Every year, nearly 6,000 motorcyclists across the country are killed in accidents and an average of 100,000 more are injured. These injuries can range from moderate to severe as bikers are much more likely to be seriously hurt in an accident. When another driver has caused their injuries, they may be legally entitled to financial compensation.
When motorcyclists are in the vicinity, drivers must exercise ordinary care. Even though spotting bikers is more difficult, and drivers must share the road, it does not change the duty of care. If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, chances are that the driver will be at fault.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Here are common ways that drivers cause accidents that injure motorcyclists:
- Cutting across a motorcyclist while making a left-hand turn
- Swerving into a motorcyclist through carelessness of misjudging a blind spot
- Tailgating and not leaving room between the car and the biker
- Failing to yield when the biker has the right of way
- Failing to spot a motorcyclist in traffic
It is not a stretch to say that drivers are more dangerous these days. Motorists are more distracted, and motorcyclists end up paying the price. The number of motorcycle fatalities are increasing, and more bikes on the road only accounts for part of it. From 2009 to 2016, the fatality rate itself increased 10%. While motorcyclists should do everything that they can to stay safe on the roads, they may receive compensation for their injuries when unsafe drivers have hurt them.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Serious
When motorcyclists are injured, chances are that their injuries will be more serious than those suffered in an automobile crash. Even when the biker wears a helmet and full safety gear, there is little to protect from the catastrophic impact when they are thrown off their bike or over the handlebars. One out of every 16 motorcycle accident injuries is a fatality, a rate far higher than car crashes. When bikers survive their crash, their serious injuries could leave them with permanent damage or a long rehabilitation ahead of them.
Here are some common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Road rash
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Each of these injuries could have a serious impact on the victim and their families. They mean a life changed and possible time missed from work. There is a reason why the median motorcycle accident settlement approached $70,000 and is increasing.
Notice that we said “median” motorcycle accident settlement and not “average.” We are often asked how much the average settlement is, and it is a very difficult question to answer. We would never want to give the impression that you could expect a certain amount or that your recovery is limited to the average settlement. The truth is that you can recover based on the damages that you have suffered, and someone else’s settlement does not influence yours.
Here is what you may recover for in a motorcycle accident settlement:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death if someone was killed
You are probably wondering how you prove that you may be entitled to these damages. The first step is showing that someone else was negligent, and it caused your crash. Even after fault has been decided, your damages must be proven.
Diagnosing Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Much of the damages that you suffer arise from your medical situation. The insurance company needs a fully documented file in front of them. This would help them determining the extent of your injuries, including:
- Your inability to work
- How much pain and suffering you endured
- Permanent disfigurement
- Activities that you can no longer enjoy
In part, this depends on your diagnosis. At 388CEDA, we provide the following diagnostic services that could help you establish your medical condition.
- Computerized Tomography
- MRIs
- Nerve Conductive Studies
- Chiropractic treatment
- Interventional medicine
- Board-certified orthopedic treatment
Recommending Miami Beach Motorcycle Attorneys Upon Request
The other way that 388CEDA could be a major help to motorcycle accident victims is by recommending or suggesting an attorney to you from our large network of Miami Beach lawyers ready to assist you. Choosing the right attorney is not always easy for anyone, let alone someone who is preoccupied and dealing with a serious injury to themselves or their loved one. We offer medical services under one roof and attorney recommendations upon request. Call us at 1-800-388-CEDA to get started today.
*388CEDA is not a law firm or an attorney referral service. 388CEDA does not provide legal advice, services, or legal representation to anyone including but not limited to visitors to this site or individuals/persons responding to our advertisements. In Florida, 388CEDA provides the following types of physician services: M.D., Orthopedic d Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, & D.C., Chiropractic Physicians that document and treat individuals that have suffered injuries. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call one of our agents at 388CEDA. We work with experienced attorneys.
