The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, providing you with a sense of freedom and adventure. However, as a motorcycle rider, you are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries than those in passenger cars, and even minor accidents could lead to devastating consequences for your health and financial stability. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t delay learning about your legal rights, as you could be entitled to compensation.

Morgan & Morgan understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll motorcycle crashes take on victims and families. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Our dedicated lawyers for motorcycle accidents are here to help. We can walk you through your legal options and help you seek fair compensation. Let Morgan & Morgan protect your rights and fight for what you deserve. Take the first step now and contact us for a free case review.

Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020, the highest number of fatalities since 1975. While motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, human error or negligence is often to blame. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Distracted Drivers

Driving while texting, talking on the phone, or talking to passengers, can be a significant factor in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making them more susceptible to being overlooked by distracted drivers.

Failure to Yield

When merging or making turns, car drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists, leading to collisions. Motorcycles can be hard to spot, especially in blind spots. Failure to yield can result in catastrophic accidents with severe injuries to the motorcyclist.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Car drivers and motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits. However, when car drivers and motorcyclists engage in speeding or reckless driving, the risk of accidents with injuries and fatalities increases.

Changing Lanes Unsafely

Drivers abruptly changing lanes without checking their side and blind spots may collide with a motorcyclist riding in the adjacent lane. While the vehicle driver may walk away unharmed in such crashes, motorcycle riders could be seriously or fatally injured.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to catastrophic motorcycle accidents. Crashes can occur due to impaired drivers experiencing:

• Reduced reaction times
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased awareness of their surroundings

Road Hazards

Poor road maintenance causes severe accident risks for motorcycle riders. Road hazards can include:

• Uneven road surfaces
• Potholes
• Debris on the road

While car drivers may be able to negotiate poorly maintained roads, two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles are easily thrown off balance from even small potholes and debris.

Motorcycle Defects

Faulty parts or design defects can cause crashes resulting in severe injuries or death. Defective motorcycle parts can include faulty brakes, tires, steering, and even motorcycle frame defects.

Weather Conditions

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcyclists and passengers are more exposed to the dangers of bad weather than drivers in closed vehicles. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and traction, making motorcycle riding more dangerous.

Did your motorcycle accident occur due to the negligence of another driver, a poorly maintained road, or a manufacturing defect? You could be entitled to compensation. Consider speaking to a Morgan & Morgan lawyer for motorcycle accidents as soon as possible, as the time to file a compensation claim may be limited.

Who Is Responsible for Your Motorcycle Accident?

Determining who caused your accident and is liable for your damages can be complex and may require a thorough investigation. Depending on your specific case, several parties may be held accountable, such as:

Other Drivers: When another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior causes your motorcycle accident, you could hold them responsible for your injuries and financial losses.  

Government Entities: If your crash happened due to a hazardous road condition, such as inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic lights, or cracks in the road, you could have a case against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.

Motorcycle Manufacturers: When a faulty part or manufacturing defect causes your motorcycle to crash, you could seek damages from the manufacturer or dealership.

Employers: If your crash occurred while you were performing job duties, such as making a delivery or traveling for work, your employer could be responsible.

Determining liability in motorcycle accidents may require a detailed investigation and compelling evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, expert opinions, and other information related to the crash. If you are unsure who or what caused your motorcycle crash, an experienced lawyer for motorcycle accidents at Morgan & Morgan is here to help. We can conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident Case

Motorcycle accidents often occur in a split second, but the resulting injuries and financial damage can last a lifetime. Victims could face extensive medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and chronic pain.

Unfortunately, insurance companies may downplay your injuries or deny a settlement instead of paying fair compensation, leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated. When this happens, having a determined lawyer for motorcycle accidents in your corner can be crucial. Morgan & Morgan’s motivated attorneys can:

• Navigate the legal issues while you focus on your recovery
• Level the playing field and stand up to unethical insurance companies
• Gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf
• Handle all communications and negotiations with insurers
• Fight powerfully for maximum compensation in court
• Work for you on a no-win-no-fee basis

A lawyer for motorcycle accidents at Morgan & Morgan understands the unique legal issues surrounding motorcycle accidents and has in-depth knowledge of the relevant state laws and regulations. Moreover, working with a tenacious motorcycle accident lawyer provides you with peace of mind and emotional support during one of the most challenging times in your life.

How Can I Protect My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident?

Knowing your next best steps after a motorcycle crash is essential for your health and for preserving your rights. Here’s what you should do after a crash:

• Call emergency services immediately or visit the nearest hospital for a medical evaluation and treatment.
• Report the motorcycle crash to law enforcement and follow their instructions on providing information and documentation.
• Gather as much information as possible at the accident scene, including the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties and witnesses involved.
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other crucial details.
• Preserve critical evidence, such as your damaged motorcycle and possessions.
• Notify your insurance company immediately after the accident and provide them with accurate information about the crash.
• Keep records of all documents related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
• Contact a lawyer for motorcycle accidents for legal advice and guidance.

While protecting your rights is essential, don’t forget to take care of yourself in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, especially if you suffered significant injuries. Getting hurt in an accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving you physically and emotionally exhausted. Seek support from loved ones and professionals if needed.

Which Damages Could I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to various damages for your losses. You could recover:

Medical Expenses: You could receive compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to your motorcycle accident injuries.

Lost Wages: If you missed work and lost income due to your crash injuries, you could qualify for compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering: You could collect damages for the physical and emotional suffering you experienced due to a crash, such as awards for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Property Damage: If your motorcycle is damaged or destroyed in the accident, you could be entitled to repair or replacement.

Wrongful Death: When a loved one dies in a motorcycle crash, you could file a lawsuit and collect damages, such as funeral expenses, loss of earnings, and loss of companionship.

How Morgan & Morgan Could Help You Get Maximum Compensation

A skilled lawyer for motorcycle accidents at our firm can help you pursue maximum compensation. We can evaluate the extent of your injuries, gather evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you receive the full value of your claim.

Can I File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Accident?

In many states, laws require motorcyclists to wear a helmet while riding. However, not wearing a helmet does not necessarily bar you from filing an injury claim. Generally, you can file a compensation claim if you are injured due to another’s fault.

However, recovering compensation could be challenging, as insurance companies and defense attorneys may argue that failing to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries. They may attempt to significantly reduce your compensation amount. If you are facing problems getting what you deserve, consider working with an experienced lawyer for motorcycle accidents who can argue your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I Sue the Motorcycle Maker if a Mechanical Failure Caused the Crash?

You might have grounds to sue the motorcycle manufacturer if a defect or faulty part caused your accident and injuries. Motorcycle manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure their vehicles are safe and free from defects. If a mechanical failure, such as a defective brake system, contributed to your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

However, since such claims require comprehensive evidence and can be complex, seek support from a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.

What if the Other Driver’s Insurer Blames Me for the Motorcycle Accident?

Insurance companies commonly try to shift blame onto the victim in motorcycle accident cases. However, you don’t have to stand for this. First, never accept or admit fault without consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and their tactics can be confusing and intimidating. Let a lawyer for motorcycle accidents at Morgan & Morgan protect you and handle all communications with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Our lawyers can work tirelessly to establish the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.

Can I Afford a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accidents?

Injured victims should not have to worry about being able to afford a lawyer. Fortunately, many motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case and obtain compensation for you. The fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or award. However, since some lawyers charge clients legal expenses upfront, and fees can vary, inquire about an attorney’s payment arrangements before signing an agreement.

When Morgan & Morgan fights for you, you pay nothing unless and until you receive compensation. We don’t charge you a dime upfront.

Let Morgan & Morgan Fight for Your Rights

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, act quickly to preserve your rights and seek legal advice and help. Morgan & Morgan lawyers for motorcycle accidents have a proven track record of success and can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

Get in touch today to learn about your rights and the next best steps in a free case review.