There is nothing like riding a motorcycle and feeling the air rush against your skin. Riding a motorcycle provides a sense of freedom that few get from driving a car or using other forms of transportation. The reality is, however, that motorcycles are more dangerous for the operators than cars. Riders can receive compensation if they have been badly hurt in a motorcycle accident, but there are a few things you should know before you seek compensation.
Causes of Motorcycle Injuries
Due to motorcycles being smaller, and in many cases, faster than cars or trucks, drivers can often fail to see them on the road. Even if a driver is able to see a motorcycle before an accident, it is often too late to avoid the collision.
Accidents commonly occur when drivers are:
- Distracted,
- Inexperienced,
- Have a delay in reaction time,
- Drunk or intoxicated, and
- Angry or exhibiting road rage.
Road rage is actually something that can occur quite often if drivers feel motorcyclists are weaving in and out of traffic, or being aggressive. Keep in mind, it is not always motorcycle and car accidents that occur. Sometimes accidents occur when multiple motorcycles crash into each other.
Injuries Related to Motorcycle Accidents
A simple Google search for motorcycle accidents in California produces numerous news reports of riders’ deaths in recent crashes. Although non-life threatening injuries can occur, it also must be remembered that death is a very real possibility when riding, and occurs more often than one might think.
Riders who survive a motorcycle accident can experience numerous injuries, and due to the structure of a bike, they can experience far more damaging injuries than if they were driving a car.
Injuries can include:
- Second or third degree burns,
- Spinal cord damage,
- Internal bleeding,
- Brain trauma,
- Broken bones,
- Cuts and bruising,
- Torn ligaments and muscles, and
- Whiplash and neck injury.
Even a minor motorcycle accident can result in major and long-standing damage. This damage can affect your work, family life, and other everyday tasks.
Driver Negligence
When a motorist collides with a motorcycle due to a driving error or traffic violation, it can be considered driver negligence. If the driver’s negligence caused injury, the motorcyclist can seek compensation.
If you go to trial, you will need evidence to prove the driver was negligent. In most cases, it is the motorcyclist’s duty to obtain the evidence for the trial, since finding eyewitnesses may prove difficult.
What Evidence Should You Show?
Make sure you take plenty of photographs after the accident. These should be of the scene, your bike, your helmet, injuries, and the car that was involved.
Be sure to keep your helmet, it can be an important piece of evidence. If you were not wearing a helmet, it may be seen as though your negligence contributed to any head injuries incurred.
Get the police reports to show the judge because they will outline the accident in detail.
You may need to find witnesses that saw the accident, but you can also track down surveillance footage that filmed the event.
Finally, make sure you have your medical records. You will need these to show that compensation is needed for the injuries sustained.
In January 2017, a Los Angeles court awarded a former UCLA football player $35 million after a motorcycle accident took the lower half of his leg. He also sustained a variety of other life altering injuries.
Flahavan Law Offices | Westlake Village Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has experienced a motorcycle accident and the medical expenses that come with it, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law Offices specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on the compensation you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.