Motorcycles are a fun, flexible travel option, but they can also put you at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. In addition, because motorcycles don’t provide as much protection for occupants as larger vehicles in a crash, riders are more likely to be severely injured or killed when an accident occurs.
If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle crash, an experienced attorney can help you review your options and determine whether you should file a lawsuit.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a number of different reasons. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers not looking for motorcycles – Drivers of other vehicles sometimes become accustomed to looking for only larger cars and trucks. They may fail to see motorcycles, which leads to a crash.
- Distracted driving – When drivers are texting, talking on the phone or engaging in other activities that distract them from the operation of the vehicle, they are more likely to hit a motorcycle.
- Drunk drivers – Drivers who have consumed alcohol or other controlled substances before driving are more likely to cause motorcycle accidents, as well as other types of crashes.
- Speeding – When drivers are speeding or driving unsafely in other ways, accidents involving motorcycles can occur.
- Disregard for traffic laws – In some cases, other drivers cause accidents involving motorcycles because they willfully ignore traffic laws. For example, they may run stop signs or refuse to yield when required.
Motorcyclists can also be responsible for accidents if they engage in any of the behaviors above.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Connecticut
In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 266 people killed in traffic accidents. Of these fatalities, 53 people were on motorcycles. Twenty of the people who died were wearing helmets at the time, while 31 were not wearing a helmet.
Based on these statistics, approximately 20 percent of people killed in car accidents in 2015 were motorcyclists. This translates to approximately 61 deaths each year for every 100,000 motorcycles registered in the state of Connecticut.
About Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Like all traffic accidents, motorcycle accidents can lead to a lot of different injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head trauma – Head trauma is common in motorcycle accidents and may be worse if the rider isn’t wearing a helmet.
- Broken bones – Broken or crushed bones can occur easily in a motorcycle crash.
- Lacerations and burns – With very little protection and no seatbelt, motorcyclists are at a high risk of lacerations. Likewise, if a fire breaks out during or after the crash, burns can occur.
Motorcyclists may also experience internal bleeding and organ injury. Because motorcyclists aren’t enclosed in a vehicle like other drivers and occupants, any injuries sustained during the crash are more likely to be severe or fatal.
Justice for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Victims of motorcycle accidents may have sustained serious injuries that make it impossible for them to work or even care for themselves. In the worst cases, a motorcycle accident victim may even die because of their injuries. Although monetary compensation doesn’t erase the injuries or the pain, it can still be helpful for the victim and/or the victim’s family.
Depending on the situation, victims or their families may be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for any of the expenses they incurred as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and benefits for pain and suffering.
Hiring an Attorney
Following a motorcycle accident, victims or victims’ families have only a limited time to file a claim against the person responsible for the crash. If you don’t file the claim within this timeframe, you won’t be able to recover any compensation. For this reason, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The motorcycle attorneys at Ronald M. Scherban, P.C. will give you the best chance of maximizing your compensation. With his help, you will be able to review your options carefully, decide whether to file a claim and build a compelling case for court.
Contact Ronald M. Scherban, P.C.
If you or someone you love was a victim in a motorcycle accident, you need to take action now. Please contact Ronald M. Scherban, P.C. today to schedule an appointment or learn more about your options for recovering compensation.