Our motorcycle accident lawyer Douglasville knows that no matter the severity, accidents are not something anyone prays for or wishes for. The damages associated with any type of accident usually range from minor to fatal. Motorcycle accidents are far more dangerous than other types of crashes.
This is due to their lack of cover. They are also smaller and lighter than other vehicles making riders the more exposed party. As a result, every year, there are thousands of deaths and injuries to motorcyclists. For example, in 2020, the United States recorded over 5,500 motorcyclist fatalities, and more than 180,000 injuries were treated in emergency departments.
Out of the motorcycle crash injuries recorded yearly, road rash is the most common, as we’ll see in this article. However, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you might be eligible for compensation. Reach out to Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler to help review your case and represent you.
Motorcycle Accidents
Americans ride motorcycles for many reasons. It could be for transportation or leisure purposes. It’s sad how riding a bike could quickly turn tragic in cases of an accident.
Motorcycle accidents occur when a motorcycle collides with a vehicle, human, or object. The resulting injuries could be severe as motorcycles lack the essential protection cars offer.
That’s why following every safety precaution while riding a bike is essential. However, a motorcyclist could take every possible precaution available and still get into an accident due to the negligence of another party.
Another person’s negligence could change your life in the blink of an eye. This is why the law allows victims of negligence and recklessness to seek compensation from the at-fault party. An experienced lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation possible if you’ve been in an accident caused by another person.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Below we look at some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Douglasville:
- Driver’s Negligence
In cases where the accident occurs between a vehicle and a motorcycle, the reason may be the driver’s refusal to yield or failure to spot the motorcyclist quickly. These types of accidents are always dangerous.
- Left-Hand Turn Accidents
Quite a number of motorcycle accidents occur when the motorcyclist or driver makes a left turn. Left-turn accidents happen when a driver refuses to yield and drives left into traffic, traveling straight. Sometimes, it’s because a motorcycle is difficult to spot.
- Drunk Driving
Another common cause of almost every type of traffic accident is drunk driving. Driving under the influence is always dangerous as the senses are skewed, affecting our ability to think straight. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is prohibited in any method of transportation.
Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired collisions — a 14% increase from 2019.
- Overspeeding
Speeding is another popular cause of motor vehicle crashes. In the case of motorcycles, it could mean driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the posted speed limit. The accident may also be caused by another vehicle’s overspeeding.
- Inexperience
Ideally, all riders should spend significant time training before getting on the road. Yet, shockingly, data shows that 36% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2020 involved riders without a license.
Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Physical impairment
- Adverse weather conditions
- Lane switching
- Mechanical problems
- Poor road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Failure to follow traffic laws
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Douglasville Discusses the Most Common Injury
As we already know, motorcycles lack proper cover and protection. Therefore, during motorcycle accidents, the rider almost always falls off the bike and has a hard impact on the road or vehicles. This is why it is advisable to wear a helmet and protective clothing when riding a motorcycle.
Helmets reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 22 to 42 percent and brain injuries by 41 to 69 percent. There are several types of wounds associated with a motorcycle accident. Below, our motorcycle accident lawyer Douglasville discusses the most common and other types of injuries.
- Road Rash
This is the most common motorcycle accident injury. A road rash is a friction wound. It occurs when the skin gets scraped off by a hard surface or contacts a smooth surface for an extended period.
The outer tissue is peeled away after making contact with this hard or smooth surface. Generally, a road rash is a minor injury, but sometimes it can take off several layers of skin and require skin grafting surgery to help it heal correctly.
- Broken Bones/Fractures
A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures are another common injury that could result from a motorcycle crash due to the impact of the collision.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs are common among motorcyclists who refuse to wear helmets. Traumatic brain injuries occur due to the impact of an outside force on the head — like the head hitting the surface of the road forcefully after an accident.
Minor TBIs may affect your brain cells for a short period. However, a more severe traumatic brain injury may cause bleeding, tissue damage, bruises, and other physical harm to the brain.
- Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement. Some whiplash cases are mild, resulting in little to no pain, others can cause excruciating neck pains, headaches, upper back aches, and shoulder pains.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
No one prays for an accident. However, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash is essential. Immediately after the incident, it’s best to get to safety; leave the center of the road.
You can then seek medical attention. Ensure that you see a doctor even if it looks like your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not show up until days or weeks later.
If the accident directly resulted from another party’s negligence, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation. An experienced attorney will investigate the case and gather all relevant evidence. They also negotiate with insurance companies or defend you in court.
Contact the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Douglasville
If you or your loved one have been in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, hire the best personal injury attorneys in Georgia for excellent representation. At Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler, we have the knowledge and experience to help you get fair compensation. Book a free case review today.
