Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Here's How an Attorney Can Help
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be wondering how a lawyer can help you and whether you should seek legal advice. Motorcycles are often overlooked while on the roads, but all motorists are responsible for sharing the road and being safe drivers. That includes but is not limited to looking out for and respecting motorcyclists.
Regrettably, too many drivers don't take that responsibility seriously. As a result, riders are left injured, in pain, and searching for answers about what to do next. Crash victims have recourse through the civil justice system, and a motorcycle accident lawyer can fight for the compensation they are entitled to.
Proving fault in a motorcycle accident
Motorcycles are generally the invisible vehicles on the road due to their size and their nimbleness. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by drivers who are speeding, texting, tailgating, driving under the influence, or not looking out for motorcyclists when making turns or merging.
The injuries caused to riders are generally more severe, because they are not protected by thousands of pounds of steel, bumpers, and the other safety tools that a car has, to shield the driver from direct impact.
In rare cases, other parties might be held liable for your damages, including:
- The manufacturer of the motorcycle; if the bike was defective, and that defect caused your crash; or,
- The parties that design and maintain roads. A defect (e.g., a pothole or depression in the road) which could have caused the motorcycle driver to lose control.
Proving fault in a motorcycle accident can be challenging. First, you have a mindset of people who think motorcycle riders are generally racing down the road, weaving in and out of traffic. Further, always wear your helmet. In many states, including Maryland, the law requires it, and not wearing a helmet dramatically increases the risk of a head or brain injury from an accident. In short, use common sense.
Investigating your motorcycle accident
If you're not careful, you could miss out on the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for your losses.
An attorney can launch an investigation to find and preserve evidence from your accident. This can include physical evidence from the crash scene (e.g., tire marks, debris, street signs), traffic camera footage/dashcam footage (if available), statements from witnesses, the police accident report, and photos of where the accident took place.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your motorcycle accident, evidence can show that the at-fault driver was:
- Speeding
- Not focused on the road
- Not making proper use of side or rearview mirrors
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving intoxicated, distracted, or recklessly
- Failing to obey the other rules of the road
Compensation for injured riders
The financial impact of a serious motorcycle accident can be devastating, so it's crucial that you seek compensation for the actual cost of your damages, including now and in the future. An attorney will be able to accurately calculate the compensation you're entitled to recover for:
- Medical bills, now and in the future.
- Lost wages and the impact your crash has had on your career.
- Replacement services (e.g., childcare, housekeeping)
- Pain and suffering (past and future).
- Property damage (the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle)
- Life care and permanent disability if your accident is that serious or severe.
Legal help is available if you've been injured. We can help you!
Cases involving injured motorcyclists can be complicated. But with the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, you can rest assured that your rights are protected, and you're in the best position to recover the compensation you're entitled to under the law.
At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, we have years of experience successfully handling complex cases and getting significant results for our clients. Learn more about how we can help you, and contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.