Motorcycle accidents can have catastrophic consequences. According to the Center for Disease Control& Prevention (CDC), motorcycle use has never been higher. And of course, with increased use comes increased injuries. Motorcycle fatalities increased by 55% during the period from 2001 – 2008. During that same period, over 34,000 fatalities and over 1.2 million injuries resulted from motorcycle related accidents. When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident caused by another driver, they are entitled to seek compensation for those injuries.
Drivers whose negligence causes injury to others are held liable for the damage cause. The victims of such injuries have a right to pursue economic damages resulting from the cost of medical bills or lost wages, and also noneconomic damages due to pain and suffering.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to their general lack of safety features, the average motorcycle accident can often be more serious than the average car accident. There is nothing protecting a rider from being ejected from their bike and onto the open road. While cars have airbags and seatbelts, motorcyclists have little more than a helmet. Regardless, one has a right to seek compensation from the negligent party who caused their injuries should they have suffered them while riding a motorcycle. It is expected that all drivers will follow the rules of the road and be cautious and aware of other vehicles around them. The fact that a victim’s injuries may have been less severe had they been in a passenger vehicle is irrelevant in a motorcycle injury case.
Even minor accidents can result in soft tissue damage, broken bones, and worse for a motorcyclist. Even when wearing a proper helmet and protective clothing, injuries caused by a motorcycle accident can be extreme. The CDC claims some of the most common motorcycle injuries include:
- 30% – injuries to the legs or feet
- 22% – injuries to the head or neck
- 20% – injuries to the upper torso
- 18% – injuries to the arms or hands
- 8% – injuries to the lower torso
- 3% – injuries to other areas of the body
Nearly 25% of all motorcycle crashes cause head injuries to the riders involved. Brain damage, concussions, or other severe injuries can result. Such injuries can require lifetime care and may permanently limit or eliminate a victim’s ability to work.
Contact One of Our New Hampshire Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence while you were driving a motorcycle, contact us right away. The best way to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you need is to hire an experienced and competent attorney. Our attorneys can assist you in dealing with the insurance company. We will also do all of the paperwork for you. Let us deal with the troubling legal aspects of your case while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Contact us now to begin the process.