ABOUT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
While riding a motorcycle is fun and freeing, these vehicles are not without risk. The open nature of a motorbike opens a driver to severe injuries in a crash, and wrecks are not uncommon. The majority of motorcycle crashes are caused by other drivers who are in either cars, trucks, or SUV’s. Because motorcyclists are directly exposed to other vehicles, over 80% of all motorcycle crashes incur a significant injury or fatality. Over the past few decades, while other kinds of accident fatalities have decreased, motorcyclist fatalities have doubled.
Being struck while riding on a motorcycle can be life-altering. While there are many laws that protect motorcyclists in the state, there is still the opportunity for significant harm to riders. Therefore, if you were hurt in a crash, you deserve a Tacoma motorcycle accident lawyer to assess your case. A personal injury lawyer could determine the cause and help demonstrate that you should not face any blame.
COMMON INJURIES SEEN IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Given how vulnerable and exposed a motorcyclist is to other vehicles like cars and trucks on the road, the injuries from a motorbike crash can be serious or deadly. Even if a motorcyclist wears all of the proper gear, such as boots and a riding jacket, the chances are high that they can be harmed. The most common injuries from a motorcycle accident are:
- Burns, including road burn
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Amputations
- Death
If you are suffering from one of these injuries, you also need to see the appropriate medical professional. This could be any number of healthcare experts, such as a doctor, chiropractor, osteopath, physiatrist, or physical therapist. These healthcare providers have the knowledge and experience to return you to health.
Additionally, if you were hurt in a crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Tacoma could help you demonstrate that you deserve compensation for these injuries.
WHAT USUALLY CAUSES MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?
Unfortunately, even if a motorcyclist obeys the rules of the road, follows all laws, and drives safely, they could still collide with a negligent car, truck, or SUV owner. Most crashes occur because the driver of the vehicle simply was not paying close enough attention and failed to see the motorcyclist. Other reasons include:
- Texting while driving
- Driving while intoxicated or high
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Making a left turn suddenly
- Failing to yield
- Distracted by GPS or technology on the dash
Statistics prove that the vast majority of motorcycle accidents take place at intersections. A driver’s left turn is the most common form of an accident. Surface hazards are another typical factor. Finally, oil spots, debris, construction plate, manhole covers, gravel, and rocks can all pose serious hazards to a motorcyclist. Another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or carelessness could make any of these hazards more dangerous to a careful motorcyclist.
Additionally, determining the exact cause of the motorcycle accident is a crucial part of the case process. Fortunately, a skilled Tacoma lawyer could take the lead with this phase, collecting valuable evidence to strengthen a claim.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
After being in a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps you need to take to make sure that you protect yourself and retain the impact of your case. The most important thing to do is to make sure you record the other driver’s insurance information – their name, address, phone number, license plate, and even e-mail. After you do this, you need to take plenty of pictures of your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle, and the damage to the car that hit you.
It also would be helpful if you took pictures of the surrounding area where the motorbike accident occurred. Many cell phones have a video-camera feature on them as well, so videos are also helpful. Obviously, if you are physically unable to do these things, it is understandable since your health is a number one priority. If you have someone, such as a family member, friend, or spouse, who can accomplish these things, that would be ideal.
Finally, contacting a proactive motorcycle accident lawyer in Tacoma is key, as our legal representatives could get started on collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and assembling a claim for compensation. Reach out today to learn more.
WHAT MAKES BICYCLE ACCIDENTS DIFFERENT?
Being struck by a car while on a bicycle, unfortunately, is a common occurrence given the number of vehicles on the road at any moment. Bicyclists have a right of way and cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles need to respect, but this does not always happen. Additionally, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as others on the road, such as people who drive cars and SUV’s.
Unfortunately, due to their direct exposure to large vehicles, bicyclists are at high risk for injury in accidents. Many crashes involving bicyclists are caused by negligent or reckless driving. If you were involved in a cycling wreck and believe the accident was not your fault, chances are you have a strong case. There are many laws protecting bicyclists from other motorists. For instance:
- Motorists must remain safely to the left of bicyclists at all times.
- Motorists must not turn abruptly immediately after passing cyclists.
- Motorists are required to yield to oncoming bicyclists when turning left.
After a bicycle accident, a knowledgeable lawyer in Tacoma could help you transparently demonstrate that a negligent motorist broke one of these rules and caused your suffering.