Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Every motorcyclist knows that they need to be careful whenever they are on the road. A single mistake can cause a terrible wreck. But not every motorist knows they have to safely share the road with motorcyclists, which is why so many motorcycle accident causes can be traced back to the negligence of a driver, not a rider.
Negligent drivers cause motorcycle accidents by doing the following:
- Speeding and tailgating a motorcycle
- Turning left in front of an approaching motorcycle
- Changing lanes or merging without checking blind spots
- Opening a door into traffic without checking the mirror
Many of these forms of negligence stem from driver inattention and the unfortunate reality that many drivers can look directly at a motorcycle and not “see” it. Drivers train their eyes to see large vehicles with two headlights and four wheels. When quickly glancing in a blind spot or mirror, it is unfortunately simple for a driver to not even register a motorcycle there because they were not looking for it.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Many of the people who come to our Portsmouth firm with motorcycle accident claims are living with the aftermath of life-changing injuries. We know we have to fight tirelessly for them because so much of their future livelihood could depend entirely on what we are able to accomplish with their case. Whether your injuries are serious or severe, our team is here to help secure compensation for them.
Common motorcycle accident injuries suffered by riders include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage (paralysis)
- Multiple broken bones
- Road rash
- Visible scarring
- Internal organ damage
The ideal outcome of your case will be to secure the most compensation possible. We don’t want to leave a single medical bill unpaid and not even one missing paycheck unfulfilled. If we can back your case with strong, convincing evidence, then we might be able to convince the insurance company to offer a fair settlement, which would not require your case to escalate to a lawsuit. Although, we are always prepared to go to court for litigation if that is the best route for our client. Insurers around the state know our name for good reason.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ:
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Deadly?
Without a protective chassis around them, motorcyclists are entirely exposed
while riding and vulnerable to injuries in a crash. To make matters worse,
motorcycles weigh far less than the average passenger car and significantly
less than a commercial van or big rig. At even low speeds, the disparity
of their weight will cause the worst part of an impact to throw the motorcycle
and motorcyclist alike. For these reasons, motorcycle accidents are extremely
dangerous, and motorcyclists are up to 25 times more likely to pass away
from a crash when compared to a driver in a similar impact.
If You Weren’t Helmeted, Can You Sue?
Always wear a motorcycle helmet when you are riding, and your passengers
should
always be helmeted, too. You might ride to states that don’t
have a motorcycle
helmet mandate, but you should still keep your helmet
on. A properly sized
helmet not only helps protect your head but also
helps protect your finances
in case of a crash.
When a motorcyclist wipes out without a helmet, the insurance company will
eventually get word of it when working on the claim. As soon as it does,
the
company will use that knowledge to try to deny paying for any medical
treatment
related to their head injury. The company will argue that the
motorcyclist
was personally liable for their head injury since they willingly
chose to ride
without a helmet while assuming the risk of a head injury
if they crashed.
The frustrating thing is that this argument is not without merit, so it
will
add challenges to your case if you crash without wearing a helmet.
You can,
however, file a claim or a lawsuit if someone else caused your
motorcycle accident,
helmeted or not.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
The compensation you can receive for your motorcycle accident injuries will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact they have had on your life, and who was at fault for the accident.
Compensation for motorcycle accident injuries can include:
-
Medical expenses: This can include hospital bills, doctor's fees, rehabilitation costs, medication
expenses, and any other related medical expenses.
-
Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost
wages and income.
-
Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is awarded for the physical and emotional pain and suffering
you have experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
-
Property damage: If your motorcycle was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the
cost of repairs or replacement.
It's important to note that the specific amount of compensation you may be able to receive will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, and it's best to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Portsmouth to determine your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
In Portsmouth, NH, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim in court or settle your case outside of court.
It's important to note that there are exceptions to this deadline in certain circumstances, such as if the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident or if the at-fault party is a government entity. In these cases, the deadline may be extended or shortened.This is why it’s important to speak with a professional injury lawyer about your case to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines during the lawsuit process.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win your case or reach a settlement on your behalf. At Upton & Hatfield we represent our personal injury clients on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about paying any fees out-of-pocket prior to winning your case.
Want to Start a Claim? Call Our Firm
We can help you understand more about your legal options after a motorcycle accident in Portsmouth, and you don’t even have to pay us. We offer FREE consultations to inquiring clients. During this conversation with our team, we can assess your case and help you decide if it is worth pursuing. If we believe you could have a winning claim on your hands, then we will advise you about the next steps, which might be the first step towards a significant financial recovery.
Want to know more? Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Portsmouth can tell you more. Call (603) 634-9560 now.
