Motorcycle accidents are becoming increasingly common, primarily due to the number of motorcycles that are on the road. According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash and five times as likely to be seriously injured than those riding in passenger cars, trucks, or SUV’s.
While some motorcycle accident victims suffer minor injuries during a crash, others sustain more serious injuries that will affect them for a lifetime. The following is an overview of how personal injury law works and the options you have available after a serious motorcycle accident injury.
Types of Injuries
Many people who are injured in motorcycle accidents believe their injuries are minor, until things take a turn for the worse. Very often, accident victims are unaware of just how serious their injuries are until they begin to experience complications. The severity of injuries typically depends on the force of impact and the manner in which the motorcyclist was struck. Some of the most common types of injuries motorcyclists sustain include:
- Broken Bones
- Crush Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Closed Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck Problems
- Back Injuries
- Injured Limbs that Require Amputation
Your Legal Options
If your injuries are more severe than your doctor first suspected or if you suffered complications that have serious consequences, you may need to speak with an attorney. An attorney will examine your case and let you know the best way to proceed. If you have a valid claim, one of your legal options is to seek compensation from the at-fault driver through a personal injury lawsuit. Your motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help you accomplish this by:
- Investigating the Accident
- Obtaining Police Reports
- Speaking With Your Doctors
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies
- Filing Court Documents
- Representing You at Trial
Damages
You may be able to obtain a settlement for certain types of damages if your lawsuit is successful or if your attorney can negotiate an out-of-court settlement. Some of the most commonly awarded damages in accident cases include:
- Unpaid Hospital Bills
- Doctor Fees
- Cost of Alternate Transportation
- Cost of Medical Devices
- Lost Wages if You Cannot Work
- Cost of Therapy
If your injuries are significant enough, you may also be awarded a monetary settlement for emotional distress and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the at-fault driver was guilty of gross negligence. These types of damages are typically harsh and designed to discourage the defendant from making the same mistake again.
Hiring an attorney who has trial experience is the best way to increase your chance of obtaining a fair settlement for the injuries you have suffered due to another driver’s negligence. If have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney to explore all your legal options
