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.
