Those who ride motorcycles face risks that drivers of other automobiles never have to confront. As a dangerous form of transportation, motorcycles are prone to accidents that cause severe personal injuries and life-changing health complications for their riders. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Motorcycle Safety 5-Year Plan shows that fatalities from motorcycle accidents are increasing steadily. There were 5,172 motorcyclists killed in 2017 alone.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will defend your rights and pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today at (631) 600-0000 to speak to someone in our office. We can review your case for free right over the phone.
Risk Factors Motorcycle Riders Face
Accidents between two automobiles can result in injuries for those involved. However, when an automobile collides with a motorcycle, the results are even worse. There are many risk factors that motorcycle riders must accept every time they mount their bike. Common risk factors include:
Minimal Protective Measures
When someone driving a car collides with another vehicle or object, they have airbags that are designed to minimize injuries. Furthermore, cars and other automobiles protect drivers with seatbelts. Vehicle frames are built and reinforced to mitigate damage both to the vehicle itself and the driver in the event of a collision.
Motorcycle riders do not share these same protective measures. Rather than seatbelts and airbags, those riding motorcycles must rely on their helmets and outerwear to protect them in the event of an accident. The force of a collision is often too much for even the strongest helmets to protect against. Motorcycle pants and jackets are designed to protect the skin of riders when they are thrown from their bikes, but major collisions often produce severe results.
Distracted and Reckless Drivers
Distracted driving is a problem for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. But motorcycle riders face some unique risks when they are riding alongside a distracted driver. Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the roads, drivers tend to notice them less. A single moment of distraction may cause a driver to change lanes into a biker or make a turn in front of someone on a motorcycle.
Acts of reckless driving also put motorcycle riders at an increased risk of personal injury. Drivers who accelerate over the speed limit, race other vehicles, or get behind the wheel while intoxicated expose bikers to substantial risks.
These factors and others combine to create a dangerous situation for motorcycle riders. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will communicate with all involved parties on your behalf. Our legal team will strive to negotiate a fair settlement. If we do not settle with other parties, we are prepared to defend your position if your case goes to trial. To learn more about your options in a free case review and to speak with someone in our office, call us today at (631) 600-0000.
Common Injuries Present in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents leave riders vulnerable to a range of serious personal injuries. Some of the most common forms of injury present in motorcycle accidents include:
- Burns and road rash
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
In addition to these injuries, many of which carry life-changing consequences, motorcycle accidents are also a common source of wrongful death. As Accident Analysis and Prevention states, motorcycle riders are 34 times more likely to die in an accident than those operating other vehicles.
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer who handles motorcycle accidents will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Throughout the process of performing their investigation, lawyers will often collect evidence, such as photos and videos, police reports, eyewitness statements, and road conditions.
When other drivers are involved, their insurance companies will likely fight to deny your claim. Car insurance companies are known for fighting claims. Even if they do accept responsibility, they often offer minimal settlement amounts in an attempt to quickly dismiss claims. A motorcycle accident lawyer will communicate with the other drivers’ insurance companies so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing long-term medical consequences. On top of tending to your physical condition, the emotional and psychological trauma from a motorcycle accident can linger for years to come. A Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will assist you by building a case on your behalf, identifying the liable parties, and pursuing compensation that you are owed after a motorcycle accident. To speak to someone in our office about your situation, contact us today at (631) 600-0000 for a free consultation of your legal options.
