorcyclist may suffer from can include the following:

Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones
Skull fracture
Concussion
Dislocated shoulders or joints
Lacerations
Road Rash
Wrist injuries
Damage to extremities
Cuts from broken glass
Nerve damage
Spinal cord injuries
Partial or total paralysis
Emotional trauma

Practicing Defensive Driving

Every person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle is responsible for being safe. Unfortunately, not every driver upholds this sense of duty and may drive with an obvious disregard to others. One of the best things a motorcyclist can do is practice defensive and safe riding strategies, which can consist of these tips:

Be extra cautious when proceeding through intersections
Utilize hand signals when necessary
Make eye contact with other drivers
Wear brightly colored gear
Do not pass between vehicles
Ride in the farthest left lane while on multi-lane roadways
Do not assume a car will yield to your right of way
Keep an eye out for distracted drivers who may not see you
Move out of the way of swerving or speeding vehicles
Do not share a single lane with another motorcyclist side by side

The attorney you choose to hire should be committed to helping injured people seek retribution for their injuries. They should offer a free consultation for all new clients. Do not spend another day in pain having to pay for your own medical treatments. Find an attorney who can help you seek financial compensation from the driver at-fault.

The Causes & Injuries of a Motorcycle Accident