Issues Involved in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents contribute thousands of deaths and serious injuries per year, and in fact are reported to have increased 55 percent nationwide since 2000. Motorcycle accidents involve unique issues, have unique causes, and lead to specific types of potential compensation. Here is a brief overview of issues involved in motorcycle accidents, as well as what to do if you or someone you love is injured in one.

Unique Issues

Motorcycles lack the protections of a standard automobile. This means that injuries sustained are more complex and involve more extensive proof, treatment, and evaluation than injuries sustained in other types of accidents. Injuries are also generally more serious and often more permanent than injuries sustained in other manners. Motorcyclists also suffer from a stigma of driving an inherently dangerous vehicle or somehow being responsible for their own injuries by virtue of driving a motorcycle, even if they have in no way contributed to the accident. Motorcycle accident cases are not necessarily like other types of accident or personal injury cases.

Causes

Motorcycle accidents can be caused in a variety of ways, which often boil down to another vehicle failing to properly “share the road”. Being a smaller vehicle immediately adds risk, as careless drivers of other vehicles may miss the presence of smaller vehicles on the road. Motorcycle accidents can be caused by drivers of other vehicles failing to watch for motorcycles appropriately, turning into a motorcycle’s path, or sideswiping. Drivers of other vehicles also may drive distractedly, text or use a phone while driving, speed, or participate in other reckless or negligent driving activities that can be hazardous to motorcyclists. And of course, sudden stops or the presence of a neglected open car door on the side of the road can be extremely hazardous to operators of motorcycles.

Compensation Types

Motorcyclists who have been injured in motorcycle accidents may be eligible for many different types of compensation that can aid their recovery. A settlement in a motorcycle accident likely would include past, present, and future medical and rehabilitation costs. An injured motorcyclist may also recover damages for scars, disfigurements, or permanent disabilities, pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the injured party has lost wages or will no longer be able to earn the same salary or perform the same work as that which they were able to perform before the accident, they may also recover lost wages and relief for loss of earning capacity. The motorcyclist can also recover for property damage, including damage to the motorcycle. If the motorcyclist is deceased due to the accident, surviving loved ones may also recover for wrongful death.

What to Do

Have you or someone you love been in a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be eligible for compensation to aid in your recovery. If you are interested in recovering compensation or simply exploring your options, you may need the assistance of a qualified personal injury and accident lawyer. At Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian in Tampa, our experienced personal injury and accident lawyers are available to discuss your case and advise you on your next moves. Call toll-free at 1 (800) 227-2275 for a consultation today.