If you’ve suffered a motorcycle accident that was the fault of another motorist, you probably have some serious injuries, and you’re probably wondering about your chances of securing a personal injury claim against the at-fault motorist. Accidents can be particularly harmful for motorcycle riders and motorcyclists who have been injured by others deserve compensation for their injuries.
Motorcyclists at Higher Risk for Injury
Motor vehicle accidents are traumatic for anyone, but they can be especially harmful for a motorcycle rider. If a motorcyclist survives an accident, they are often left in worse shape than people in an automobile because of the lack of protection they have against the road. They have no seat belt to secure them from being thrown or a frame to contain and protect them from the road.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motorcycle accidents and rider deaths are increasing, even though overall vehicle accident rates are decreasing. Leg and foot injuries are the number one injury affecting riders, followed closely by head and neck injuries. Leg injuries can be severely debilitating, especially if your work involves manual labor or the use of your body. And even if you were wearing a helmet, injuries to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries and other long-term disabilities, including:
• Problems with memory
• Paralysis or difficulty using parts of the body
• Mood disorders or social difficulties
When Another Driver is At-Fault For Your Motorcycle Accident
A majority of motorcycle accidents involve being hit head-on by another vehicle or a vehicle turning into the motorcycle when making a left-hand turn. Distracted drivers who do not check their blind spots may make the mistake of turning into a motorcycle.
If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured in an accident that was another driver’s fault, you are eligible for compensation from the at-fault drivers insurance company. A personal injury settlement should cover the needs created from the accident:
• Payment of medical and rehabilitation bills
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Compensation for time away from work
• Money to cover expenses incurred by a disability over the course of your lifetime.
If you have lost a loved to a motorcycle accident where another driver was negligent, you will also be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death settlement. These settlements cover:
• Loss of companionship
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Death expenses
If you lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident or if you suffered serious injuries from a motorcycle accident where another driver was at fault, you should seriously consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in personal injury, and motorcycles specifically, can help make sure that you receive a settlement with the insurance company that will cover the needs created by your accident that may stretch across your lifetime.