Motorcycle Accidents

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can cause devastating, life altering injuries. Riding a motorcycle poses serious risks because you do not have the same protection as you do in a car, truck, SUV or other enclosed motor vehicle. Furthermore, motorcyclists are more prone to accidents from road conditions and inclement weather as well. In addition, a motorcycle accident can occur because there was a problem in its design or in the way it was manufactured, resulting in the motorcycle being a dangerous defective product. Injuries sustained from these accidents are usually serious and can include a head injury, spinal Injury, amputation or broken bone. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim of a motorcycle accident may face permanent disabilities, face the loss of a job, and face enormous medical expenses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you immediately contact a New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

As in any vehicle accident, if another person was operating his or her vehicle negligently, causing the accident that resulted in your injury, then that negligent driver is liable. There are four elements that you must establish to prevail in a negligence case. You must show that the defendant had a duty to operate his or her vehicle in a reasonable, safe manner so as to not cause harm to others. A driver who breaches this duty is negligent. In New York it is against the law to operate a vehicle in an unsafe manner. For example, if a driver follows another too closely, then that driver would be guilty of operating his or her vehicle in an unsafe manner and was therefore negligent. You must then show that as a result of being negligent the defendant caused your injuries and that you suffered a compensable loss. This means that even if the defendant was negligent, if the negligence did not cause you any harm, then you will not be able to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Your medical records will be able to prove the extent of your injuries, and your medical bills will show that you suffered a compensable loss.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents are often serious, resulting devastating injuries. A motorcyclist who is thrown from a motorcycle or collides with a car or truck at a high rate of speed may experience potentially life-altering injuries such as broken bones, a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. A broken bone in the arm, hand, fingers, ribs or leg is a common motorcycle accident injury. Fractured bones are painful, can limit the mobility of the victim and require several weeks to heal. A spinal cord injury can lead to permanent paralysis, changing your life forever. Even when proper head gear is worn, motorcyclists sometimes experience brain injury in a motorcycle accident. This can happen if the motorcyclist is thrown from the motorcycle and lands on his or her head. Traumatic brain injury can led to a comma or vegetative state. It can also result in permanent injuries such as nerve damage, communication problems and cognitive problems. In addition to serious injury, sadly, motorcycle accidents often result in death.

Pursuing a Claim

If the negligence of another driver caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries, you can pursue a claim against that person for damages. The negligent driver may have to pay for your emergency room visit, surgery, rehabilitation, visits to the doctor, medication, assistive equipment and future related medical expenses. In addition, the negligent driver may be liable for other economic losses you sustained such as lost wages or loss of earning capacity. The negligent driver may be ordered to compensate you for damage to your property, such as the damage to your vehicle. In addition, a court may award you non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

New York Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical assistance. You should also contact an attorney who understands the legal issues associated with vehicle accidents. Law Offices of Smith & Jones is experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from all types of vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents. Contact us at (212) 555-5555 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.